GOOD READS

SUPPLIED BY MARY RYAN BOOKSHOP, NOOSA HEADS

THE DOLL FACTORY Elizabeth Macneal

THIS novel’s setting, at the time of London’s Great Exhibition, is perfect for this tale of dark obsession and wonderful art. Iris is beautiful but disfigured, and as such draws the attention of two men with different ambitions for her. Louis, a pre-Raphaelite painter wants her for his model. While Silas, a taxidermist, wants to collect her entirely for himself.

Iris, is an aspiring artist, and so agrees to model for Louis in exchange for art lessons. Meanwhile Silas grows more jealous and plots a way to possess her. An engrossing story.

EIGHT LIVES Susan Hurley

THIS is a well written story based on a real-life medical trial. It is told from the point of view of several characters who were involved with David, a brilliant medical researcher who is dead at the start of the novel. Each tries to understand and to justify their part in his life and death.

Well handled, taut and plausible, Eight

Lives has been described as "whip-smart and impeccably paced". It’s an engrossing, heartbreaking mystery with a lot to say about power, class and prejudice.

THE PORPOISE Mark Haddon

IN his latest novel Mark Haddon plays with the legend of Pericles, Prince of Tyre. He interweaves past and present to retell a story of devotion, sacrifice and defeating the odds (or the gods!). Darius is a modern-day indulged son of a Greek art dealer, run afoul of wealthy recluse Philippe and his beautiful but damaged daughter Angelica, and flees for his life. He finds himself on board the pirate ship The Porpoise and from there things become strange but exciting. This is a fast-paced and very enthralling book.

ELEANOR OLIPHANT IS COMPLETELY FINE Gail Honeyman

THIS very popular, powerful novel is about loneliness and the redemptive power of friendship.

Eleanor is an odd girl who just can’t fit in either at the office or anywhere else. She has a crush on a local singer and focuses her attention on him believing her future happiness is tied to him. This results in quite strange behaviour, but as her history is gradually revealed she becomes more understandable. There are some hilarious moments, and some very sad ones but in the end kindness - and Glen the cat - help Eleanor find her niche. A wonderful book that ultimately will fill the reader with delight.