Wasteland by Oliver Franklin-Wallis

In “Wasteland,” Oliver Franklin-Wallis provides a critical examination of global waste management, highlighting the stark realities of recycling and environmental impact. The book starts with a visit to a recycling center in Essex and extends its journey through a mega-landfill in India, a textile market in Ghana, a recycling facility for e-waste in California, and the sewer systems of London.

Franklin-Wallis sheds light on significant issues stemming from the affluent world’s waste export to developing nations, exacerbated by corporate overproduction. He underscores alarming statistics such as the need for a cotton tote bag to be used 7,000 times to negate the environmental burden of a single-use plastic bag. Additionally, he notes that about 25% of clothing produced is never sold, illustrating inefficiencies in the textile industry.

The author further examines industrial waste, revealing that 97% of global waste originates from industry, dwarfing the 3% generated by households. Although the book conveys a heavy sense of despair regarding waste management solutions, it tenderly suggests pathways to reduce consumption, making it a crucial read for anyone interested in environmental issues.

The Life Project by Helen Pearson

“The Life Project” by Helen Pearson delves into the longitudinal studies tracking several cohorts of children in post-World War II Britain. The first group, born in March 1946, is part of a series that has provided invaluable insights over the decades by examining health, education, and socio-economic status. Subsequent cohorts were tracked in 1958, 1970, and 2000.

Pearson outlines how these studies have shaped contemporary understanding of the effects of poverty and social inequality on life outcomes. For instance, the research confirmed the detrimental impacts of smoking during pregnancy and influenced government initiatives like the Sure Start centers. The author highlights the substantial financial and logistical hurdles faced by researchers in establishing these significant studies, making this book a compelling account of the power of social science research in shaping policy.

The Paris Between the Wars Trilogy by Pierre Lemaitre

Pierre Lemaitre’s “All Human Wisdom” and “Mirror of Our Sorrows,” part of his acclaimed Paris Between the Wars trilogy, follows the characters introduced in “The Great Swindle.” After an eight-year gap, the author revisits these narratives, focusing on themes of revenge and survival amid the historical backdrop of post-war France.

In “All Human Wisdom,” the narrative centers around Madeleine, who faces the hardships imposed by the 1928 financial crash, seeking retribution against those responsible for her plight. Meanwhile, “Mirror of Our Sorrows” reintroduces Louise, a waitress trying to find her lost half-brother against the looming threat of German occupation in 1940.

Lemaitre masterfully combines historical accuracy with rich character development and complex plot twists. Although the trilogy’s interwoven narratives can stand independently, they collectively portray France during a pivotal historical era, making them a compelling read for those intrigued by historical fiction.