Today's Read Team Exploring September 2024’s Notable Book Releases
Published on October 27, 2024
Memoirs and Family Histories
Ruskin Park by Rory Cellan-Jones delves into the life of the author’s mother, Sylvia, whose story unfolds from the 1950s. An employee at the BBC, Sylvia navigated a tumultuous period in her life when she became pregnant at the age of 42, leading to her abandonment by James Cellan Jones, a producer at the same network. After years of separation and her passing in 1996, Cellan-Jones spent two decades examining a trove of letters, piecing together his mother’s experiences as a single parent in a post-war London council flat.
This memoir provides not just personal revelations but also a glimpse into the social history of mid-20th-century Britain. Readers who appreciate family narratives akin to Ben Watt’s Romany and Tom are likely to find Ruskin Park profoundly engaging.
Fiction with Historical Undertones
Enlightenment by Sarah Perry, recognized on this year’s Booker Prize longlist, is set in the fictional village of Aldleigh, Essex, during 1997. The plot follows Thomas Hart, an amateur astronomer and newspaper columnist, as he forms a unique bond with 17-year-old Grace Macauley through their connections in a local Baptist church. As Grace contends with her feelings for Nathan, Thomas grapples with clandestine affections for a museum curator, drawing them into the life story of Maria Vaduva, a lesser-known 19th-century astronomer.
Perry’s writing style echoes the prose of the 19th century, creating an antique atmosphere that contrasts with its modern-day setting. While the narrative immerses readers in themes of love, faith, and scientific exploration, some may find the plot’s structure too loose for their taste. This may suit those who appreciate more reflective storytelling. Thank you to Random House, Vintage Books for providing a review copy.
Investigative Non-Fiction
Time To Think by Hannah Barnes investigates the collapse of the Tavistock Centre’s Gender Identity Development Service (GIDS) for children. Established in 1989, GIDS faced scrutiny for its management and assessment practices as referrals for hormonal treatments escalated. Barnes, who reported on this subject for BBC Newsnight, interviews past staff and users, documenting a series of safeguarding failures and raising questions about the adequacy of evaluations performed at the centre.
This meticulously researched work highlights pressing issues around child welfare and clinical governance, making it essential reading for anyone interested in the implications of gender identity treatment.
