Todays Read Teamn 
Recent Book Reviews: Focus on Notable Titles of 2023
Published on October 13, 2023
The Fraud by Zadie Smith
The Fraud marks Zadie Smith’s foray into historical fiction, intertwining three narratives from the 19th century. The story revolves around a Cockney butcher who claims to be Sir Roger Tichborne, the long-lost heir to a baronetcy presumed dead at sea. This case captivated Victorian England during a sensational trial in which key figures, including two notable contemporaries, get entangled in the intrigue. Although Smith delivers an original narrative enriched with humor, some critiques arise around its fragmented structure, leading to a reading experience that may not fully coalesce. This novel offers an insightful re-examination of a forgotten case, but readers may find that it lacks the coherence found in her contemporary works. Acknowledgments are due to Penguin UK and Hamish Hamilton for providing the review copy via NetGalley.
The Dictionary People by Sarah Ogilvie
The Dictionary People by Sarah Ogilvie delves into the fascinating story of the crowd-sourced effort behind the creation of the Oxford English Dictionary during the latter half of the 19th century. Ogilvie presents the narrative in a unique format, organizing it into 26 chapters, each corresponding to a letter from A to Z. Notably, the book highlights various volunteers who contributed their insights, including unexpected figures like murderers and inhabitants of Broadmoor asylum. This work offers an engaging combination of social history and lexicography, illustrating how the compilation of this iconic dictionary was a collective achievement. The review copy was graciously provided by Penguin Random House and Vintage Books via NetGalley.
A Thread of Violence by Mark O’Connell
A Thread of Violence explores one of Ireland’s most infamous murder cases. In 1982, Malcolm Macarthur, who was struggling financially, inadvertently became involved in a violent crime when an attempted bank robbery led to two murders. His arrest occurred in a politically charged context, ultimately resulting in the collapse of the Irish government at the time. O’Connell’s narrative centers around his interactions with Macarthur, striving to uncover deeper truths regarding his actions, all while navigating the complexities of victim and perpetrator portrayal. This insightful true crime narrative engages readers by highlighting ethical dilemmas and narratives that remain unresolved. Appreciation goes to NetGalley for the review copy provided by the author’s publisher.
Skippy Dies by Paul Murray
Skippy Dies, a novel by Paul Murray, is set within the confines of a Dublin boarding school, where the titular event occurs early on, setting off a complex narrative that traces events leading up to and following this pivotal moment. Through humor and a diverse cast, Murray explores themes of teenage life, while the unique dialogue encapsulates the authentic interactions of youth. The novel was longlisted for the Booker Prize in 2010 and is noted for its depth and character development. Additionally, Murray’s latest work, The Bee Sting, has also garnered shortlisting for the current Booker Prize, solidifying his place in contemporary literary discussions.
Filed under Books