Dictator
Robert Harris (Penguin Random House)
****
In his author’s notes Robert Harris says “Dictator tells a story of the last 15 years in the life of the Roman statesman Cicero, imagined in the form of a biography written by his secretary, Tiro.” What follows is a rollicking thriller set during the turbulent years which saw the rise of Julius Caesar as dictator and the crumbling of the Roman republic. Although the book is a fictional account based on real events, Tiro, who was Cicero’s slave and secretary, did write a biography on his master, which has since been lost. Harris seamlessly blends Cicero’s recorded speeches with invented conversation, giving a credible yet imaginative portrait of a man who lived in an interesting historical period and played an instrumental role in it. – Lwandile Fikeni @LwandileFikeni
Pretending to Dance
Diane Chamberlain (Macmillan)
***
Molly lives with her therapist father, Graham, her adoptive mother, Nora, and her magical birthmother, Amalia. Her life is idyllic — until 1990 when her father is killed, and everything changes. The adult Molly disowns her family and it is only when she is trying to adopt a baby that she is forced to return to North Carolina and come to terms with what happened the summer her childhood ended. Sensitively written with near-devastating impact: quiet and sad. – Aubrey Paton
Man On Fire
Stephen Kelman (Bloomsbury)
****
The conceit behind the book – that two men from vastly different backgrounds can find a sort of redemption by combining to break a batty world record (in a couple of senses; it’s bonkers and there is baseball equipment involved) – is original and unusual. That it is based on the life of a real extreme sportsman and journalist in India, Bibhuti Nayak, adds allure; and the fact that Kelman is a transcendentally talented writer rounds out a very attractive package. Kelman’s ability to convey complex emotions with charm and humour means his story is poignant and tender, with moments of thoughtfulness tempered by delightful eccentricity. – Bruce Dennill @BroosDennill
Book details
- Dictator by Robert Harris
EAN: 9780091799502
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- Pretending to Dance by Diane Chamberlain
EAN: 9781509800742
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- Man on Fire by Stephen Kelman
EAN: 9781408818251
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