By Popular Request, reviews from “the List” – Part Two

This week we take a look in a bit more detail at three of my (very different) faves from 2022, as requested by you!

This is the last of the reviews from my faves from 2022 – unless there are some last-minute requests. Next week we will be moving on to my 2023 reads.

I am writing this weeks’ review while on holiday. We nearly didn’t come away because the weather has been atrocious in New Zealand for months, and the weather forecast was absolutely terrible! Much to our surprise and delight, we have had glorious weather in the sunny Bay of Plenty. We were meant to be in Napier this week for school holidays but because of the cyclone, we deferred our family holiday until 2024. We are so pleased we didn’t have to cancel it all together! Holiday time, means even more time for reading, and I have a big stack out from the library to keep me going. I hope wherever you are, that you managed to enjoy some reading over your long weekend.

On to the books…

First up this week we have Anxious People by Frederik Backman. If you follow along on the Matilda’s Room Facebook or Instagram, you would’ve seen that I recently finished Beartown also by Frederik Backman, and it left me feeling somewhat depressed. Anxious People did not have this impact on me! These two novels are VERY different. Anxious People is full of humour, as well as being heart warming and insightful. This book explores the intricacies of human connections, vulnerability and the power of empathy.

The story is focused around a failed bank robbery that turns into an unintentional hostage situation, bringing together a diverse and delightful ensemble of characters. Each one struggles with their own anxieties, fears, and life challenges, which ultimately reveal their interconnectedness.

There are some heavy themes but Backman has such a lovely writing style that they don’t feel heavy. I laughed out loud many times while reading this book. I love the way that the characters all start out with certain personality traits and roles in the hostage situation, and as the crisis evolves we learn more and more about why people act as they do – one of the strengths of this book is the way it showcases how important empathy is in understanding each other and in dealing with life’s adversities. It encourages us to recognise the impact of small acts of kindness and to be more understanding of others, despite their flaws and imperfections.

I enjoyed that this was the book I happened to choose for my first Backman – I definitely want to read more (even after the depressing Beartown experience). This book serves as a gentle reminder that even in difficult times, we are never truly alone. Add this to your TBR.

Next up this week we have The Family Upstairs by Lisa Jewell. I did start listening to this one on audiobook. Disclaimer: I generally don’t listen to highly rated books on audiobook – I much prefer the immersive experience of actually reading a good book, and usually reserve audiobooks for ones I am not so interested in. I just don’t have the same experience with them as I do when actually reading a book. I was chatting with the lovely Sian about how I was listening to this one and she encouraged me to stop listening immediately and read the actual book. I am glad I did! This was my first Lisa Jewell book as well. While thriller isn’t my typical genre, I do enjoy reading one every now and again. I loved these characters, and I couldn’t put it down as I really wanted to know how it was going to unfold – such a page turner.

The Family Upstairs centres around Libby Jones, who discovers on her 25th birthday that she has inherited a luxurious mansion in London with a dark past. As she begins to unravel her family's mysterious history, she is drawn into a web of secrets, cults, and long-buried secrets. The story is told through multiple perspectives, as well as Libby, the story unfolds from her siblings, Lucy and Henry’s perspectives, which adds depth and helps to piece together the puzzle of their intertwined pasts.

I was left guessing until the very end - if you are in the mood for a thriller, add The Family Upstairs to your list.

Finally list week, we have a classic. The Color Purple by Alice Walker. (You probably will be hard pressed to find a book review which covers three such different books in the same review, but here we are!)

The Color Purple was written in 1982 (great year). This novel won the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Award. Walker was the first African American to win the Pulitzer Prize for fiction. This novel is so powerful. It tells the story of Celie, a young African American woman in rural Georgia during the early 20^th century. Written as a series of letters addressed to God and to her sister Nettie, the novel follows Celie's journey from abuse and oppression to self-discovery, empowerment, and love.

Walker's prose is raw and intimate, showcasing her ability to convey the depth and complexity of her characters' emotions. The novel isn’t for those looking for a light read – it explores themes of race, gender, sexuality, and spirituality, offering a multifaceted perspective on the experiences of African American women. I enjoyed Walker's use of dialect which brings authenticity to the narrative, immersing readers in the world of her characters.

What really stands out for me with this book is the exploration of female relationships – particularly the strong bonds between sisters and friends, which adds another layer of depth to the story. As is usual with many of my recommendations, please check the trigger warnings with this one – there are some pretty graphic depictions of violence and abuse which can be challenging to read at times.

The Color Purple is a beautifully written, thought-provoking, and deeply moving novel that has rightfully earned its place as a classic of American literature. Alice Walker's remarkable storytelling and richly drawn characters left a lasting impact on me, making this a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the power of resilience, love, and redemption.

These three books are all very different, but all amazing books in very different ways – depending on what you are looking for. Add any of these to our TBR, you won’t be disappointed – because life is too short to read bad books.