Jayne’s Comments (group member since Nov 04, 2021)

Jayne’s comments from the Devon Book Club group.

Revenge by Yoko Ogawa is a great collection of eerie short stories that connect to each other in unexpected ways. All of her books are fab. Also Strange Weather in Tokyo by Hiromi Kawakami is a beautiful book, what I would call a quiet story about human connection - gorgeous! Will look forward to checking out some of the recommendations here :)

Hi Ian, a couple of ones I can think of are Himself by Jess Kidd (set in an Irish village, populated by residents past and present, and the solving of a mystery from years before) and Horrorstor by Grady Hendrix (set in a very modern Ikea-style store - the physical book is designed to look like a glossy furniture catalogue!) Both quite fun reads and not too scary, unlike The Silent Companions by Laura Purcell which I think was mentioned above - that was a lot more unsettling than I was expecting!! Looking forward to getting some more recommendations here 🙂

I usually like to read something a little bit spooky-themed in October, so this year I decided to read Beyond Black by Hilary Mantel. I'm only half way through at the moment, but so far so good! It's about a spirit medium, Alison, and her hired assistant, as well as Alison's sinister spirit guide, Morris. It alternates between the current day where they are travelling around many small towns, attending psychic evenings and fairs and then back to Alison's traumatic childhood. It is pretty dark and disturbing (though with a touch of dark humour), but I had never read anything of Mantel's other than Wolf Hall - it's extremely different and I'm glad I found it. Will definitely read some more of her books in future.

B J wrote: "Hi Jayne - and welcome. I'm another of the South Devon contingent (Brixham). My wife & I often divert off the A38 for breakfast or lunch in the Riverbank Bistro in Ivybridge - a great spot for a le..."

Thank you B J, and I agree, the Riverbank is great, lovely food and coffee. Lucky you living in Brixham, beautiful place

Kathy wrote: "Hello Jayne. I live near Kingsbridge - good to welcome another member from this 'end' of the county!"

Thanks Kathy, this group looks great, I'm looking forward to getting lots of reading inspiration!

Ian wrote: "Jayne wrote: "Hi everyone, I'm new to the group and just wanted to say hello! I live near Ivybridge in Devon, and i read as much as i possibly can, although free time is sometimes an issue as i hav..."

Thanks Ian, hope I'm replying to your comment here, it seems i lost half of my comment earlier, oops! Looking forward to taking part in the group

Hi everyone, I'm new to the group and just wanted to say hello! I live near Ivybridge in Devon, and i read as much as i possibly can, although free time is sometimes an issue as i have 3 kids. I read a variety of genres, some of my favourite authors are Stephen King, Sarah Waters, Margaret Atwood and Karen Maitland. I'm looking forward to hearing what other people are reading.