The Siege by Helen Dunmore

Life for most people in communist Russia is full of fear and suspicion, with people disappearing because of a careless word. Young Anna Levin shoulders a lot of responsibility as she juggles working in a nursery and taking care of her father and young brother. She must also worry about whether they are prepared for the coming winter. Has she planted enough food? But the encroaching Germans are going to make this winter in Leningrad harder than she can possibly imagine.

The Caldicot Library Reading Group recently discussed this book. With such harsh subject matter it is hard to say that you “enjoy” reading novels like this but it was a wonderful reading experience, surprisingly uplifting, very moving without being sentimental, and beautifully written.

Fiona Ashley, Community Library Manager

Hustle by Will Ferguson

Nineteen year old Jack McGreary’s life seems to be going nowhere. He lives in a small town, the optimistically named Paradise Flats, in the back of beyond. His mother has died and his father is being swindled out of what little money he has. Jack is in a dead-end job and even his love-life is turning out to be very frustrating. Then Virgil and Rose ride into town in their Nash Ambassador and Jack becomes entranced by the life of the con artist.

As the trio travel around America’s South West performing various con tricks on who ever they meet, life suddenly seems much more glamorous and rewarding. But how long can they stay one step ahead?

This fantastic book is set just before the Second World War and is so vividly written you can almost feel the heat of the jazz clubs and smell the greedy sweat of some of the con victims. This is a very entertaining and absorbing tale.

Fiona Ashley, Community Library Manager