August 2009 Highlights

SHORTLISTED FOR THE MAN BOOKER PRIZE 2008. An epic chronicle of the last twenty years of British life from the Booker shortlisted and Granta Best of Young British novelist, Philip Hensher. Beginning in 1974 and ending with the fading of Thatcher's government in 1996, 'The Northern Clemency' is Philip Hensher's epic portrait of an entire era, a novel concerned with the lives of ordinary people and history on the move. Set in Sheffield, it charts the relationship between two families: Malcolm and Katherine Glover and their three... read more

Diana Athill made her reputation as a writer with the candour of her memoirs, now aged ninety, and freed from any inhibitions that even she may once have had, she reflects frankly on the losses and occasionally the gains that old age brings, and on the wisdom and fortitude required to face death. This is a lively narrative of events, lovers and friendships: the people and experiences that have taught her to regret very little, to resist despondency and to question the beliefs and customs of her own generation. First published 2008.

'I can imagine you at forty,' she said, with malice in her voice. 'I can picture it right now.' He smiled without opening his eyes. 'Go on then.' 15th July 1988. Emma and Dexter meet for the first time on the night of their graduation. Tomorrow they must go their separate ways. So where will they be on this one day next year? And the year after that? And every year that follows? Twenty years, two people, ONE DAY. From the author of the massive bestseller STARTER FOR TEN.

High-concept thriller with a supernatural edge from world-famous director, whose films include Pan's Labyrinth and Hellboy, soon to be working on The Hobbit. A plane lands at JFK and mysteriously 'goes dark', stopping in the middle of the runway for no apparent reason, all lights off, all doors sealed. The pilots cannot be raised. When the hatch above the wing finally clicks open, it quickly becomes clear that everyone on board is dead -- although there is no sign of any trauma or struggle. Ephraim Goodweather and his team from t... read more

Eilis Lacey dreams of life beyond the confines of her tiny Irish village. Eilis has a head for numbers, and is a loving and dutiful daughter. Her ambition is noted by the parish priest, Father Flood. He arranges for Eilis to travel to America, where a job opportunity has arisen in New York. Brooklyn is a sublime trans-Atlantic coming-of-age story.

This compelling biography of Lady Mary Anne Barker is a fascinating account of a Victoria woman who, through the course of her life, lived in England, India, New Zealand, South Africa, Mauritius, Australia and Trinidad. Momentous historical events of the period, such as the Indian Mutiny (Revolt) and the Zulu Wars, all directly impacted upon her personal life and resulted in huge domestic upheavals. Lady Barker wrote 18 books, and is perhaps best known for "Station Life in New Zealand", which was republished by Vintage in 2000. The... read more

Spy turned art restorer Gabriel Allon is desperately trying to resume a quieter life in secluded Umbria with his new wife, Chiara, when shocking news reaches him. The Russian defector who recently saved his life in Moscow Rules has vanished without a trace. British intelligence suspect the defector was always a double agent, but Allon is convinced otherwise. To discover the truth and clear his name, he must go immediately to London - a decision that will prove to be the most fateful of his career. There, Allon uncovers a deadly co... read more

A novel about the linked destinies of two women, set against the backdrop of beautiful, politically turbulent Sri Lanka.

Retired Professor of Linguistics Desmond Bates is going deaf. It's a bother for his wife who has an enviably successful new career and is too busy to be endlessly repeating herself. Roles are reversed with his aging father, who resents his son's attempts to help him. And then there's Alex, a student whom Desmond has agreed to help after a typical misunderstanding at a party. But her increasingly bizarre requests cannot all be blamed on his defective hearing. So much for growing old gracefully...