Rutger Bergman, a prominent young Dutch thinker, explores three policies which are - as one critic said - “guaranteed to enrage right wingers”. A guaranteed universal basic income, a shorter 15 hour working week and open borders. Well argued, backed by research and easy to read, I found it fascinating.
I loved this historical novel set in Edinburgh in 1822. Against the backdrop of the Botanical Garden moving to a new location on the edge of the city, mature trees and all, it is the story of the friendship of two women. Both outsiders in their own way, an impoverished widow taken in by wealthy relatives and a high class courtesan, they weave their way through a mystery, a romance and all embellished with loads of historical detail. Lovely!
A Japanese classic, a sort of ethics for teenager, tells via a series of essays how 15 year old Copper learns how to live a good and honourable life with the guidance of his kindly uncle. Having finished the book I was browsing through Karen Dudley’s “Another Week in the Kitchen”. She talks about grilling aubergines on a quiet day and says, “My heart was full of gratitude for my shop and my people and those whose lives I get to share in every day. I considered how small acts of devotion and care can have an effect so much bigger than we can imagine”. I think that Copper has learned that. A delightful read.
Given that we are in the early stages of the 6th mass extinction, and we have Covid to contend with, this novel is eerily prophetic. A very readable page turner.
If you only read one book this year, read A Life on Our Planet. Simple.