Reviews by Jenny (69)

Jenny 2025-06-27 The Near North

Non Jo-burgers need a map.

The Near North

Everyone who has lived in Jo'burg seems to retain a sentimental attachment to it in some way. Ivan V is one of the 'stayers' although he has moved from the now quite volatile Eastern suburbs, to the safer, more affluent North. His observations and memories of the city always make for entertaining and educational reading. He helps us remember what an exciting and extraordinary place it is in spite of its rapid decline and ongoing problems. My only criticism is that I don't know the geography and would have loved a reference map showing the places he is writing about, and even maybe some photo's.

Jenny 2025-06-27 Until August

Should it have been published?

Until August

I wish they had obeyed GGM's wishes and not published this unfinished work. It is a collection of 5 stories about a woman who visits her mother's grave on an Island every August and finds a lover for the night. If hadn't known that the author was GGM it might have been more enjoyable as his writing is still fun, colourful and thought provoking. But I felt as disappointed as I do watching Mick Jagger on stage at 80. Such a thin performance compared to his earlier works.

Jenny 2025-06-27 We Prescribe you a cat

Utterly Charming

We Prescribe you a cat

Loved this book - the writing is exquisite. Like the 'The Travelling Cat Chronicles' it is a Japanese book about cats. Just enough magical realism to keep the reader guessing really excites me. And the idea of there being a particular cat to help anyone's emotional journey, made me smile from the first page to the last.

Jenny 2025-06-27 The Travelling Cat Chronicles

How we love our pets

The Travelling Cat Chronicles

Translated from Japanese, this little novella has a reserved, distant feel which was disconcerting at first. The story is dealing with highly emotional issues, but the parts written in the cat's voice are very cool and detached. Nana is a stray who is adopted by a young man and then goes on a number of road trips with him, visiting old friends from his past. The writing is beautifully simple and concise and its exploration of the relationships we have with our animals is lovely.

Jenny 2025-06-27 The Forgotten Bookclub

Little bit laboured

The Forgotten Bookclub

Grace is lonely and recently widowed. She revitalises a silent book club that was founded by her late husband - the members read any book in silence for an hour and socialise after. The characters are interesting but I found all of them to be slightly cliched and 2 dimensional. Also there is a pedantic angle pushing an ADHD awareness agenda that was heavyhanded. But in spite of these limitations it was a pleasant, easy read.

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