Portobello

Neighbors. While there is crime in Ruth Rendell’s novel, Portobello, I found this book to be a portrait of a neighborhood, and a character study about habits, relationships, and the interconnected lives of the rich and poor who live as neighbors. In some ways, Rendell does for Portobello Road what Alexander McCall Smith has done for Edinburgh. Rendell brings each character to life with efficiency and clarity, and places them in situations that move the plot along briskly over the three pages of the novel. Her skill entails packing a lot of people and action into a setting that she presents with just enough description to make the place come alive. Any reader who appreciates a dose of social commentary injected into a well crafted story is likely to enjoy this novel.

Rating: Three-star (Recommended)
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Of Love and Evil

Installment. Anne Rice’s second installment in her Songs of the Seraphim series is titled Of Love and Evil. Protagonist Toby O’Dare returns and is sent on an assignment back to Rome in the 16th century. The story is imaginative and entertaining, and very brief, coming in at under two hundred pages. I recall that Rice’s vampire novels were longer and more intricately written. I felt that this novel was more like a chapter in her early novels. Perhaps the dark side was easier to expand than the stories of angels. The early part of this novel refers back to the first in the series, and a cliffhanger ending prepares readers for a sequel. Those readers who started the series will enjoy spending a short while with the second. First time readers can sample here, and move back if interested. This is light entertainment that the author seems to be dribbling out in small installments.

Rating: Two-star (Mildly Recommended)
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U is for Undertow

Plodding. The 21st Kinsey Millhone novel from Sue Grafton is titled U is for Undertow. One pleasure of reading a character-based series comes from a reader’s familiarity with the personality and quirks of the protagonist. Now age 37, Kinsey is well-known to fans, and her actions in this novel remain true to character as she struggles to get to the bottom of a case involving memory. While set in 1988, the events of 1967 play a major role in the case. An added feature in this novel is more information about Kinsey’s own family and childhood, which adds to her depth as a character. I found the pace of the novel to be a bit on the slow side, but readers who are entertained by mysteries and like strong female protagonists are likely to enjoy this novel. Those addicted to the series are already looking forward to the next installment.

Rating: Three-star (Recommended)
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Making Toast

Grief. In the usual order of life, children do not die before their parents. When the unusual occurs, the grief can become overwhelming. Roger Rosenblatt’s book, Making Toast, describes the change in his life and that of his wife following the sudden death of their daughter at age 38. The Rosenblatt’s moved in with their son-in-law to take care of three young grandchildren. While most readers will tear up when reading some pages, this book celebrates life, and how even unimaginable tragedy can lead to even the most mundane activities, like making toast, taking on meaning and purpose. Rosenblatt’s fine writing and the light touch he uses to tell this story will appeal to any reader experiencing grief, and especially to those looking for comfort.

Rating: Three-star (Recommended)
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The Three Weissmanns of Westport

Abandonment. A reader looking for an entertaining and well-written novel about love and relationships could take a look at Cathleen Schine’s The Three Weissmanns of Westport. Protagonist Betty Weissmann finds herself divorced after fifty years of marriage, and both her daughters have faced setbacks and losses, so the three end up living together. What follows is an exploration of relationships and family, and the discovery of love, as three women move on and life renewed and enriched lives.

Rating: Three-star (Recommended)
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All the Devils Are Here: The Hidden History of the Financial Crisis

People. Financial journalists Bethany McLean and Joe Nocera move the dialogue about the financial crisis from what happened to who were the people who were in the thick of this and what led them to do what they did. Their new book, All the Devils Are Here, is the product of ample interviews, and reading the many published accounts that have already been produced. The result is a readable and interesting presentation of the people involved and their motivations, incentives and flaws. Readers who have been interested in the financial crisis will find this book to be a valuable contribution to gaining an understanding of who was involved in the crisis.

Rating: Four-star (Highly Recommended)
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Hell's Corner

Surprises. Many readers enjoy escapist action thrillers as relaxing entertainment that demands the use of a small number of brain cells. David Baldacci fills that niche with most of his novels, and the latest Camel Club novel, Hell’s Corner, provides enough surprises and plot twists to entertain, but not enough insight to require thought. Protagonist John Carr finds himself in a new set of implausible situations, and with the support of others, performs the impossible more than once. Readers will find this to be quick and easy reading, and a book that provides entertainment without straining the mind.

Rating: Three-star (Recommended)
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