What we're reading: Flanagan & Rundell
Each week our amazing staff bring you a sample of the books or music they're immersed in.
Chris Gordon is reading Question 7 by Richard Flanagan
I'm at that time of the year when I reflect on the year that has been. I'm looking at all the pathways I could have, should have, would have taken if I had stopped to take some time to think a little longer.
Reading Richard Flanagan's Question 7 can be blamed for this newly discovered art of reflection. His latest offering is all about hidden connections; found through considering the larger picture, the art and the wars around us, the stories that connect us one by one. His objective is to show us how every action we take is personal and has consequences to one's self and indeed to that of us all.
Reading his work was a profound experience. There it all is; his life and therefore surely mine. He has managed it – to join the dots to his own being. Alongside this abject vision he shows us the reason we read; that being, to be larger, greater ... to be involved in everything. It's surely the book of the year; or could be.
Angela Crocombe is reading Impossible Creatures by Katherine Rundell
A new book by Katherine Rundell is always a treat. Impossible Creatures had me entranced immediately and is utterly unique, although it brings to mind the classic story, Northern Lights by Philip Pullman.
A boy discovers he will inherit the guardianship of a portal between our world and a magical world which still features all the mythological creatures we have ever heard of – dragons, unicorns, sphinxes, and more. The boy recklessly investigates the magical world and is immediately dragged into helping a girl, a girl who has a baby griffin and a coat that allows her to fly. Something is going very wrong in this world, changes are happening that don’t make sense, and so they must go on a journey to try and fix it. What they discover is quite astounding.
There are so many wonderful characters that are rich and real – a giant Berzerker who is so gentle with the children, evil unicorns and wise sphinxes – and I was totally engrossed. I wanted to read it every spare moment and never wanted it to end. Kids are going to love this book – and their parents will most likely enjoy it too.
