Hi bookworms, how was your week? I got back from California on Tuesday evening and have been catching up on yard work and chores around the house ever since, lol. I will leave you with a photo of the beach where I had to say goodbye to the Pacific. I had some nice swims in the ocean, which felt cold but refreshing after being in the hot sun and I enjoyed some beach reading and walks. Now we are having some beautiful weather in southern Alberta, so I can’t complain. I’m squeezing in some golf, tennis, and bicycling each week and I’m loving it. But how did summer go by so quickly?
Currently I’m reading a PW novel and listening to Marjan Kamali’s novel The Lion Women of Tehran, which was on my summer reading list. I’m liking it and hopefully the ending will be good.
Also we are watching the TV series Say Nothing (on Hulu and Disney+) based on the nonfiction book by Patrick Radden Keefe about a group of people involved with the Irish Republican Army and their actions over decades during the Troubles. It’s quite good and a nail-biter. I have not read the book, but the series is worth it. It brings the conflict to life and touches on the Disappeared and particularly the murder of Jean McConville in Belfast in 1972. Have you read or seen this? I know I’m a little late to the party, but it’s pretty potent and gives a glimpse into Northern Ireland during those violent scary days.
And now I’ll leave you with a couple reviews of what novels I finished lately.
Rabbit Moon by Jennifer Haigh / Little Brown / 288 pages / 2025
Synopsis: Set mostly in Shanghai, this novel is about a young woman Lindsey Litvak, 22, who goes over to China with her college boyfriend to teach English, but after a year he leaves and she starts supporting herself through dubious means. Then early on, she’s in an accident and winds up in a coma in the hospital and her divorced parents fly to sit by her side in a foreign city where they can’t speak the language, or manage very well.
Lindsey was a bit estranged to them but close to her younger adopted sister Grace, born in China, who’s in summer camp in the U.S. while this is going on. What happens to Lindsey and how she became estranged to her parents and how they’re impacted by her accident unfold as the book goes along. While a final section is narrated by her sister Grace and how she comes to grip with her Chinese identity and her sister’s accident.
My Thoughts: 4 stars. I fell into this story very quickly and worried about Lindsey’s wayward personal journey. She’s a naive flawed girl who learns a bit late some of life’s hard realities, despite being bright and knowing the language and being enthusiastic about Shanghai. I liked her parts best in the book (and kept rooting that she would change her ways), but then when her accident happens her parents arrive and it goes into the family’s backstory a bit, along with the younger sister Grace’s.
It’s a bit sad overall but seemed a pretty propulsive tale, which I listened to as an audiobook. I think the novel is my favorite of Jennifer Haigh’s novels so far … still I thought the ending could’ve been managed a bit better. The last section goes on a tangent into Grace’s narration and life, though I was still caught up on Lindsey whom I thought the book was mostly about. The Grace part, though worthy in itself, felt a bit separate and lopped onto it. Still I liked most of the book and will watch for what Haigh writes next. This was #11 on my summer reading list.
Hunchback by Saou Ichikawa / translated by Polly Barton / Hogarth / 2025
Synopsis: This novella follows Shaka Izawa, a mid-40s woman confined in a group care home (during Covid) who suffers from a rare congenital muscle disorder that leaves her with a curved spine and using a wheelchair and a ventilator. She spends her days taking online university courses, tweeting incendiary thoughts, and writing pornographic stories for money, which she sends to charities. She’s wealthy and owns the group home due to an inheritance from her parents who are now gone. During this time she learns one of the caretakers has been following her tweets and she makes him a sexual proposition.
My Thoughts: 3.5 stars. This is a bit of an odd novel and not for everyone, but for its originality and depiction of a feisty disabled woman (Shaka), I ended up admiring it and reading it twice since it’s only 90 pages. Some of the passages are powerful or biting and throw your assumptions aside about the severely disabled, other passages are a bit vulgar as the protagonist likes to tweet provocative things such as: “In another life, I’d like to work as a high-class prostitute,” or “My ultimate dream is to get pregnant and have an abortion just like a normal woman.” She wants to experience such things and yet sees herself as a “hunchback monster.”
Shaka breathes through a tracheostomy tube in order to breathe better so she’s often having to wipe away the mucus that gets in the way. Holding and reading a physical book hurts her spine and she writes that the able-bodied don’t know how good they have it. This novel speaks to the rights of the disabled.
I won’t say what happens about the proposition Shaka makes to the caregiver, but it isn’t something you can forget anytime soon — and not in a good way. It’s a bit bleak and strange, but I’m glad to be introduced to Saou Ichikawa’s writing. She pulls no punches, and made me see things in new ways. Obviously most able-bodied people have no clue about serious disabled people or the steep hurdles they face each day. Though I’m still wondering about the book’s ambiguous ending … I could’ve used something a bit more concrete at that point but no.
I first heard about this novel, which was published in Japan in 2023 and in North America in 2025, when it made the International Booker Prize longlist. The author Saou Ichikawa is like her protagonist in that she suffers from congenital myopathy, as does her older sister, according to Wikipedia. The New York Times did a profile of Ichikawa back in May, which you can read here.
That’s all for now. What about you — have read these and what did you think?
Nice pic of the beach! I’m glad you enjoyed the trip and the remainder of the week. I can’t believe summer is almost over, but I like the Fall season… and the winter (to a certain extent). Rabbit Moon sounds good, the other one like an oddball. Glad you liked both books. I saw that you really liked Audition; I did too. I’m on my 4th Booker book; the first three were very easy to read. This one is easy too, but I started two others that didn’t click immediately and I had to change tack.
Hi Carmen, wait wait now which Booker ones have you read besides Audition and what did you think? I’m glad you are making good progress. I’m still on a long wait list for 2 of the nominees : Flesh and The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny. I dont think I’m getting to them soon but I think they will make the shortlist.
Rabbit Moon was pretty good. And I have three left on my summer reading list and would like to get to Dream Count but I’m on a wait list.
And thanks the beach was good and a little sad in memory of my parents. I probably won’t be back for a long time. But things at home are keeping me busy. Have a good week and I’ll try to check your ratings on GR. cheers.
I read Universality (3.5*), Audition (4*), and One Boat (4*). All very short and easy to read. I’m reading Misinterpretation now. So far so good.
Wow! Good to know what you thought. And I guess the Booker judges are into short books this year … well except for the Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny … which is listed at 688 pages, Argh. Keep reading!
Hi Susan, Beautiful picture. The Pacific ocean is such a wonder and glad you were able to enjoy it. Rabbit Moon sounds like the book would be better if we had stayed on Lindsay’s story in China without the accident. Because getting into trouble in another country and trying to find one’s way is an interesting enough story in itself.
Hi Kathy, thanks it was a nice week at the beach and I will miss it, lol. The Pacific is a vast force! but beautiful too.
Exactly right about Rabbit Moon … I was so into the Lindsey story that I didn’t have much left at the very end for Grace’s. I wonder if others felt this way — I think so. The premise about being in China is quite good and I’m captivated by stories set in Shanghai. Hope you have a great week.
I always have to remind myself that the Pacific Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean (I’ve only dipped my toe into each once during summer visits—so cold!) are not like the Gulf here.
I will probably skip both the books you shared today. I am reading and enjoying Dream Count. Adichie is speaking in Houston in early September and I want to be ready to hear her read from and discuss the book.
Hi Deb, yes the Gulf is so warm comparatively. The Pacific feels pretty freezing ha. In the summer is the only time the ocean is warm enough to even jump in.
That’s excellent you’ll be seeing Adichie. Dream Count is one of the last books on my summer reading list that I need & want to get to, but I’m still on the library wait list for it. I hope you enjoy the book. I’ll get to it. Cheers.
Rabbit Moon is one I think I’d like. I’m putting it on my TBR list. And I could spend a week on that beach!
Hi Lark, the beach was certainly worth a good week. The first days were foggy but the last three days were sunny & gorgeous. I think you’ll like Rabbit Moon — it was quite fast at the beginning and I was caught up in Lindsey’s tale in China. Have a great week.
Ahhhh. That beach photo brings back memories of spending many summer days on the sand in Del Mar. While I live on the coast, I rarely make the short trip to the beach to walk. It’s never quite warm enough (and the wind always seems to follow me) to sit at the beach until about September, which is when we’re typically on the road. Anyhoo, thanks for the photo! 🙂
I haven’t seen the TV series Say Nothing, but I listened to the audiobook. Can’t say that I enjoyed that one a whole lot, and I’m not sure if we’ll watch the show.
I’ve only read a couple of books by Jennifer Haigh. I listened to Faith (reviewed here and thought it was very good on audio. I also read Mrs. Kimble, but that was pre-blogging days, I think. Rabbit Moon sounds like one that I’d enjoy.
I’m currently reading The Rose Code for my summer reading challenge. I’ve only finished seven books on my list, but more than half of those were over 400 pages. Hard to believe we’re in our last week of summer! Labor is super early this year, isn’t it? We’re heading south that day for a couple of weeks. I may regret saying so, but I’m looking forward to warmer weather! 🙂
Hi Lesley, good to hear. Summer has gone super fast and now we’re almost at Labor Day, crazy! I hope you have a nice road trip south. We’re having a week of 80+ temps so it’s hot here inland.
I have listened to The Rose Code but in some aspects it wasn’t really for me, though I like the real history around Bletchley Park. And I have read Jennifer Haigh’s novel Faith for book club years ago and remember liking it quite a bit. Her other novel Heat and Light wasn’t as likable to me, but I taken with Rabbit Moon.
We are caught up in Say Nothing. Not sure if it’s more streamlined than the book, but I would guess so. Some good actors who I don’t know. Chilling story.
Going to the beaches in the OC reminds of old times too. Like when we were in junior high we went to Corona Del Mar, then Huntington, and Newport. I probably won’t return again for maybe a year or more so a bit sad to say so long.
Have a great trip & hope you get plenty of sun & warmth. It was hot there at the end and September usually is. Cheers!
It doesn’t feel much like summer is over here, since I know that it is just going to get hotter here. September and October are usually warmer months. And it has been hotter already in the last two weeks.
Both of the books you read sound good but I am more likely to read Rabbit Moon someday.
I just finished a nonfiction book this week: The Day the World Came to Town: 9/11 in Gander, Newfoundland by Jim DeFede. That was a very interesting read. It reminded of much that I had forgotten about 9/11. And I would like to read much more about Newfoundland.
I just started reading PESTICIDE by Kim Hays last night, a police procedural. The setting is interesting — Bern, Switzerland. It is a police procedural, which is a genre I like, but I have not read enough to have an opinion on this book yet. The author has dual Swiss/American citizenship and has lived in Switzerland for thirty seven years with her Swiss husband.
Hi Tracy, yeah California is so hot in September! Interesting to hear your thoughts on the Gander book. I’ve seen others reviewing that one too this year, funny as it’s been a while. I remember that day too well since I was in DC and passed the Pentagon.
I have not heard of the Kim Hays book but love the Swiss setting. I hope it’s enjoyable. I look forward to your reviews!
Lovely picture of the ocean. It must have been hard to leave it. I grew up going to the Atlantic, only and a hour and half from home south of Philly. There are days I miss that area so much.
The book about the IRA is one I want to read partticularly as it’s nonfiction, I really enjoyed the books by Flynn Bertheand the stories about the Northern Ireland but I would like a nonfiction.
Have not read any Jennifer Haigh but this one you reviewed will go on my to-read list. I am looking forward to our buddy reading cooming up. Some chill time!
Email coming coming soon
Thanks Tina, the beach often reminds me of younger years. You must miss the Philly area.
I sort of wonder if the Say Nothing book differs much from the TV series. I’m sure it goes into things more. The show seems pretty fast-paced.
I think you might enjoy Rabbit Moon — it’s a family drama that raises issues … with some flawed characters.
Hope you have a good week … with less humidity. talk later.
Love that ocean photo. I get to see real water myself in just over a week! August is ending on a particularly lovely note south of you in CO–cool 70-degree days with rain. So refreshing!
Say Nothing might be too much for me, although I am interested in the subject a lot. Did you ever watch Derry Girls–that’s more my speed when it comes to watching anything about the troubles.
Love the cover of Rabbit Moon–intriguing premise.
Love the premise of Hunchback–maybe…but I have a feeling I would come to loathe the protagonist.
Hi Jane, Wow you are getting rain! What a nice change. And no I haven’t seen Derry Girls, where did it play? I think you might like Rabbit Moon though Hunchback is probably too much for most. It is provocative. And the protagonist is not always agreeable. Enjoy seeing the water when you go in a week. Have fun.
Derry Girls is on Netflix and is wonderful, imo. If you really get into it, some of the cast did a special on Great British Baking, which is hilarious.
Thanks Jane for the info. We don’t have Netflix at the moment … but maybe in the future if we get it then I’ll look for Derry Girls. It seems like something I’d enjoy. The Say Nothing series is pretty intense.
I read both Say Nothing and The Lion Women of Tehran. I don’t have Hulu so can’t see the series, which is a shame.
I hope you like Lion Women, I thought it was well done.
Hi Helen, that’s awesome you read both. We don’t have Hulu here but Disney+ carries Say Nothing in Canada. It is too bad you can’t see it (intense show). I will recheck to see what you thought of the Tehran novel. It was pretty good and kept my interest. Cheers. Have a good week.
Although, I am sitting here looking out at the beautiful Adriatic Sea, I am a bit wistful when I see the Pacific. ( laughing at myself). A couple of heavy books among your recent reads!
Hi Olivia, Wow are you already in Albania? I didn’t know you were there already. I hope you are liking it. Good luck with things there. It’s nice you got away from Maga. Enjoy the Adriatic!
So you were just in California! You just missed our heatwave. Goodness. The humidity was horrible. Lovely beach photo.
After all my hospital drama I am back to reading. Reading some good stuff and some so so stuff.
Daughter is off to NYC again in an attempt to get a long term show contract. We shall see. She was here, then there, then here and now there again. Her cat Jinx is with me and she doesn’t know what to think.
Hi Ti, yeah I think September could be a real heatwave in California — so I’m glad to miss that. I hope you don’t get scorched. It was fun to be at the beach for a week. Brings back good memories with my folks & siblings.
I need to stop by your blog to see what’s up. Will check soon. And I really hope your daughter gets a show in NYC! That would be so exciting. I have faith in her! I hope it works out. NYC is the mecca of shows. Fingers crossed for her.
Have a good week.
It is crazy that summer is almost over! I’m not a big fan of the heat so I’m not that sad. We’re in Austin, TX right now and it is hot! 109 with 60% humidity. We did have a big thunder and lightning storm, though and it’s still raining. Crazy. Happy to hear you enjoyed your time in California and are enjoying the nice weather with outdoor activities! Have a wonderful week, Susan!
Hi Rachel, Wow that’s hot! Ouch! I remember those hot Texas days … I went to college in San Antonio in the mid-80s. Lol. It was baking in the summer! Despite the heat, I hope you had a nice time in Austin. It’s been busy … but I’m getting things back under control soon. Enjoy the week too.
I want to read Hunch Back and Rabbit Moon. I hope you’re doing okay!
Thanks Lux. All is fine here. These novels were interesting & good with me. Happy reading to you. Hope all is well there.