Beautifully evocative of 1980s Brighton, the story of 12 year old Little Gold growing up in a dysfunctional family and her growing friendship with herBeautifully evocative of 1980s Brighton, the story of 12 year old Little Gold growing up in a dysfunctional family and her growing friendship with her elderly neighbour, Peggy Baxter.
I loved this book, written by a friend and fellow Brightonian. Little Gold's vulnerability and resilience is very touching, and I adored Peggy and her determination to be herself, and create a space in which she can do so. ...more
I'm a fan of Paul Magrs' writing; his Brenda and Effie series is delightful. I read and enjoyed his Doctor Who books featuring Iris, and I'm delightedI'm a fan of Paul Magrs' writing; his Brenda and Effie series is delightful. I read and enjoyed his Doctor Who books featuring Iris, and I'm delighted that she can carry a novel on her own. Great fun and highly recommended. ...more
I enjoyed this book very much. I found it thought provoking, especially thinking about personal freedoms, commercialism, brand identity and technologyI enjoyed this book very much. I found it thought provoking, especially thinking about personal freedoms, commercialism, brand identity and technology. I think I prefer Beukes' second novel, Zoo City, which I think is probably my favourite of the books for adults I've read this year, partly because I liked the sustained narrative of one character than the multiple view points in Moxyland. However, it's still a great, engrossing read....more
I read this first when I was in my early 20s. I'd forgotten much of it. It is fascinating to see how much of the technology Card describes (e.g. interI read this first when I was in my early 20s. I'd forgotten much of it. It is fascinating to see how much of the technology Card describes (e.g. interactive computer games, the internet, text messaging, Skype (ansible?), "desks"- tablet computers?) are mainstream now. I still find Ender and the other children as unbelievable as 6-12 year olds, but this can be explained away by their giftedness. However, it remains a thought provoking story of how people and societies can be manipulated by a hegemony appearing to fight one enemy when really they are controlling peoples in a completely different way....more
Absolutely brilliant. In an alternative Johannesburg Zinzi December is a finder of lost things. In her world, people who have caused death have a symbAbsolutely brilliant. In an alternative Johannesburg Zinzi December is a finder of lost things. In her world, people who have caused death have a symbiotic animal, as a physical embodiment of their crime and guilt. Zinzi's is a sloth. The burden of the animal also brings special powers; Zinzi's is to see people's lost things and trace them. In general this earns her a few Rand finding wedding rings and keys, but she is asked to find a young Afropop singer, and she becomes embroiled in "muti", murder and horrible betrayal.
This is a gripping read; a Sci Fi detective story. Covering 419 scams, war in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Afropop, it is told in straightforward narrative by Zinzi, 419 scam emails, documentary transcripts and gossip columns. It's an extraordinary novel, and I recommend it even if you think you don't like SF or fantasy.
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