Interesting Reading

Kennedy’s Brain by Henning Mankell
This book has a focus on the tragedies rife in Africa . Louise Cantor is searching for the reasons behinds her son’s supposed murder or suicide. As she delves into her son’s life she realise how little she knew him. She travels between Sweden, Barcelona , Mozambique and Australia meeting his various girlfriends and acquaintances and computer hookups. ( I actually wondered if all these countries were thrown in for an appeal to a bigger world market.). Kennedy’ Brain also keeps popping up. I was always confused by the missing President’s Kennedy’s brain and its relevance to the story.

Henning Mankell, is using this thriller to try and highlight some of the issues surrounding the AIDS epidemic in Africa and the role that drug companies and Westerners have played in the explosion of the problem. I found a lot of the story very confusing and unrealistic. This book has been translated from the Swedish. Maybe there was something lost in the translation

The Gathering by Anne Enright
This book won last years Man Booker prize. Louise Swinn the Sydney Morning Herald book reviewer described it as a “harrowing , compelling tale of humanity exposed”. It certainly sounds like a cheery read. You can check the review at
http://www.smh.com.au/news/book-reviews/thegathering/2007/10/26/1192941320129.html


Dying: a memoir by Donald Horne & Myfanwy Horne
I tossed up whether to classify this as a memoir or to put in the palliative care section. It is a truly wonderful insight in to an individuals and families experience of dyeing. I sobbed all the way through both Donald’s and Myfanwy’s account of Donald Horne’s slow decline. Decline is probably not a good choice of words because, although their reflections were sad, it was truly uplifting to see someone trying to live their life to the full, no matter what. I felt honoured as a reader to be allowed to share their journey