My midwinter reading. Piranesi, an enjoyably out there, thought-provoking one-off diversion. Think Slade House with classical statues to er, climb up to escape the flood/sum up humanity. Not too sure whether it really makes total sense, but it is certainly a transporting tale based on the reality of our instinct for adaptation and survival even when utterly alone. Summerwater, a never to be forgotten novella - audit on our reserved national psyche via the internal monologues of not-so-happy campers in incessant rain judging each other until something brings them together, and a couple of other tantalising nature titles. Shuggie Bain is great, my favourite. Worthy winner. Working class Scottishness, shocking post-industrial Thatcherite poverty laid bare in detail, addiction, familial love, individual cruelty and the worst human impulses, finding oneself, sexuality, brass, humour and wit despite all, it's all that literature should be.
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