Reviews from the kind folk of the Library Service in Keynsham and Bath.
Adult Fiction
Flesh – David Szalay
Flesh won the Booker prize last year and was heralded as the book of 2025. I decided to write a review of the book but must admit I found the story very hard going. It is a complex story and has many adult themes and the lead character – Istvan is very difficult to have any sympathy for. The story begins with Istvan living in a quiet apartment in Hungary. He is an isolated young person and begins a friendship with an older married neighbour. This relationship soon spirals out of control
Years pass and we met Istvan again when he goes into the army, he travels to Europe and eventually London where he is in the company of the super-rich and becomes wealthy himself. Throughout Istvan questions where his life is going. This is a challenging read but very well written and a story where you can have great discussions about.
Emily goes to Exeter – MC. Beaton, as reviewed from B&NES virtual library
Emily Goes to Exeter is the first in the series of the travelling matchmaker series by M.C. Beaton. I listened to this on audiobook through BorrowBox. There was a good narrator, and it was a nice short story – ideal for car journeys and walks. I wasn’t sure what the story was about, having never read anything by this author before, but was pleasantly surprised and found it to be an enjoyable listen.
Ms Hannah Pym inherits some money from her dead employer, which allows her to resign from housekeeping. She decides she wants to travel the country by stagecoach (the original version of the Megabus, but in the 1800s). On her journey she meets a variety of passengers and find herself in a small adventure. All the while she and finds herself doing a spot of matchmaking between the unsuspecting passengers.
It’s a fun and fast paced tale, with a happy ending. Each title in the series follows Hannah on a stagecoach journey to a different city, the second being Belinda Goes to Bath.
Instructions for Heart-break – Sarah Handyside, as reviewed by Cathy Gray, Keynsham Library Assistant
Katie is not prepared for the sudden ending of her long-term relationship and her three best friends come up with the idea that she needs literally a handbook to help her process her heartbreak and start rebuilding her life. The friends use an old sketchbook to create the entries for Katie – they include food, new bedding and music to listen to but also help with the rage, the tears and of course practical advice on new dating apps! The handbook reveals Katie’s friends own heartbreak struggles but ultimately strengths their bond. A warm, witty tale!
Adult Non-Fiction
Easy Meals Every Day – Pip Payne
January is always the month when you might want to start thinking of becoming just a little healthier. This book, part of the slimming foodie range, is great practical read. It covers more than 100 simple, tasty receipts which will not break the bank! There are weekly meal plan suggestions, all laid out in a clear style. From mushroom bourguignon in the slow cooker, sweet & sour pork to my personal favourite blueberry scones. A splendid way to start the New Year.
Children’s Non-Fiction
2026 sees the Football World Cup in USA, here some books you might be interested in:
Unbelievable Football Animal Antics – Matt Oldfield
Discover three amazing stories in this book about animals who got up to lots of mischiefs on the football pitch. There is a story about a puppy and the England football team who were playing Brazil where the very famous footballer Pele was also playing. The puppy ran onto the pitch and caused mayhem, and you will have to read on to find out what happened next! Then a story about a goat who became a mascot to a very famous northern football team. Great book for footie fans!
Messi v Ronaldo – Matt Oldfield & Seth Burkett
These are great football player series of books. They are full of fun facts, stats and stories. You can then decide who is the best player – Messi or Ronaldo. Both brought their country to victory in international tournaments. It’s a tough choice.
Library News
Look out for the BookTrust storytimes this month for our younger readers. We will be showcasing a selection of books in our Storytime sessions and you will get a chance to vote on your favourite.
As always there is so much going on in all our libraries, and it’s all free. So drop in and see what’s on offer. Tuesday 9.30-10am & 10.30-11.00am term time only 0-5 years, for families with children, sing along at Baby Bounce and Rhyme, or get comfy whilst listening to stories at our ever-popular Storytime. Thursday at 10.30am at Keynsham Library – term time only and for 0-4 years.
Come along, with a cushion and listen to some fantastic new stories.
For adults, we’ve got book clubs, writing classes, and much more throughout the year. Joining the library costs nothing, so pop in or visit www.librarieswest.org.uk to also access thousands of eBooks, eMagazines, Audiobooks, and a wealth of other resources! Our ‘Virtual Library’ has loads going on, including the latest library news, competitions, book reviews and, all our digital offers. Search ‘Bath and North East Somerset Libraries’ on social media or visit bathneslibraries.wordpress.com
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