Want – Anonymous, Edited by Gillian Anderson
Preparing for her role as sex therapist Dr Jean Milburn in the TV series Sex Education, Gillian Anderson read Nancy Friday’s My Secret Garden. A groundbreaking 1970s collection of women’s sexual fantasies, it smashed taboos and certainly left an impression when I read it twenty odd years ago. Anderson has followed a similar model in soliciting and collecting women’s fantasies for Want. But times have changed, illegal and morally dubious fantasies were not included in Want which makes it less ‘daring’ but still powerful. Some of the most memorable entries were the saddest contributions, those who lacked love and understanding so found comfort in fantasies instead.
Men Without Women – Haruki Murakami
This collection of short stories is all about men longing for, struggling with or mourning the absence of a female partner; hence the title. Short stories are best, in my view, when they build enough of a world to be believable, give you enough to satisfy and intrigue then finish whilst you still want more. Of course Murakami does this with aplomb and each story is a capsule filled with character and metaphor. Thoroughly enjoyable.
You Are Here – David Nicholls
I’ve heard of David Nicholls’ work, especially One Day but never read any. You Are Here is beautifully written and cleverly structured. A headteacher invites a group of her friends on a multi-day walk, really with the aim of matchmaking. We follow two characters who are wonderfully portrayed as rather flawed but lovable individuals as they reluctantly engage with this forced socialising. Romance blossoms, but in such a subtle and real way. A real pleasure to read.
Butter – Asako Yuzuki
The butter yellow cover of Yuzuki’s book had caught my eye several times as I’d roamed London’s bookshops. That it combines food and Japan made it even more intriguing. It wasn’t long before my appetite could no longer resist. And what a treat it is! Absolutely sumptuous description of food and flavour, combined with a stark critique of the absurd standards women are held to. In simple terms this is a murder mystery, based on a true story: A woman who is accused of seducing and killing a number of lonely men while taking their money to enjoy fine dining. But that does disservice to the richness of this novel as it deftly explores the key female characters, and uses them to reflect on modern life in Japan, especially for working women. It’s truly a remarkably powerful and unique book that left me with lots to ponder, and eat. It really whetted my appetite, especially for the signature dish of hot rice with cold butter and a splash of soy sauce. It’s good!
Jason Kitcat 