Pure Invention – Matt Alt
A brilliant romp through Japan’s history and how it led to their outsize influence on global culture including the Walkman, gaming, anime, Hello Kitty and so much more. Alt clearly has a passion for his subject, and explores his subject with respect and care. Completely fascinating.
The Man from Beijing – Henning Mankell
An absolutely captivating political thriller from Mankell that explores colonialism, both ancient and modern, through the lens of a terrifying modern day crime. Filled with insights, including the historical role forced labour played in building American railways, the path China might choose to develop into the future as well as typically Mankell-ian reflections on the state of the Swedish justice system. Judge Birgitta Roslin is a satisfying Wallander-ish character, different but with echoes of what we have come to love.
The Secret of Secrets – Dan Brown
It’s classic Dan Brown, blurring fact with fiction to create a compelling, propulsive thriller. Is it a deep and nourishing read like a Mankell or Murakami? No. But there’s something to how he puts them together that keeps you reading, in this Robert Landon outing roaming across Prague in a race against time. I enjoyed it. The literary equivalent of a good summer blockbuster.
Jason Kitcat 