I always knew I wouldn’t be able to post for the final days of A Book A Day In May, but entered into it optimistically anyway. Frankly, I’m amazed that I have managed to post every day for almost the whole month, rather than my usual round-ups. It definitely helped that I went for shorter books than usual this year – I didn’t feel the need to go for a 180-pager on a day with more opportunities to read, and it made the whole thing easier. When I get to #ABookADayInMay2027, I may regret having used up all the short books on my shelves…
Not quite rounding things out, but nearly, here are some very quick thoughts on a couple of audiobooks that I’ll be finishing off at some point in the final days. And thanks for being along for the ride!
Our Endless Numbered Days (2015) by Claire Fuller
I must have bought this is an Audible sale at some point. It’s Fuller’s debut novel, about an eight-year-old called Peggy who, during the 1976 heatwave, is taken by her Dad to the wilderness. He tells her that everyone else in the world has died, and they must fend for themselves. There is a parallel story in 1985, where Peggy has been reunited with the outside world, and is reflecting on her experiences.
It’s an interesting idea, and I sort of enjoyed the book, but I was frustrated by the strange structure. The actual interesting part of the book – the survivalist period – comes quite late in the book, and the years flit past without really getting to grips with how they’re surviving. I loved some details, like a makeshift piano, but I thought the novel was weaker than the premise made me think. And don’t get me started on the Shock Twist Ending that doesn’t make much sense if you think about it for more than half a second. A serviceable novel, but I’m surprised it was lauded the way it was.
Coming to Our Senses (2021) by Susan R. Barry
I came across Susan Barry from her book about her friendship with Oliver Sacks, and she wrote a lot about Coming to Our Senses in that. She had her own experience of gaining stereovision late in life, and is fascinating – particularly in Dear Oliver – about that, and indeed wrote another book about it that I haven’t read. It inspired her to write this book, about other people who have gained senses later – chiefly Liam McCoy (who gained sight aged 15) and Zohra Damji (who gained hearing aged 12), but there are plenty of other examples along the way.
It’s an enjoyable, sympathetic and very thought-provoking book. There is much that is gained when a sense is gained, but there are also things that are lost, and a great deal of disorientation. Barry makes no sweeping conclusions, and is very keen to honour her subjects – you can certainly see the influence of Sacks in her writing. If she isn’t as brilliant as Sacks – well, who is?
You could start buying, borrowing and keeping a list of possible books for May 27 now! if you end up with more than you can read in that month, they can be slotted in to other challenges.
The Barry sounds fascinating. I’ll look out for it.
Your book a day has been so impressive, and tempting, as always! I’ve done better with novellas than I expected, too. Two more days!
Coincidentally, I was mulling over trying a Claire Fuller (I’ve not read any by her) only a few days ago. It wasn’t this one, which I don’t think I will pick. I shall be adding Susan R Barry to my list though, that one does sound fascinating.
You’ve done amazingly with your reading and reviewing this month. I think I read quite a lot but a book a day for a whole month would be beyond me.
Well done Simon! I could definitely do a (short) book a day for a month, but I doubt I could ever keep up with the reviewing!!
Ooh, the Susan Barry looks interesting. I’ve been treating myself to reading Sacks’ letters but I’m eking them out!
I remember enjoying Fuller’s debut – and have been slightly obsessed with searching out recordings of La Campanella ever since (Evgeny Kissin’s is my fave). However, I can’t remember the plot twist at all!