Comments on 'Stuart a Life Backwards'

This book had a mixed reception but stimulated a lively discussion.

'A good insight into homelessness'
'Although this is a harrowing story there is a lighter side which comes from Stuart's sense of humour'
'I was surprised that he had two relationships with women who were not living his lifestyle'
'I like the relationship between Stuart and Alexander the author'
'I found the intertwining of the three stories namely Stuart's life, the writing of the book and the case of the care workers confusing'
'There are some graphic descriptions in the book which illustrate what it must be like living rough. Descriptions of lice,scabbies and wet feet'
'I was horrified by the behaviour of some of the individuals Stuart meets in his life who are in positions of responsibilities but abuse those in their care'
'The moment when Stuart discovers how violence empowers him is quite shocking'
'Stuart's death is poignant because it comes at a time when he seems to be turning his life around'

Further Reading

'The Grass is Singing' by Doris Lessing
web site - wanderingscribe.blogspot.com
Recommended Reading

'Snow' by Orhan Pamuk
'The Lovely Bones' by Alice Sebold
'The Rioutous Men by Sam Bourne

A Review of Stuart A Life Backwards by Alexander Masters

The book tells the story of Stuart Shorter a homeless person who is also a junkie, alcoholic, thief and ex convict. As the title suggests Stuart's life is told in reverse tracing his life from the present time to his childhood.
However I did not get that far. I've never been comfortable with books that deal with these sorts of issues particularly drugs. I found the book depressing and as a result could not finish it. I appear to be very much in the minority judging by the many good reviews this book has received. In deed there are plans to make it into a film but it is not a film I will be watching.
Tony Riley

Comments on 'Place of Execution'

The whole group found this a straightforward easy read.

'I enjoyed the book but thought the links with the Moors Murders unneccessary'

'Reminded me of how boring the teenage years of a child of the fifties were'

'I could not understand why Alison would want to go back and live at the Hall'

'Easy to read but the twist at the end a little contrived'

'I would have liked to see the character of George's wife developed a little more'

'I would not normally read this genre but I enjoyed it enough to want to read another by the same author'

'Life in the village reminded me of my childhood in a small closeknit community'

'It was ironic that the children of this village were given the freedom of the surrounding countryside to play in but the danger to them came from within the community'

Further Reading

Books by Ian Rankin and Reginald Hill

Review of A Place of Execution by Val McDermid

Journalist Catherine Heathcote interviews retired police officer George Bennett about a murder investigation 25 years earlier concerning the disappearance of a young girl.
On the eve of publication of her book George contacts Catherine begging her not to publish saying publication will hurt innocent people. Why has George changed his mind? It is down to the journalist to investigate and to find out what happened all those years ago.
In the early stages I found the book a little slow but it did gather pace particularly when it came to the trial. I do not normally see the twist but in this case I did. It is the first book that I have read by this particular author but will not be the last.
Tony Riley