Deb’s top 20 list:

The Beauty of Humanity Movement- Camilla Gibb

An exquisitely written story set in Vietnam- characters and sensory detail are vividly
authentic. It explores the Cultural Revolution, the effects of war, and family bonds. (It
also serves up Pho soup as an extended metaphor.) The author is a social
anthropologist-and Canadian. Her award winning Sweetness in the Belly is wonderful
too.

The Thousand Autumns of Jacob de Zoet- David Mitchell

Mystical, yet action-packed, this novel is set in 18th century Japan. The protagonist works
for the Dutch East India Company and his adventures ebb and flow between poetry and
drama. The writing is breath-taking.

C -Tom McCarthy
A very inventive novel set in Europe during the 1900’s. The protagonist is a wireless
operator, though the story begins at this birth. This young British writer uses the motif
of sonics to expand his central themes of communication, psychology, and philosophy.
The plot unveils a school for the deaf, a Scandinavian spa, war, insects, poetry, and
Egyptian tombs. A heady, existential novel- well worth the time invested.

The Sentimentalists –Johanna Skibsrud

2010 Giller Prize winner and her first novel- This book is not sentimental- it’s
sensational! She nails the emotional impact of a daughter who reconnects with her
father- a Vietnam war vet. A must read!

Super Sad True Love Story- Gary Shteyngart

A biting satire set in a slightly futuristic New York. The Jewish protagonist –Lenny- and
his young Korean girlfriend – Eunice- strive to find happiness. He works for a company
offering eternal youth –everyone communicates with their “apparats” and jobs are
either in media, credit or retail. And oh yes, China (and Norway) have taken over the
American monetary system. This book is both funny and poignantly fortuitous.

February – Lisa Moore

A woman looks back on her life after the death of her husband –who dies in the sinking
of an oil-rigger off the coast of Newfoundland. The writing is spell-bindingly lyrical and
poetic. She’s a phenomenal Canadian writer.
 Fauna- Alissa York
Another talented Canadian writer who loves to push boundaries. This novel is set in the
Don Valley Ravine in Toronto. York weaves a magical and captivating story threading
urban wildlife, quirky characters, and revealing flashbacks. Her first novel, Effigy was
even better.

Solar- Ian McEwan

Michael Beard, an egotistical anti-hero, is a scientist intent on saving the planet from
climate change through new techniques in solar energy. This novel explores issues of
scientific discovery, hypocrisy, and the purpose of storytelling. It’s a unique and darkly
funny adventure as the reader follows Professor Beard through the train wreck of his
world. Thanks to Regina, I also read Amsterdam- another hilarious satire filled with
clever surprises.

All that Follows- Jim Crace

A wonderful find. London jazzman Leonard Lessing is a modern day Walter Mitty. He
cradles the fence between left wing activism and complacency. His “valiancy” is
tested when a long lost summer in Austin Texas catches up with him. Great writing.

The Infinities- John Banville

Narrated by the immortal Hermes, the storyline involves a dying mathematician who is
surrounded by his eccentric family. They live in a fading, but beautiful countryside home. Using
infinity as a metaphor-the story takes on an ethereal, magical quality as Zeus himself starts to
manipulate the plot. A delightfully brilliant book.

Sunset Park- Paul Auster

Four unusual and talented characters squat in an old house in New York City. Their lives
ripple outwards and begin to unravel-- set just before the financial collapse.

Our Kind of Traitor- John le Carre

Global money laundering, political corruption, and competitive tennis- what more could a
reader ask for? Another masterful spy novel from one of my favourite writers.
 Heroic Measures- Jill Ciment

Set in New York City, this very readable little novel involves a sick dachshund, a potential
terrorist attack, and an elderly couple house hunting for a new apartment. It moves
along quickly and authentically.

Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand- Helen Simonson

Cross –cultural romance in a small English village. An exaggerated comedy of manners.

Definitely a light, entertaining read.

Started Early, Took My Dog- Kate Atkinson

Part of a series of excellent, quirky detective novels. This one involves lost children,
twists, turns and contingencies. All of her books are filled with engaging, memorable
characters.

Zeitoun- Dave Eggers

This book elaborates on true events in his -“Voice of Witness” series. A compelling story
about a Muslim family in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans.

The Bishop’s Man- Linden MacIntyre

Giller Prize Winner 2009. I was reluctant to read this, but it pulled me in from the first
page. Good writing, an authentic protagonist, and smooth flashbacks. A sensitive
portrayal of a topical scandal.

How did You Get This Number- Sloane Crosley

Hilarious essays by a talented young American writer.

Three Stations- Martin Cruz Smith

A continuation of the Arkady Renko series (which began with Gorky Park). Like Le Carre,
his novels are never disappointing. This one, set in Moscow, covers serial murders,
kidnapping and corruption. A thrilling literary page-turner.

State of Wonder- Ann Patchett

Very readable, this page turner explores the world of pharmaceuticals. A research
scientist heads to the Amazon in the aftermath of a colleague’s death. In this village,
women are able to give birth well into their seventies. Colorful writing and an
intriguing plot.