Escaping the harsh realities of Mumbai

8:14am Monday 26th July 2010 in

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James A Levine – The Blue Notebook (Phoenix, £7.99) ***

Batuk is a 15-year-old prostitute who works for a harsh boss in Mumbai. Batuk’s only release from the horror of her life is a notebook, in which she reflects on the events of her life and the people she meets. In her notebook, Batuk can imagine she is a bird, free to fly away, and can start to plan a future away from the torrid prison which she’s forced to endure. Levine writes in a descriptive style, with plenty of observations about street life in India. A thought-provoking read.
Rachel Bellerby, 36, writer, Addingham

Gillian Flynn – Dark Places (Phoenix, £7.99) ****

Seven-year-old Libby manages to survive when her mother and two sisters are brutally murdered. Libby’s brother Ben is found guilty of the murders and, 20 years later, is still in prison. Libby is jobless, penniless and practically a recluse. She becomes involved with a group of people called The Killers Club, who believe Ben is innocent, and Libby starts to help them in their search for the real murderer. With its exceptional storyline, this book is even better than the author’s debut novel, Sharp Objects.
Margaret Jarvis, 78, retired, Wyke