THE TYRANNY OF LOST THINGS
Rhiannon Lucy Coslett (Sandstone Press)
The Tyranny Of Lost Things, Rhiannon Lucy Coslett’s first novel, is as fine a debut as you’d be likely to read – page-turning and thought-provoking at the same time (very few pieces of writing strike me as being so important that I read them aloud to my wife). The novel, set in a London commune, focuses on protagonist Harmony, who has a keen grasp on the importance of possessions, although it’s notable that this dissipates as the novel reaches its climax. Speaking of climaxes, there’s plenty of sex and drugs in this book of London post-Swinging 60s. Coslett obviously cares a great deal about people, about issues and about her book, and has succeeded in that most vital of features for a first novel: the reader cares about the characters, making it quite a pleasure to devour. (DW)
Price: £8.99. Info: www.sandstonepress.com