Slammerkin by Emma O'Donoghue
Slammerkin is an 18th century term for a loose dress, or a loose woman. Inspired by a throwaway story from a newspaper of the day, Donoghue recreates the tale of Mary Saunders, who enters prostitution at 13 because she covets a beautiful ribbon. This is historical fiction at its very best. Donoghue brings Mary's tale to life following her from the whorehouses of London to a potential new life as a servant girl in Monmouth. There are no happy endings for Mary but this book is a triumph. A fast-paced, vivid and moving tale, extremely well told. 4/5

Bitter Fame - a life of Sylvia Plath by Anne Stevenson 5/5
In the Heart of the Sea by Nathaniel Philbrick 5/5
Strip City by Lily Burana 4/5

Amongst Women by John McGahern (1990)
Without doubt one of Ireland's greatest writers, McGahern's loose prose style is warm and accessible to everyone. No one represents the ups and downs of Irish life the way he does. Terrific book, terrific dialogue and his best book (also try The Dark or The Pornographer)

English Passengers by Matthew Kneale (2000)
I wasn't too pushed about this book initially as I had to review but once I started it, I couldn't stop reading it. Sea-faring high jinx, colonialism and race in nineteenth century Britain and Australian is handled with humour and emotion. There are lots of wonderful characters represented by parallel narratives. Historical novels can be hit and miss but this is classic story-telling. Brilliant.

Who Will Run The Frog Hospital by Lorrie Moore (1995)
Any girl who ever had an inseperable best friend growing up will relate to this book. Funny and poignant, Lorrie Moore captures the insecurity of adolescence that can melt even the hardest heart. I'd have picked this book to share with the bookclub only for the fact that I'd read it. Great name for a great book.

The Bronze Horseman by Paullina Simons (2001)
This book is the story of two young people in love trying to survive Hitler's vast war machine and a country that could crush their spirits (Russia). To all intents and purposes this is a love story, but it also carries a certain ring of truth and is one of the best historical fictions I have read.

The Godfather by Mario Puzo (1991)
What can I say the ultimate in must reads and since made into an excellent film, not neccessarily a good bookclub book, (depending on your members) but a very good read.

Paddy Clarke Ha Ha Ha by Roddy Doyle (1993)
Winner of the Booker Prize Roddy Doyle excels himself here, telling the story through a 10 year olds eys, this is a great read and if you haven't read them for a few giggles read the Barrytown Trilogy.

Child Survivors of the Holocaust by Paul Valent, Thomas Keneally
I have read a lot of very harrowing books about World War II but this was definitely the most impactual. The book is based on the stories of 10 Jewish children who survived the war using whatever means neccessary. Not for the feint hearted but if you want to read anything about survivors of the war read this.

Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka

Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte
Every 17 year old should have to read this. Angst it is.

Lucy You by Carl Hysson
The Pursuit of Happiness by Douglas Kennedy

Fallen Leaves: The True Story of an Unwanted Chinese Daughter - Adeline Yen Mah - 1998 4/5
Memoirs of a Geisha - Arthur Golden - 1997 5/5
The Red Tent - Anita Diamant - 1997 5/5
Perfume - Patrick Suskind - 1985 4/5

The Bone People by Keri Hulme 5/5

Johnny Panic and the Bible of Dreams by Sylvia Plath
A wonderful collection of short stories, prose, and excerpts from Sylvia Plath' s journal. A writer often characterised by her poetry as dark and moody, Ted Hughes said, "her reputation rests on the poems of her last six months." This collection is full of beautiful emotional writing and sensitive observations. It's the perfect book for your bedside.

Follow Your Heart by Susan Tamaro
The entire book is an enchanting letter written by a loving Italian grandmother to her granddaughter. It’s simple, short and beautiful.