Sweet Tooth by Ian McEwan

My friend, Martha, recommended this book to me probably about a year ago.  I'm sorry that it has taken me so long to read it.  This was well written and thoroughly enjoyable.  It's the story of Serena, a bright girl from the English country side with prospects.  She has a talent for Math and so her mother encourages her to pursue an education in Mathematics.  Considering the story is set in the 1972 English countryside, this was a fairly bold proposition.  Although Serena does go to school for Math, it's Literature that is her true passion.   This passion, coupled with her love of Solzhenitsyn, is what lands her a job working for Mi5. 

It is a convoluted story with many twists and turns - I don't want to give too much away here.   It is so worth the read and enjoyable literally right up to the very last page.  Don't miss this one if you enjoy spy stories.  

More Irish Magic..... The Mermaids Singing by Lisa Carey

This is the story of three generations of Irish women brought together by family, love, and tragedy. Cliona is a woman who has faced the consequences of her actions head one.  She is strong but often unreadable.  Her daughter, Grace, seems to struggle to find her place and happiness in this world.  Finally, Grace's daughter, Grainne, is left to deal with ramifications of all the decisions made by her mother and Grandmother.

At 15, Grainne finds herself motherless, meeting a Grandmother that she has never known and a father that she has yearned for.  This is Irish story telling at it's very best.  I love how Lisa Carey weaves the stories of these three very different women together.  She makes it so that the reader can understand and relate to each character, no matter how different their character or circumstances.  This is a beautiful story of love and loss and ultimately, redemption.  I enjoyed it thoroughly.  4 stars.