Heavy Water

Book Name : Heavy Water
Author : Martin Amis

What is it about : This collection of short stories are set in the modern days with ordinary peoples having not uncommon problems and their efforts in facing up to their dilemma - a few examples are, how a disabled person was cared for on a cruise boat, a married man having exhausted and regained his mojo.

Some thoughts after having read the book : Each story is completely different in style and texture which to me, this shows the depth and wit of the author's pen. A plain old read but packed with good descriptions and directions by the writer.

Would I recommend this book to you : A bit of a hit and miss. I think you will love it if you are a fan and wishing to see what the author comes up with this time. But I cannot imagine myself reading the book, say, sitting at the airport lounge, under a palm tree or relaxing at home. I was just happy to have read it and experience this author's insight into human behaviours. Give it a go !

Night Train

Book Name : Night Train
Author : Martin Amis

What is it about : A female cop with a past drinking problem and a string of unhappy experiences with the opposite sex, tried to piece together the clues as to why a white female who seemingly had everything going for her, killed herself; or did she ?

Some thoughts after having read the book : I seem to got to know the female cop pretty well and could almost walk in her shoes as she carried out her detective works. That's a sign of the author's ability. The ending of the book seems to beg the philosophical question - can one's life be too perfect and thus have the tendency to self-destruct ? Having said that, the story however, was never the right vehicle to take me to the level that I began to reflect and contemplate on life's many philosophies.

Would I recommend this book to you : A bit hit and miss for me. Some clever detective works and insights and a taut setup; but it comes across that it is probably best written for a TV drama and as such best to have watched it on TV instead of reading it.