‘.'\/APITIME DRAMA ANNE MACLEOD The Dark Ship

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Remember the 'Great' War? Well. me neither; but here. there is a distinct sense that we should grasp its lessons before it fades further into the history books.

T he Dark Stin is fascinating because it both powerfully evokes the tear aitd confusion of the Front. and provides a highly affecting depiction of the lives of those left behind on the Isle of LeWis.

Like A Scots Qua/r. Anne MacLeod's debut is a picture of the last days of a crofting society. although it is less conscioust elegiac than Grassic Gibbons itiasterpiece. MacLeod's characters are sympathetic. but tar from perfect. and her range of narrative voices —« from mercurial poet Iain to modern—day TV producer Zoe ~~ is impressive.

Where her novel underachieves is in its inability to take the points it makes about the way history is constructed to a satisfying conclusion. But The Dark Ship is concerned more wrth deep emotions than dour theory. and its portrait of a changing community is strongly compelling. (James Smartl

FUTURISTIC CRIME PAUL JOHNSTON The House Of Dust (Hodder & Stoughton 5:16.99) 0..

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'tr )llt"l‘}r’t in the nmr Tradition he's tht- sirlr; of the law. but sometirrtes likes to bend Ill. investigating Murder in .2028 Edinburgh,

Ravaged l)‘. drug ‘.‘.’Etl§§. it"; a slightly (l!ll(:lt:lll «it; from the one we knov. nova. and Paul Johnston doesn't miss a chance to cantment on the landmarks rCrarrrond Islartd as a high securrt‘, tail. for onei. The creation of high technology prison states forms the backdrop. as 'Ouint' is taken to New Oxford in his quest to solve a series of murders.

Johnston mixes political comment and suspense-filled drama with sci-fr musings creating an (3tlj()\'£ll)l(? ride. But the gung-ho cliches that end every other paragraph Jerk us out of his finely created world, like potholes iii the road.

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Here's an author who revels in opposing yet complementan pairings. And who not only has the technical skill to weave tltem into a narrative. without ever letting the mechanics of his art show but also has the audacity to point up those mechanics along the way. Rich and poor. black and white. high-class and hobo. modern artd mvthical. Colson Whitehead drives hrs narrative with all the flawless rhythm of a stt-éeI-dr'rving hammer. while Jumping from one perspective to the next on even beat.

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Heroes reign here. Or: one hand. have .JOltt‘ Hertn,. the mythical steel driver of folk legend 2"". .‘.Il‘8 a race against a stearrt-drill while lililltllltt} the Chesapeake ("x Ol‘m railroad in 1872. And on the other. J. Sutter. Junketeer extraordinaire and writer of modern puff journalism who is sent to Mint)! the first annual John Henn. Days in tgack‘.'.oo(ts Virginia. A none. that converges to its ven, last word. leaving you exasperated there isn't more.

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Loneliness can be a killer. Arid for Jim Messengr-zr. this is true both literally and figuratively. His non— descript life is given a purpose when he becomes fascrnated by a strange woman who frequents hrs neigthLirhood cafe. and exhibits the same signs of emptiness. When he learns that she has committed suicide. and that the police have no clue about her identity. he is driven to take on the investigation himself.

His search leads him to a small. dusty desert town. where he discovers that a terrible crime has been committed. for which the townsfolk blame the mysterious woman. Convinced of her innocence. he sets about trying to Clear her name. but rt seems everyone in the town has a secret. and the situation rapidly spirals cut of control. Much more than a standard crime thriller. this is a dark. psychological study which shows the ugliness of human nature. lKirsty Knaggsl

Books

EVENTS AT BORDERS

TUESDAY 12TH JUNE 7PM

SCOTLAND ON A PLATE COOKERYEVENT

Join Ferrier Richardson with some of the finest chels in Scotland as they share the secrets ol their success and let you taste their favourite dishes.

MONDAY l8TH JUNE 7PM

ANTHONY NOLAN BONE MARROW TRUST/ EURASIA DINNER

A unique opportunity to meet with the inspirational Jack Black ol Mindstore at this annual charity dinner. Raising lunds tor the Anthony Nolan Bone Marrow Trust in the delicious sur- rounding ol Ferrier Richardson's Eurasia. For more inlormation call

Gillian or Simon 0141 222 7720

TUESDAY 19TH JUNE 7PM

NICK HORNBY

at the GLASGOW ROYAL CONCERT HALL Author of Fever Pitch and High Fidelity

will be discussing his new novel

HOW TO BE GOOD

Tickets £2.00 available from Borders

THURSDAY 215T JUNE 7PM

CARL MACDOUGALL

Author of The Cassanova Papers, Stone Over Water and The Lights Below will be discussing his new book PAINTING THE FORTH BRIDGE A SEARCH FOR SCOTTISH IDENTITY

MONDAY 9TH JULY IPM

NEIL GAIMAN i

The writer of the Sandman graphic novels will be signing copies of his new novel

AMERICAN GODS

MONDAY 16TH JULY

CHUCK PALAHNIUK

Author Ol Fight Club

will be reading from his new novel

CJJQKE 5

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98 BUCHANAN STREET, GLASGOW GI 38A TEL: 014] 222 7700 OPENING HOURS: 8am to I Ipnt, Monday to Saturday, lOam to 9pm Sunday www.bordersstores.com/stores/283

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