This is another of those books which I had intended to read a few chapters of, just to get a sense of it, and then finished up completely hooked. It's very reminiscent of Jon McGregor, especially his early novel If No One Speaks of Remarkable Things (http://www.jonmcgregor.com/books/if-nobody-speaks-of-remarkable-things/ ). It's about a year in the life of a couple in their 20s, told in four sections, each about a day or two days through that year.

There was quite a buzz about this book in the States a while ago, but sadly it doesn't seem to have transferred to NZ, where it has largely passed without notice. A pity, because it's a great read. It's about a young American poet on a fellowship in Madrid, lost and out of his depth, unconfident about his work, ashamed at his lack of affinity with the local language, and untrusting of those around him. His paranoia increases as he self-medicates, drinks too much alcohol and coffee, and lies his was into humiliating situations.

This was one of those books I thought I'd read a few pages of to get a feel for it, then would probably put aside, but finished up reading in a sitting. It's short, only 180-odd pages, and slips past at speed, and but carries real force. Daniel's father, Big Ray dies at the beginning of the book, on or around Daniel's 38th birthday. The event triggers a series of around 500 short reflections, confessions and memories about Daniel's childhood, his parent's life together and apart, and Daniel's journey into adulthood. It's not a happy story.

I was really looking forward to reading this. Booker shortlisted, well reviewed, and one of those English middle classes on holiday in exotic places novels in which families and friends politely tear themselves and their lives apart. I must be missing something. The positive reviews talk about 'allusive, elliptical and disturbing storytelling', 'an epic quality', 'sharp as a wasp sting', 'an urgent world humming with symbols'. I thought the symbolism was clunky and too obvious, the prose awkward and strange, the characters poorly drawn and their behaviour implausible.

Anyone who has read The Wasted Vigil or Maps For Lost Lovers will know what to expect from this new book - incredibly lush and beautiful prose, descriptive sentences reminiscent of Michael Ondaatje, tragically doomed love, utterly brutal violence, a background of appalling fundamentalism, a story which you just cannot put down, and characters who stay with you. For ever. The Blind Man's Garden delivers on all fronts. If this book is not in the running for next year's major awards, I'll be very surprised.

Two fabulous word books, both ideal Christmas gifts for the pedant in you life. David Crystal has been writing books on the English language for years, and now has at least 15 titles on the subject to his credit. In this one, he's picked 100 words which have in some way shaped the development and use of the language since the first English word was written down in the 5th Century, through to Twittersphere and Unfriend.