Debbie’s choice
– Tuesday 4th July 2017 at 7.00 pm
Book: A God in Ruins
Author: Kate Atkinson
Kindle Link: A God in Ruins
Synopsis
A God in Ruins relates the life of Teddy Todd – would-be poet, heroic World War II bomber pilot, husband, father, and grandfather – as he navigates the perils and progress of the 20th century. For all Teddy endures in battle, his greatest challenge will be to face living in a future he never expected to have.
This gripping, often deliriously funny yet emotionally devastating book looks at war – that great fall of Man from grace – and the effect it has, not only on those who live through it, but on the lives of the subsequent generations. It is also about the infinite magic of fiction. Those who loved the bestselling Life After Life will recognise Teddy as Ursula Todd’s adored younger brother – but for those who have not read it, A God in Ruins stands fully on its own.
Few will dispute that it proves once again that Kate Atkinson is one of the most exceptional novelists of our age.
Our review
This is a novel about war and the shadow it casts even over generations who have never known it. Although we found the flitting back and forth in time quite challenging at times, we mainly enjoyed the book but the ending infuriated some of us and delighted others.
An interesting read about the wartime career of an RAF bomber pilot (Teddy) and all who knew him.