Three of the novels here deal with the lives of the super-rich, but with very different approaches to the subject. And then there are two Books of Sci-Fi/Fantasy novels that I really enjoyed.
Birnam Wood by Eleanor Catton
Eleanor Catton, the Booker Prize-winning author of The Luminaries, returns with her first novel since that honor. The title of the novel, Birnam Wood, is a reference to the line from Macbeth, "Birnam Wood will come to Dunsinane." The novel is set in New Zealand and explores the themes of environmental action and capitalism.
The novel's protagonist is Mira Bunting, the leader of a gardening collective of activist/farmers. The collective takes over a property in Thorndike, on the South Island of New Zealand. The property turns out to be an acquisition of the American billionaire Robert Lemoine. Mira and Lemoine come to an uneasy truce, and the collective is able to continue its work.
The novel explores the tension between environmental action and capitalism. Mira and the collective believe that they can save the planet by planting trees and growing food. Lemoine believes that he can save the planet by investing in technology. The novel suggests that both approaches are necessary, and that they must work together if they are to succeed. Birnam Wood is a powerful and thought-provoking novel. It is a must-read for anyone who is interested in environmentalism, capitalism, or the future of the planet.
Pineapple Street by Jenny Jackson
The uber-rich one percent of New York City and one of their strongholds, Brooklyn Heights, lie at the heart of this novel, which serves as a tour of the current version of The Gilded Age. Real-estate speculator Chip and Tilda Stockton are proud owners of a limestone mansion in the right section of Brooklyn. The three main characters who drive the plot of this book are Darley, the eldest daughter, Georgiana, the youngest child, and Sasha, the "arriviste" who married brother Cord. In alternating chapters, these three women provide us with an insightful glimpse into their lives and what occupies their thoughts. Jackson's approach to her subject matter is characterized by her general sympathy for her characters, but she is also willing to point out their flaws and contradictions.
Darley married for love and, by not insisting on a prenuptial agreement, was legally bypassed in terms of inheritance, which instead went straight to her children. Her husband Malcolm, the son of Korean immigrants, is a self-made investment banker who specializes in aviation. The crisis arises when he loses his job. Georgiana works for an NGO, is single, and makes the mistake of having an affair with a married coworker. Sasha comes from a working-class family, has her own design studio, and, because she is married to the only son, gets to live in the limestone when Chip and Tilda decide to move into an upscale condo. While one could argue that their problems appear insignificant and demonstrate how the entitled are truly a different breed, Jackson's compassion and humor for her characters shine through, and she is a keen observer.
Everybody Knows by Jordan Harper
Present-day Los Angeles is a city of glamour and excess, but it also has a dark underbelly. In this novel, we follow Mae Pruett and Chris, two people who are drawn into the seedy side of Hollywood when Dan, Mae's boss, is murdered. Mae is a black bag publicist, which means she specializes in damage control for her wealthy and powerful clients. Chris is an ex-cop who now works for a security firm. When Dan is killed, Mae and Chris team up to investigate his murder.
Their investigation takes them into the world of Hollywood's elite, where they discover a web of corruption, lies, and betrayal. They also learn that Dan's death may be connected to a pregnant 14-year-old girl. As Mae and Chris get closer to the truth, they put themselves in danger. But they are determined to find out who killed Dan and why. This novel is a dark and suspenseful thriller that exposes the seamy underbelly of Hollywood. It is a story about power, corruption, and the lengths people will go to protect their secrets.
Antimatter Blues by Edward Ashton
The first novel was a delightful mishmash of Sci-fi, existential issues, and gruff humor. Book 2 of Mickey 7 picks up where the first book left off, with Mickey Barnes retired from his job as an Expendable. However, his retirement is short-lived when he spies a Mickey "multiple" entering the section of the space colony where the antimatter reactor is stored. Mickey is concerned that his nemesis, Marshall, the head of the colony, has reactivated the Expendable program.
Mickey's concerns are soon confirmed when he learns that antimatter is in short supply. A bomb fueled by antimatter, that was left with the creepers in the first book, is now the only hope for the colony. The creepers are the indigenous inhabitants of the planet, and it isn't long before Mickey, along with Nasha, Berto, Cat, and the more memorable characters from Book 1, are on a perilous adventure to get back the bomb.
The second half of the novel is an action-packed adventure, as Mickey's band travels to the creepers' home territory to retrieve the bomb. Along the way, they must contend with creepers, spiders, and other assorted creatures that inhabit the hostile planet. Diplomacy, bluffing, and bravery all play a part in the adventure, as Mickey and his friends race against time to save the colony.
The Destroyer of Worlds by Matt Ruff
We return to the summer of 1957 in this second installment of Matt Ruff's Lovecraft Country series. After the success of the first book and the well-made television limited series, we revisit his rich cast of characters as they continue their explorations into the world of fantasy, black and white magic, teleportation devices, and face the racism of the era. It's always been a bit of an amazing sleight of hand that this white writer has mined this territory without being accused of cultural appropriation. In my observation, it's the inclusion of such Lovecraftian elements of sorcery and magic that has earned him a pass. The fact that so much of the story is centered on fantasy has made this such a rewarding and entertaining read, possibly making Ruff's ethnic background a non-factor.
This second installment is a sprawling, multi-strand narrative that teases us before gamely intersecting. Atticus and his father Montrose are off to North Carolina's Dismal Swamp to celebrate the 100th anniversary of their forefather Nat's escape from slavery. Meanwhile, Hippolyta and Letitia, with Horace in tow, are on a road trip to Nevada, ostensibly to do research for The Safe Negro Travel Guide; but in fact, Hippolyta has a secret agenda connected to Hiram Winthrop. As for Letitia's sister, Ruby, we find that she has been residing at the Winthrop home and using magic to pass herself off as a white Hillary Hyde. And Caleb Braithwhite is back, breaking the conditions of his exile. As you can see, there is much to enjoy in this new chapter of Lovecraft Country.