In brief: The Blue Hour; England: A Natural History; A Book of Noises – review
The Blue Hour
Paula Hawkins
Doubleday, £22, pp336
Hawkins’s fourth novel begins with the discovery that a work by acclaimed artist Vanessa Chapman contains a human bone. James Becker – employed by the foundation responsible for Chapman’s estate – is sent to the remote Scottish island that was once home to her to investigate, where he meets Chapman’s former friend and companion, Grace. What follows is an intelligent, propulsive thriller examining art, ambition, legacy and the dynamics of power. Undoubtedly Hawkins’s best novel yet.
England: A Natural History
John Lewis-Stempel
Doubleday, £25, pp464
Lewis-Stempel’s latest work of natural history surveys 12 English locations, from the Thames Estuary and Richmond Park to North Yorkshire and the Lake District. While the author’s focus is nature – whether it’s the biology of ragworms or the elusiveness of otters – his scope is wide-reaching, encompassing history, culture and language. We learn about the derivation of words, the impact of the Industrial Revolution and the significance of Norse mythology. Throughout, the tone is personal and intimate, and Lewis-Stempel’s passion self-evident.
A Book of Noises: Notes on the Auraculous
Caspar Henderson
Granta, £10.99, pp368 (paperback)
“Auraculous” is a term coined by Henderson to encapsulate the wonder of sounds around us, from the cosmic and the natural to human-made. Beginning with the big bang, Henderson embarks on a fascinating journey through almost every type of noise imaginable in a title filled with gems. His playful sense of humour and curiosity makes for a highly engaging science book.
• To order The Blue Hour, England: A Natural History or A Book of Noises go to guardianbookshop.com. Delivery charges may apply
