#76 The Observations, by Jane Harris (Faber and Faber Limited)

It’s hardly Paul Auster, but making observations about The Observations seems a bit surreal. Thankfully, the latter is a book about a newly commissioned young maid and her life and it’s quite a ribald entertaining affair.

The maid, Bessy Buckley, is as forthright as they come despite her tender years, and even though many phrases she uses are corruptions, nicknames or simply made up, there is no mistaking what she means – hence a disliked reverend is called Reverend Bollix.

For a book containing such dark subjects, from child prostitution to instable mental health to alcoholism, it’s strange that it retains such a playful air, however, and laughter – both Bessy’s and the reader’s – is never far away.

That said, for quite a lengthy book, stretching to upwards of 500 pages, I don’t believe I was engrossed at any stage. Interested, but never desperate to find out what was going to happen next.

So, rating time:

#76 The Observations, by Jane Harris (Faber and Faber Limited) - 6/10

Next up: The Quiet American, by Graham Greene (Vintage)

Click here for the full list of books so far, and their rating