Skios by Michael Frayn

"She plainly wanted him to be Dr Wilfred, he could see."

Reading this, I had a rather strange experience. I'd pictured, from my reading adventures, exactly what this place looked like because to me, the author had vividly rendered the island and resort. Randomly looking for holiday destinations, back when that was a possibility, I chanced on a picture which seemed exactly what I'd imagined while reading. Needless to say the actual place was Skiathos in Greece and I have a distinct feeling that's what this invented island was based upon.

If you are seeking a bit of sun-soaked escapism, then this book is just what the doctor ordered. I loved the ideas of mistaken identities and Sliding Doors style life changes. The characters are imperfect, real and engaging. Combine the mistaken identities with unexpected social connections and you get something on the level of Shakespearean comedy. 

5 out of 5 - imagine yourself on a Greek island.

The Summer Book by Tove Jansson

"The sea was as smooth as oil, and so pale you could hardly tell it was blue."

Sitting on a sofa looking out at the ocean from a blissful island in Fiji, accompanied by this beautiful little book, I encountered a few moments of perfect happiness. The slim volume belies perfection.

A young girl's mother has died and she goes to stay with her grandmother on an island in Finland in summer. Her grandmother is a character that is a delight and reminded me of how much I miss and loved my Nonna. 

How to describe this book? Yes, its from the creator of the Moomintrolls which I loved as a kid and yet, this is a book created for adults. Nevertheless, it perfectly captures the inquisitiveness of youth and the beauty of summer.

Reading it is like diving under a wave at the beach or feeling the last rays of warmth tease your skin on a balmy afternoon. Clearly it was the perfect beach read and I'm glad I packed it. If I had children, this is what I would read to them, so they too would feel the implied hug that it gives.

 5 out of 5 grannies rock.