• India’s Disappearing Railways by Angus McDonald. In this lavish travelogue, the glory of India’s narrow-gauge railways are captured in all their colour, character and chaos. As the government converts the lines, it offers a glimpse of a world, from Rajasthan to Tamil Nadu, on its way out forever. (Goodman, November 20)
    India’s Disappearing Railways by Angus McDonald. In this lavish travelogue, the glory of India’s narrow-gauge railways are captured in all their colour, character and chaos. As the government converts the lines, it offers a glimpse of a world, from Rajasthan to Tamil Nadu, on its way out forever. (Goodman, November 20)
  • The Good War by Jack Fairweather. When the United States waged war in Afghanistan it was dubbed the Good War. Based on hundreds of interviews, archives, and months of experience in the country, US journalist Fairweather looks at the perils of nation-building and how the good war turned out so bad. (Cape, November 11)
    The Good War by Jack Fairweather. When the United States waged war in Afghanistan it was dubbed the Good War. Based on hundreds of interviews, archives, and months of experience in the country, US journalist Fairweather looks at the perils of nation-building and how the good war turned out so bad. (Cape, November 11)
  • Cop Town by Karin Slaughter. It is the 1970s and a brutal killing has torn apart a community in Atlanta. Two female police officers are fighting on two fronts – prejudice within a male-dominated force and the crime that’s killing 10 officers a year. Gritty tale set in a city on the edge. (Century, November 6)
    Cop Town by Karin Slaughter. It is the 1970s and a brutal killing has torn apart a community in Atlanta. Two female police officers are fighting on two fronts – prejudice within a male-dominated force and the crime that’s killing 10 officers a year. Gritty tale set in a city on the edge. (Century, November 6)
  • Getting Colder by Amanda Coe. They were the colour-supplement darlings of the 1980s. But 35 years after Sara left her two children to become the muse to rising playwright Patrick, she is dead and he is facing personal turmoil and writer’s block. An unsettling and perceptive story of family ties, love and loyalty. (Virago, November 6)
    Getting Colder by Amanda Coe. They were the colour-supplement darlings of the 1980s. But 35 years after Sara left her two children to become the muse to rising playwright Patrick, she is dead and he is facing personal turmoil and writer’s block. An unsettling and perceptive story of family ties, love and loyalty. (Virago, November 6)
  • Funny Girl by Nick Hornby. It is the swinging 60s and Sophie Parker has escaped a small British town for the bright lights of London to become an actress. But when her new role gets a little too close to home she faces some hard choices. Expect a portrait of youth, old age and popular culture from the best-­selling author. (Viking, November 9)
    Funny Girl by Nick Hornby. It is the swinging 60s and Sophie Parker has escaped a small British town for the bright lights of London to become an actress. But when her new role gets a little too close to home she faces some hard choices. Expect a portrait of youth, old age and popular culture from the best-­selling author. (Viking, November 9)

Our top six books this week: the glory of India’s railways and much more

The National Staff

November 06, 2014

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Here is a look at what we are reading this week.

Book reviews