The Children Act by Ian McEwan (Vintage Books)

by Patrick O'Connor

SOME may consider that with the world the way it is at the moment, staying clear of any debate involving religion may be considered wise.

But the acclaimed British author Ian McEwan has never been one for shying away from difficult subjects.

The Sense of an Ending by Julian Barnes (Vintage Books)

by Patrick O'Connor

THE central character is this book is Tony Webster, who has retired and has had “a career and a single marriage, a calm divorce.”

But the story will appeal to readers of all ages for Tony spends much of his time looking back to his youth when he and his two best friends meet the enigmatic Adrian Finn at school.

The London Train by Tessa Hadley (Vintage Books) 

HAVE you ever been on a train and wondered what was the purpose of your fellow travellers' journey?   Tessa Hadley's intricate tale The London Train delves into the lives of two people, Paul and Cora, who travel between London and Cardiff.

Trespass, Rose Tremain (Vintage Books)

by Patrick O'Connor

IN the Cevennes region of France, 10 year old Melodie skips away from her school picnic to explore.

To her delight she comes across a 'deep, sea-green pool' and strips down to her knickers to prepare to dive in when 'at the very corner of her vision, she sees something which shouldn't be there...then she starts screaming.'