Treacle Walker / Alan Garner

If you're not already a fan of Alan Garner you may struggle with this supremely strange novel. The book made the 2022 Booker shortlist and received huge critical acclaim. I'm afraid though I found it immensely frustrating, and kept wondering if I was missing something. I usually like being puzzled as I read, but I also like some unravelling of those puzzles eventually. In this book I was as mystified at the end as I'd been all the way through. Don't let this put you off: it's an easy read, and there are surreal moments that are exciting and entertaining, and the quirky language is fascinating; just don't expect any easy explanations.