This is extracts from the diaries of the French brothers covering the period 1851 to Edmond's death in 1896. It is a fascinating glimpse from one part of French society of the second empire period and its aftermath including a first hand account of the seige of Paris and the commune. There were parts which recounted details of people I do not know but this did not distract from my enjoyment.
I bought this second hand so it may no longer be in print but could definitely be picked up on Abe books. 8/10
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Monday, October 01, 2007
Darkmans
by Nicola Barker
This is the 4th novel I have read that appears on this years Man Booker shortlist and I felt really let down by it. The novel is gripping to read and has some fantastic comic characters as well as dark undertones that pull you in to the story.
It is a long book (800+ pages) which makes the last 100 pages all the more disappointing, as you realise that nothing is going to happen and characters just disappear with no explanation. It has received a lot of plaudits and no doubt I am missing the clever undertones but I am not convinced that clever makes for a good read 4/10
This is the 4th novel I have read that appears on this years Man Booker shortlist and I felt really let down by it. The novel is gripping to read and has some fantastic comic characters as well as dark undertones that pull you in to the story.
It is a long book (800+ pages) which makes the last 100 pages all the more disappointing, as you realise that nothing is going to happen and characters just disappear with no explanation. It has received a lot of plaudits and no doubt I am missing the clever undertones but I am not convinced that clever makes for a good read 4/10
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