The Masterpiece

by Emile Zola
Fourteenth novel in the Rougon Macquart series. This novel more than any other of Zola's is based on real characters from his own circle of friends, including himself as the novelist Sandoz. There were parts of it I found really interesting and great writing such as the crowds at the exhibition and the struggles of trying to portray nature in painting. But other parts, such as Sandoz talking about writing a series of novels based around a family just seemed too anal. Still a great insight into the Paris art scene in mid nineteenth century Paris 7/10

www.emilezola.info

The Uncommon Reader

by Alan Bennett
If you ever feel guilty curling up and reading a book this is the perfect book to assuage your guilt. Written with gentle humour this is a great book and it will only take you an afternoon in front of the fire to read. My only problem was it was not long enough! 9/10