Round up 2015

Have read a number of series books this year, starting with the MadAddam trilogy and starting the Tariq Ali Islam quintet(covered 3 books). Also read Irene from the Pierre Lemaitre crime trilogy, and reread Money from the Rougon Macquart series. Add to this some Harry Bosch and Maigret and I guess you conclude it was the year of the series.
However, my book of the year comes down to one of three from no series.
A Year of Marvellous Ways by Sarah Winman, a rereading of Great Expectations by Dickens and The Great Swindle by Pierre Lemaitre. If I had to pick one it would probably be Sarah Winman by a whisker, for the way it captures magic in the real.
It would be wrong to end this post without a mention of A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara. How this did not win the Booker escapes me. It was the hardest read this year but a book I could not keep away from despite having to put it down for a day or two en route.

The Rise of Islamic State

by Patrick Cockburn
A useful introduction to the stories behind the headlines in the current Syrian mess.
If you didn't think British bombing was misguided before reading this you may be persuaded otherwise reading this book. 8/10

The Great Swindle

by Pierre Lemaitre
There are numerous swindles going on in this book set against the backdrop of the first world war-the greatest swindle of all. I really enjoyed this book. The first chapter is fantastic, leaving you wondering what the book is about and where it will go. After that it is a case of follow the swindles.
This is such a contrast to his detective works but still great writing One of the best reads this year. 9/10

Great Expectations

by Charles Dickens
What Larks! What can I say, one of my all time favourites and the book that kicked off my love of Dickens. Pip is still as annoying, Estella is still annoying but the characters are all wonderful and the book is a joy to read. 9/10