by Paul Coelho
I was dissapointed with this book. It read like a book of biblical proverbs-and indeed quotes liberally from the bible. The plot is very thin if existing at all. Like all of his books that I have read the language is beautiful at times and did save the book for me from a premature end. 4/10
Monday, April 29, 2013
The Ghost riders of Ordebec
by Fred Vargas
Another good read featuring Inspector Adamsberg. I like these novels because they are full of quirky characters. This novel is no exception and if anything swings too far into the quirky nature of the Inspector and his team rather than concentrating on the crime that needed solving. It was not the best of Fred Vargas but enjoyable all the same. 7/10
Another good read featuring Inspector Adamsberg. I like these novels because they are full of quirky characters. This novel is no exception and if anything swings too far into the quirky nature of the Inspector and his team rather than concentrating on the crime that needed solving. It was not the best of Fred Vargas but enjoyable all the same. 7/10
A dance to the Music of Time-Spring
by Anthony Powell
This is the first volume of the four part version of Powell's story of 20th century England, consisting of three of the twelve novels in the series. I found myself drifting from wrapt enjoyment to wishing he would just get on with it throughout the story. Some of the characters are really enjoyable. The alcoholic Stringham, the arrogant Widmerpool and the crazy left winger Gypsy Jones spring to mind among others. The narrator, Nicholas Jenkins I found tedious in the way he was so detatched from the story he was intimately involved in.
We move from his schooldays-just after the Great War-to the 1930's, and it is a well drawn picture of a very narrow section of British society during this period. It is comical in places but overall it left me with a feeling of melancholy. Will I read the rest of the series? I think I probably will, but need a break first. 6/10
This is the first volume of the four part version of Powell's story of 20th century England, consisting of three of the twelve novels in the series. I found myself drifting from wrapt enjoyment to wishing he would just get on with it throughout the story. Some of the characters are really enjoyable. The alcoholic Stringham, the arrogant Widmerpool and the crazy left winger Gypsy Jones spring to mind among others. The narrator, Nicholas Jenkins I found tedious in the way he was so detatched from the story he was intimately involved in.
We move from his schooldays-just after the Great War-to the 1930's, and it is a well drawn picture of a very narrow section of British society during this period. It is comical in places but overall it left me with a feeling of melancholy. Will I read the rest of the series? I think I probably will, but need a break first. 6/10
Thursday, March 21, 2013
Hard Times
by Charles Dickens
The only major novel by Dickens I had not read previously. I thoroughly enjoyed this as Dickens lays into nineteenth century capitalism with all guns blazing.
Yes its full of melodrama, and cartoon characters but it is also full of comedy (read the first few chapters to see where Monty Python got there "shoebox in the middle of the road"sketch), and great characters like Gradgrind and Bounderby, Stephen and Rachel.
If you have never read any Dickens, this is not his best novel, but it is short and would be a good place to start. I am biased because I love Dickens so don't be swayed by my score. 9/10
The only major novel by Dickens I had not read previously. I thoroughly enjoyed this as Dickens lays into nineteenth century capitalism with all guns blazing.
Yes its full of melodrama, and cartoon characters but it is also full of comedy (read the first few chapters to see where Monty Python got there "shoebox in the middle of the road"sketch), and great characters like Gradgrind and Bounderby, Stephen and Rachel.
If you have never read any Dickens, this is not his best novel, but it is short and would be a good place to start. I am biased because I love Dickens so don't be swayed by my score. 9/10
The Second World War
by Antony Beevor
I covered this book through a combination of audio book and print. If I am honest, I may not have finished this in print as I am not a big follower of military history, and inevitably there is a lot of description of battles. However, this book covers a lot of the politics and social history as well, and is an excellent overview of a war that changed the face of the world.
The numbers become incomprehensible and the depths of savagery that man can fall too are made very apparrent. I think everyone should make themselves aware of this conflict in the hope that we may never go there again. History is written by the victors and this book is no exception (so for instance bomber Harris is treated far more leniently than he would have been if German), but for all that it tries to be as objective as possible. A chilling book, a depressing book, but with this subject matter, it should be. 9/10
I covered this book through a combination of audio book and print. If I am honest, I may not have finished this in print as I am not a big follower of military history, and inevitably there is a lot of description of battles. However, this book covers a lot of the politics and social history as well, and is an excellent overview of a war that changed the face of the world.
The numbers become incomprehensible and the depths of savagery that man can fall too are made very apparrent. I think everyone should make themselves aware of this conflict in the hope that we may never go there again. History is written by the victors and this book is no exception (so for instance bomber Harris is treated far more leniently than he would have been if German), but for all that it tries to be as objective as possible. A chilling book, a depressing book, but with this subject matter, it should be. 9/10
Friday, February 22, 2013
Waiting for Sunrise
by William Boyd
When your lead character has a name like Lysander Rief, and the book opens in 1913 Vienna with him visiting a contemporary of Freud to deal with a complaint called Anorgasmia (you will have to look it up or read the book), then you know you are in for another great tale from William Boyd.
Lysander is an actor by profession, the son of a famous actor, and we follow him from Vienna to London to avoid a scrape, and into the First World War, espionage and more to boot. Anything I have read by William Boyd is always enjoyable. I enjoyed the twists and turns in the latter stages of the novel but found myself a little disappointed with the ending. 7/10
When your lead character has a name like Lysander Rief, and the book opens in 1913 Vienna with him visiting a contemporary of Freud to deal with a complaint called Anorgasmia (you will have to look it up or read the book), then you know you are in for another great tale from William Boyd.
Lysander is an actor by profession, the son of a famous actor, and we follow him from Vienna to London to avoid a scrape, and into the First World War, espionage and more to boot. Anything I have read by William Boyd is always enjoyable. I enjoyed the twists and turns in the latter stages of the novel but found myself a little disappointed with the ending. 7/10
The Rise and Fall of the Second Empire, 1852-1871
by Alain Plessis
This is a book in the Cambridge History of Modern France series. I enjoyed it because I have an interest in all things to do with the Second Empire in France, and this book is a good backgrounder to the social and political events of that time. Having said that, it could be a bit dry at times and may be better to dip into than read cover to cover. Mind you, it is not that long at 212 pages.
It gives some fascinating insights into a period of significant change in France resulting from the railways and changes in industrial and commercial practices. It also approaches the topic of Napoleon III's reputation and whether he was a force for good or bad, and I think concludes that the jury is still out! 7/10
This is a book in the Cambridge History of Modern France series. I enjoyed it because I have an interest in all things to do with the Second Empire in France, and this book is a good backgrounder to the social and political events of that time. Having said that, it could be a bit dry at times and may be better to dip into than read cover to cover. Mind you, it is not that long at 212 pages.
It gives some fascinating insights into a period of significant change in France resulting from the railways and changes in industrial and commercial practices. It also approaches the topic of Napoleon III's reputation and whether he was a force for good or bad, and I think concludes that the jury is still out! 7/10
A Cold Day for Murder
by Dana Stabenow
This is the first in a series of 20 novels featuring Kate Shugak. She is an ex police officer who lives in the middle of a cold Alaska, where crime is rife and racism is not far under the surface. This case involves an investigation of two missing persons. It is a quick read but I liked the characters and the description of an unknown landscape. Not sure she will be boosting the local tourism economy though. Good relaxing reading if you like crime novels 7/10
This is the first in a series of 20 novels featuring Kate Shugak. She is an ex police officer who lives in the middle of a cold Alaska, where crime is rife and racism is not far under the surface. This case involves an investigation of two missing persons. It is a quick read but I liked the characters and the description of an unknown landscape. Not sure she will be boosting the local tourism economy though. Good relaxing reading if you like crime novels 7/10
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
The Cleaner of Chartres
by Sally Vickers
This was not my normal choice of read but I enjoyed it. The descriptions of Chartres and the Cathedral are very good and the plot-while not exactly complex-moves along at an engaging pace. The cleaner of the title has a mysterious past that is unveiled as the story progresses and has a good upbeat ending.
Some of the story line seems a bit unnecessary-do we really need a mother superior running off with a monk in Rome? Still apart from some monor irritations along this line it was still agreeable. 6/10
This was not my normal choice of read but I enjoyed it. The descriptions of Chartres and the Cathedral are very good and the plot-while not exactly complex-moves along at an engaging pace. The cleaner of the title has a mysterious past that is unveiled as the story progresses and has a good upbeat ending.
Some of the story line seems a bit unnecessary-do we really need a mother superior running off with a monk in Rome? Still apart from some monor irritations along this line it was still agreeable. 6/10
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
The One Hundred Year Old Man Who Climbed Out of the Window and Disappeared
by Jonas Jonasson
This is a book that lives up to the promise of the wacky title.
It follows the fortune of its hero, Allan Karlsson, following his climb out of the said window as well as going back over his remarkable life.
It follows the fortune of its hero, Allan Karlsson, following his climb out of the said window as well as going back over his remarkable life.
The book is very funny in places but falls into the tallest of tall story categories and is ultimately a feel good story that I was more than ready for by my Christmas break. Apart from the real life historical figures there are a great array of support characters that you cannot help cheering on as the book progresses. 7/10
Saturday, December 15, 2012
Bring up the Bodies
by Hilary Mantel
This is the sequel to Wolf Hall and once again won the Booker prize. I enjoyed this so much more than Wolf Hall. The story of Thomas Cromwell continues and he is given a central role in the demise of Anne Boleyn. He is a great character and if little is known about him historically these books create a character that you both love and hate in equal measure. He is ruthless and yet loyal and has a cast of characters around him who bring the court alive. I still find the writing style hard at times but the plot of this book kept me going even though I knew the ending! 8/10
This is the sequel to Wolf Hall and once again won the Booker prize. I enjoyed this so much more than Wolf Hall. The story of Thomas Cromwell continues and he is given a central role in the demise of Anne Boleyn. He is a great character and if little is known about him historically these books create a character that you both love and hate in equal measure. He is ruthless and yet loyal and has a cast of characters around him who bring the court alive. I still find the writing style hard at times but the plot of this book kept me going even though I knew the ending! 8/10
The Great Gatsby
by F Scott Fitzgerald
Listened to this as audiobook and got a bit frustrated with the narrator. However, the story is good. It is a short novel and yet, somehow, Fitzgerald summons up a sense of place which is breathtaking. The narrator is placed in the centre of the action and yet is totally detached from it, which works incredibly well. Definitely recommend 8/10
Listened to this as audiobook and got a bit frustrated with the narrator. However, the story is good. It is a short novel and yet, somehow, Fitzgerald summons up a sense of place which is breathtaking. The narrator is placed in the centre of the action and yet is totally detached from it, which works incredibly well. Definitely recommend 8/10
Our Man in Havana
by Graham Greene
The story of an English colonial vacuum salesman in Cuba who inadvertently gets caught up in the secret service. Wormold is a great creation, together with his daughter Milly and his friend Dr. Hasselbacher I enjoyed every minute of this book. Probably should be read with a Cuban soundtrack playing in the background and a glass of whiskey by your side.
It is humorous throughout and even in its darker passages(It is Graham Greene after all) it seems to tread lightly. I think the novel works because as the book concludes, Wormold is crazy but "... never quite mad enough." 9/10
The story of an English colonial vacuum salesman in Cuba who inadvertently gets caught up in the secret service. Wormold is a great creation, together with his daughter Milly and his friend Dr. Hasselbacher I enjoyed every minute of this book. Probably should be read with a Cuban soundtrack playing in the background and a glass of whiskey by your side.
It is humorous throughout and even in its darker passages(It is Graham Greene after all) it seems to tread lightly. I think the novel works because as the book concludes, Wormold is crazy but "... never quite mad enough." 9/10
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
The Dinner
by Herman Koch
A very enjoyable book that looks at 4 people out for dinner and how they react. Gradually we start to understand why they are there and the dark secret they all know about but aren't revealing to each other. It builds the tension very well and keeps you asking what you would do in their position.
I found the ending a bit implausible and so would mark it down for that 6/10
A very enjoyable book that looks at 4 people out for dinner and how they react. Gradually we start to understand why they are there and the dark secret they all know about but aren't revealing to each other. It builds the tension very well and keeps you asking what you would do in their position.
I found the ending a bit implausible and so would mark it down for that 6/10
The Prague Cemetery
by Umberto Eco
This is a mad romp through the second half of the nineteenth century with a narrator, one Simomini and possibly a priest called Dalla Piccola. All the other characters in the book are, we are told, real characters from history and certainly many of them are.
We learn very early on that Simonini is in some sort of trouble and, having at some point met with Freud and obtained some cocaine for him, he has locked himself away and is using some Freudian technique to find out what has happened to him.
This allows us to discover Simonini's life story. His only love is food-and maybe money and he seems to hate everybody-the Germans, the Italians, the French, women, Jews(although he has never met any), Freemasons and Jesuits all come in for torrents of abuse in this book.
The story takes us to Italy and the wars of Garibaldi, to France and Germany in a rapid race through various historical episodes. I particularly liked Simonini's involvement in the Dreyfus affair. The book is at once very amusing and slightly disturbing with a great finale. As with other Umberto Eco books he can get bogged down in detail at times but this bbok-which I listened to as an audiobook was very enjoyable. 8/10
This is a mad romp through the second half of the nineteenth century with a narrator, one Simomini and possibly a priest called Dalla Piccola. All the other characters in the book are, we are told, real characters from history and certainly many of them are.
We learn very early on that Simonini is in some sort of trouble and, having at some point met with Freud and obtained some cocaine for him, he has locked himself away and is using some Freudian technique to find out what has happened to him.
This allows us to discover Simonini's life story. His only love is food-and maybe money and he seems to hate everybody-the Germans, the Italians, the French, women, Jews(although he has never met any), Freemasons and Jesuits all come in for torrents of abuse in this book.
The story takes us to Italy and the wars of Garibaldi, to France and Germany in a rapid race through various historical episodes. I particularly liked Simonini's involvement in the Dreyfus affair. The book is at once very amusing and slightly disturbing with a great finale. As with other Umberto Eco books he can get bogged down in detail at times but this bbok-which I listened to as an audiobook was very enjoyable. 8/10
Tales of the New Babylon
by Rupert Christiansen
This book looks at Paris in the years 1869 to 1875.
This is a fascinating time covering the fall of the second empire, the franco-prussian war, the four month seige of Paris and the time of the Commune followed by the birth of the Third Republic.
I bought the book as a reference book to dip into now and then but once I had read the first chapter-a fascinating mix of contemorary travel guides-I was hooked and found it hard to put down until I had finished. The style is very easy and draws heavily on first hand accounts including many foreign observers who were caught up in events of the seige and the commune. There is a very good bibliography and two picture sections. This is most definitely a book I would revisit. 8/10
This book looks at Paris in the years 1869 to 1875.
This is a fascinating time covering the fall of the second empire, the franco-prussian war, the four month seige of Paris and the time of the Commune followed by the birth of the Third Republic.
I bought the book as a reference book to dip into now and then but once I had read the first chapter-a fascinating mix of contemorary travel guides-I was hooked and found it hard to put down until I had finished. The style is very easy and draws heavily on first hand accounts including many foreign observers who were caught up in events of the seige and the commune. There is a very good bibliography and two picture sections. This is most definitely a book I would revisit. 8/10
Tuesday, November 06, 2012
Snowdrops
by AD Miller
My second audiobook!
This book is the tale of a British lawyer in Russia in the early 21st century. Nick, the lawyer tells his story by writing to his fiancee about his time there and what went wrong and how it happened.
From early on you know something disastrous happened, and with the introduction of a stunning blonde and her supposed cousin, you know it must involve them.
It is a very compelling read, and whether or not based in reality, is not very flattering of the emergent Russian society. To the end I was still wanting to know what happened.
Having said that, I found some of Nick's decisions or ommissions a little unbelievable. But that aside I wouldn't hesitate to reccomend it for a holiday read. 7/10
My second audiobook!
This book is the tale of a British lawyer in Russia in the early 21st century. Nick, the lawyer tells his story by writing to his fiancee about his time there and what went wrong and how it happened.
From early on you know something disastrous happened, and with the introduction of a stunning blonde and her supposed cousin, you know it must involve them.
It is a very compelling read, and whether or not based in reality, is not very flattering of the emergent Russian society. To the end I was still wanting to know what happened.
Having said that, I found some of Nick's decisions or ommissions a little unbelievable. But that aside I wouldn't hesitate to reccomend it for a holiday read. 7/10
Where I Left my Soul
by Jerome Ferrari
This is a short novel translated from the French. It involves alternating reflections by two soldiers who have served in Indo China and Algeria together.
In reflections the main narrator, Capitaine Degorce traces his loss of innocence and moral compass, in what becomes a tragic story of the effect of one nations wars on the individual. It was intensely moving and demonstrates the near impossibility of holding firm values in a relativistic world. 9/10
This is a short novel translated from the French. It involves alternating reflections by two soldiers who have served in Indo China and Algeria together.
In reflections the main narrator, Capitaine Degorce traces his loss of innocence and moral compass, in what becomes a tragic story of the effect of one nations wars on the individual. It was intensely moving and demonstrates the near impossibility of holding firm values in a relativistic world. 9/10
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
The Garden of Evening Mists
by Tan Twan Eng
This story moves between three time periods-the second world war, the early 1950's and today.
The story is that of a Chinese malay woman who survives a Japanese slave camp in the second world war and goes on, in part driven by revenge, to become a high court judge. Her sister-who adored Japanese gardens-died in the camp. Hating the Japanese, but wanting to fulfil a promise made to her sister she sets about making a Japanese garden. The book is the story of how she tries to do this-thrown into direct contact with Aritoma-a man who used to be the Emperor's gardener. They work together on Aritomo's garden and this part of the story is set against the backdrop of the civil war in Malaya that led to independance.
The book is beautiful to read and almost sings of the beauty of the garden while at the same time telling a tale of utter despair and hopelessness. Fantastic 8/10
This story moves between three time periods-the second world war, the early 1950's and today.
The story is that of a Chinese malay woman who survives a Japanese slave camp in the second world war and goes on, in part driven by revenge, to become a high court judge. Her sister-who adored Japanese gardens-died in the camp. Hating the Japanese, but wanting to fulfil a promise made to her sister she sets about making a Japanese garden. The book is the story of how she tries to do this-thrown into direct contact with Aritoma-a man who used to be the Emperor's gardener. They work together on Aritomo's garden and this part of the story is set against the backdrop of the civil war in Malaya that led to independance.
The book is beautiful to read and almost sings of the beauty of the garden while at the same time telling a tale of utter despair and hopelessness. Fantastic 8/10
Middlemarch
by George Eliot
This was my first ever audio bookand I loved it-the story and the format. This is a long book where not a great deal happens but the humour and the drama of small town life against a background of national changes is gripping. It is full of heroes and heroines, villains and crooks, all painted with a reality that allows you to recognise them as people you may have come across.
I listened on my way to work and found myself looking for longer routes so I could squeeze a bit more in on each journey.
Was Dorothea too good? Well maybe, but her sense of humour and her mistakes in marriage make you love her anyway. And I am sure am not the only person willing Mr. Casaubin to die! 9/10
This was my first ever audio bookand I loved it-the story and the format. This is a long book where not a great deal happens but the humour and the drama of small town life against a background of national changes is gripping. It is full of heroes and heroines, villains and crooks, all painted with a reality that allows you to recognise them as people you may have come across.
I listened on my way to work and found myself looking for longer routes so I could squeeze a bit more in on each journey.
Was Dorothea too good? Well maybe, but her sense of humour and her mistakes in marriage make you love her anyway. And I am sure am not the only person willing Mr. Casaubin to die! 9/10
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