Vivienne's reading in 2017 - Part 2

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Vivienne's reading in 2017 - Part 2

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1VivienneR
Modifié : Août 31, 2017, 10:37 pm



This is my fifth year at Club Read. And another year where I promise to reduce the TBR mountain.

As usual, I'm also doing the Category Challenge and can be found at Vivienne's Year of the Cat




Up Next:

Saturday by Ian McEwan
Unnatural Causes by P.D. James

2VivienneR
Modifié : Juin 10, 2017, 4:45 pm

Books Read - January to March

January:
1. Family Album by Penelope Lively
2. The terracotta dog by Andrea Camilleri
3. Quite honestly by John Mortimer
4. The art detective: fakes, frauds, and finds and the search for lost treasures by Philip Mould
5. Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen
6. My name is Lucy Barton by Elizabeth Strout
7. Escape from the land of snows: The young Dalai Lama's harrowing flight to freedom and the making of a spiritual hero by Stephan Talty
8. The naming of the dead by Ian Rankin
9. The locked room by Maj Sjöwall & Per Wahlöö
10. Ruling Passion by Reginald Hill
11. Shake hands forever by Ruth Rendell
12. Why we make mistakes by Joseph T. Hallinan
13. The journal of Hildegard of Bingen by Barbara Lachman
14. People of the book by Geraldine Brooks

February
15. An ordinary decent criminal by Michael Van Rooy
16. The curious case of the copper corpse by C. Alan Bradley
17. Dead ground in between by Maureen Jennings
18: Harry Potter and the sorceror's stone by J.K. Rowling
19. Unless by Carol Shields
20. A man called Ove by Fredrick Backman
21. Michelle Obama: an American story by David Colbert
22. The Silent Wife by A.S.A. Harrison
23. Skeleton Hill by Peter Lovesey
24. Innocent heroes: stories of animals in the First World War by Sigmund Brouwer
25. Sam Sorts by Marthe Jocelyn
26. The white cat and the monk: a retelling of the poem "Pangur Bán" by Jo Ellen Bogart, Illustrated by Sydney Smith
27. Being Mortal: ageing, illness, medicine, and what matters in the end by Atul Gawande
28. Mortal Coils by Aldous Huxley
29. Three weeks with my brother by Nicholas Sparks, Micah Sparks
30. For your eyes only: Ian Fleming and James Bond by Ben Macintyre
31. The Pigeon Tunnel: stories from my life by John le Carré
32. Smiley's People by John le Carré
33. The pursuit of love by Nancy Mitford

March
34. On Canaan's side by Sebastian Barry
35. The lark in the clear air by Dennis T. Patrick Sears
36. The Dinner by Herman Koch
37. Roast Beef, Medium: the business adventures of Emma Chesney by Edna Ferber
38. End of Watch by Stephen King
39. Birds without wings by Louis de Bernières
40. Pardonable Lies by Jacqueline Winspear
41. A Question of Blood by Ian Rankin
42. An Irish Country Girl by Patrick Taylor
43. The Cruellest Month by Louise Penny
44. Miss Peregrine's home for peculiar children by Ransom Riggs
45. Jane Austen by Carol Shields
46. Benny the biplane by Fritz Carmichael
47. Calibre by Ken Bruen
48. Classic John Buchan Stories by John Buchan
49. Last bus to Woodstock by Colin Dexter

3VivienneR
Modifié : Août 21, 2017, 2:01 pm

Books Read - April to June

April
50. Death at the President's Lodging by Michael Innes
51. Three Day Road by Joseph Boyden
52. The Ides of June: a mystery set in Roman Britain by Rosemary Rowe
53. Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson
54. Desert heat by J.A. Jance
55. April Fool by William Deverell
56. The book of Stanley by Todd Babiak
57. An available man by Hilma Wolitzer
58. Dimanche and other stories by Iréne Nèmirovsky
59. Millhouse by Natale Ghent
60. Me, the mob and the music : one helluva ride with Tommy James and the Shondells by Tommy James
61. Bog Child by Siobhan Dowd
62. Autumn by Ali Smith
63. Anne's house of dreams by L.M. Montgomery

May
64. Faithful Place by Tana French
65. Career of evil by Robert Galbraith
66. Bad Luck and Trouble by Lee Child
67. Peace by Richard Bausch
68. Death of a dreamer by M.C. Beaton
69. His Bloody Project by Graeme Macrae Burnet
70. To kill a mockingbird by Harper Lee
71. The Big Book of Canada: Exploring the Provinces and Territories by Christopher Moore
72. To kill a mockingbird by Harper Lee
73. August Heat by Andrea Camilleri translated by Stephen Sartarelli
74. Thrice the brinded cat hath mew'd by C. Alan Bradley
75. West with the night by Beryl Markham
76. The Vegetarian by Kang Han, translated by Deborah Smith
77. Circling the Sun by Paula McLain
78. Call the dead again by Ann Granger
79. Heart of a stranger by Margaret Laurence

June
80. The white lioness by Henning Mankell, translated by Laurie Thompson
81. Olivia Joules and the overactive imagination by Helen Fielding
82. The boys in the trees by Carly Simon
83. Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi
84. Double cross: the true story of the D-Day spies by Ben Macintyre
85. Another Brooklyn by Jacqueline Woodson
86. A Jest of God by Margaret Laurence
87. Churchill remembered by BBC Archives, Mark Jones
88. The Fog by Kyo Maclear, illustrated by Kenard Pak
89. Burial rites by Hannah Kent
90. No signposts in the sea by Vita Sackville-West
91. Freeze Frame by Peter May
92. You who know by Nicholas Freeling
93. Angela Merkel: Europe's most influential leader by Matthew Qvortrup
94. Doctor Thorne by Anthony Trollope
95. Dry Bones that Dream by Peter Robinson

4VivienneR
Modifié : Sep 1, 2017, 1:39 pm

July
96. Running in the family by Michael Ondaatje
97. Vegetarian celebrations by Nava Atlas
98. The view from Castle Rock by Alice Munro
99. Sanaaq: an Inuit novel by Mitiarjuk Nappaaluk translated from Inuktitut to French to English
100. The Specific Ocean by Kyo Maclear, illustrated by Katty Maurey
101. The Rebel Angels by Robertson Davies
102. Birthday Party by C.H.B. Kitchin
103. Reading the bones by Gina McMurchy-Barber
104. A rule against murder by Louise Penny
105. Birds, art, life: a year of observation by Kyo Maclear
106. The Taken by Inger Ash Wolfe
107. After the war is over by Jennifer Robson
108. How does a single blade of grass thank the sun? by Doretta Lau
109. Do not say we have nothing by Madeleine Thien
110. At the water's edge by Sarah Gruen
111. Waging a heavy peace: a hippie dream by Neil Young
112. No such creature by Giles Blunt

August
113. The tiny hero of Ferny Creek library by Linda Bailey
114. The Dry by Jane Harper
115. On Her Majesty's Secret Service by Ian Fleming
116. The narrow road to the deep north by Richard Flanagan
117. Not the end of the world by Kate Atkinson
118. Fifteen Dogs by Andre Alexis
119. Solace of the road by Siobhan Dowd
120. Restless by William Boyd
121. An Incomplete Revenge by Jacqueline Winspear
122. Love over Scotland by Alexander McCall Smith
123. Dog Night at the Story Zoo by Dan Bar-el illustrated by Vicki Nerino
124. The Zig Zag Girl by Elly Griffiths
125. Atonement by Ian McEwan
126. The Snack Thief by Andrea Camilleri
127. In a dry season by Peter Robinson
128. Screamin' Jay Hawkins' greatest hits by Mark Binelli

5VivienneR
Avr 7, 2017, 9:21 pm



Three Day Road by Joseph Boyden

Xavier Bird and Elijah Weeageechak were two young Cree boys, removed from a residential school to live with Xavier's aunt, Niska, a medicine woman who lived in the bush following the old traditions. Boyden's story was inspired in part by real-life aboriginal WWI heroes Francis Pegahmagabow and John Shiwak. The title refers to those about to die having to walk the Three Day Road. Xavier is travelling his Three Day Road back to his home in Northern Ontario while Niska tells stories to heal him as she paddles the canoe. Xavier's memories of the war are interwoven with Niska's stories. In this way the reader gets to know their history, the Cree lifestyle, and the horrors Xavier and Elijah experienced at Ypres, the Somme, and Passchendaele. Boyden has given this book a depth and passion not often seen in fiction as the reader becomes deeply immersed with the characters, their lives and the cultural differences. This is a powerful story that is worthy of the accolades it garnered. Its breathtaking prose is all the more impressive for a debut novel.

My friend John gave me his copy of the book and insisted I read it. I have since passed it on to another of John's friends with the same directive. Highly recommended.

6Caroline_McElwee
Avr 12, 2017, 6:33 am

You may have hit me with a book bullet there, Vivienne.

7VivienneR
Avr 12, 2017, 1:23 pm

Glad to have been of service, Caroline.

8wandering_star
Avr 16, 2017, 11:10 am

Likewise! I read Boyden's The Orenda about 18 months ago and thought it was excellent. I will look out for this one.

9VivienneR
Avr 16, 2017, 12:06 pm



April Fool by William Deverell

Set on the fictitious island of Garibaldi in the gulf between Vancouver and Vancouver Island. Being familiar with the area, I can attest that the eccentric characters ring true. There are two cases for retired lawyer Arthur Beauchamp here, the first is to try and stop clearcutting forest on the island, the second is to defend thief, Nick the Owl, of a murder charge. Beauchamp is a highly respected, clever lawyer, one of the elite, yet outside court he becomes a mass of self doubt and insecurity. Deverell's style of natural, unforced humour fits very well with the laid-back west coast flavour of his stories.

10VivienneR
Avr 17, 2017, 3:06 pm



The book of Stanley by Todd Babiak

This was a must-read for me because it is set in Edmonton's Old Strathcona district where I used to live, and in Banff, another favourite spot in Alberta. Imaginative and funny, this is a well-written satire on life and modern culture.

11dchaikin
Avr 17, 2017, 10:02 pm

>5 VivienneR: hmm. Terrific review!

12VivienneR
Avr 18, 2017, 1:37 am

>11 dchaikin: Thank you. It's a terrific book and I know my review doesn't do it justice.

13VivienneR
Avr 18, 2017, 1:43 am

>8 wandering_star: I missed your post until just now. I have The Orenda too, but have put off reading it because I thought it might be too dark or even dismal (a bit like Black Robe by Brian Moore). But since reading Three Day Road I will definitely push it higher up my reading list.

14VivienneR
Avr 18, 2017, 2:18 pm



An available man by Hilma Wolitzer

Edward Schuyler, recovering after the death of his wife, is lonely. His grown-up stepchildren write a letter to the personal ads on his behalf. Poor Edward, after suffering his wife's illness and death, he is expected to negotiate the dating scene once again. This is not a unique storyline, but what makes it a great book is how accurately Wolitzer depicts Edward experiences, emotions and even incidental happenings. Wolitzer's characters, even the minor ones, are so well-drawn. Very enjoyable, I can recommend it highly.

I have seen and enjoyed the movie starring Colin Firth, but remember little about it, apart from Edward ironing in the opening scene.

15AlisonY
Avr 19, 2017, 6:18 pm

57 books already? Wowzers!!!! You go girl.

16VivienneR
Avr 19, 2017, 9:13 pm

>15 AlisonY: And I had a long weekend in Vancouver when all reading came to a standstill. Good to see you dropping by, Alison.

17VivienneR
Avr 20, 2017, 1:24 pm



Dimanche and other stories by Iréne Nèmirovsky

Ten stories written between 1934 and 1942, each of them captivating and passionate. They capture the intricate undercurrents of relationships in families and between lovers, inhibited by the conventions and social graces of the times.

18Caroline_McElwee
Avr 21, 2017, 8:38 am

I have this, but haven't read it yet Vivienne. Glad it's a good one. I do like her work, and have read most of what is in English. I've got this volume, and maybe one novel left to read.

19VivienneR
Avr 21, 2017, 1:41 pm

I didn't rate it as high as Suite Française but that's because I'm not a fan of short stories. They always leave me wanting more. A beautiful writer, I'll be on the lookout for more of her novels.

20VivienneR
Avr 21, 2017, 6:06 pm



This is an Early Reviewer book that I snagged last month.

Millhouse by Natale Ghent

Millhouse, or Milly, as he prefers to be known, is a hairless guinea pig who was brought up in the theatre by the great Shakespearean actor, Sir Roderick Lord Kingswagger. Milly became just as knowledgeable and well-versed in Shakespeare and enjoyed squeaking along with every line and striking an appropriate pose. When Sir Roderick died Millhouse ended up in a pet shop where the other residents did not appreciate his talents. Milly persevered, his natural upbeat character shining through.

This is a captivating story that encourages acceptance of others no matter how different, while at the same time remaining positive in the face of bullying. Ghent's endearing pen and ink illustrations are just right. Recommended for middle grade children or any child who is beginning to enjoy chapter books. For the writing, story, illustrations, and the subtle message, this one earns a full five stars.

21VivienneR
Avr 23, 2017, 7:35 pm



Me, the mob and the music : one helluva ride with Tommy James and the Shondells by Tommy James

"Things had died down a little in New York, literally. There weren't that many people left to kill."

An interesting and worthwhile account of the music business in the sixties. It was made notoriously disreputable by mobsters like Morris Levy who used the business for money laundering. Like many of Levy's artists, Tommy James and the Shondells rarely shared any of the royalty proceeds. James had some big successes, but in my experience as someone who grew up in the sixties, they were a small part of the music scene. James' frequent references to The Beatles gave the impression that he was a little envious of their avant-garde status and success. Towards the end he relates his experience of finding God after a stay at the Betty Ford Clinic, which unfortunately came across as trite, laughable even. Obviously words about faith are unfamiliar. Still, this was an entertaining and very enjoyable story. Martin Fitzpatrick provided an excellent narration of the audiobook version.

22VivienneR
Avr 27, 2017, 12:22 am



Bog Child by Siobhan Dowd

The late Siobhan Dowd was a beautiful writer of stories for young adults and this coming of age story is excellent. It is set in the border region of Northern Ireland in the 1980s, when political prisoners were on hunger strike. Not everyone was on the same side and there was dissension even among family members. The added twist of a body found in the bog where turf was being cut, was oddly out of place. The body was of a young woman who appeared to have been killed 2000 years previously. Presumably Dowd intended the old politics and the new would somehow be viewed as corresponding, equally brutal, but it just seemed like an odd mixture.

23RidgewayGirl
Avr 28, 2017, 11:50 am

You got me with The Book of Stanley. I grew up in Edmonton and while we usually vacationed in Jasper, we did visit Banff enough for me to have memories.

Your thread is the worst for avoiding adding to the wishlist.

24VivienneR
Avr 29, 2017, 2:45 pm

That works both ways, Kay! The following is an example of a BB that came my way from you!

25VivienneR
Modifié : Avr 29, 2017, 2:54 pm



Autumn by Ali Smith

With writing that is mesmerizing, Smith touches on topics from wartime, to the sixties, and into the present that illustrate similarities, perpetual issues. Recurring references to sixties pop artist Pauline Boty is indicative of how fleeting fame can be, of how time, or even appearance, can change perception. Characters are widely contrasted: from 101 year old Daniel to Christine Keeler to the bureaucratic post office worker, they provide a quirky look at who has influence, who matters. Fresh, innovative, whimsical: this is a book that will remain in the mind for a long time and definitely one that demands to be taken off the shelf for repeated readings.



Love to Jean Paul Belmondo by Pauline Boty

26Caroline_McElwee
Mai 2, 2017, 6:49 am

>25 VivienneR: I intended to read this a while ago, Vivienne, but got distracted. I'll nudge it up the pile, maybe for next month.

27VivienneR
Mai 2, 2017, 12:28 pm

Caroline, it's a very short read, but has so much content. I think you'll enjoy it.

28Simone2
Mai 2, 2017, 3:34 pm

>25 VivienneR: Again I think I should read this (after Kay's review I did too). I have now ordered the book, thanks to your thoughts on it.

29VivienneR
Mai 3, 2017, 7:13 pm

>28 Simone2: I hope you like it. It's different, fresh. I enjoyed the references to Pauline Boty who was regarded as too pretty to be a "real" artist. The result is that many believe there were no female pop artists in the sixties.

30VivienneR
Mai 3, 2017, 7:13 pm



Faithful Place by Tana French

Teenage lovers Frank Mackey and Rosie Daly's thwarted attempt of escape from Dublin's poorest neighbourhood develops into a grim story, revealed over twenty years later. French's characters and setting are so authentic that it seems they are real people, dealing with issues that might happen to real people. French, a recent addition to the list of elite mystery authors, is a fantastic writer who can portray tenderness just as naturally as unsparing grimness. Highly recommended.

31RidgewayGirl
Mai 3, 2017, 9:02 pm

Of course you loved Faithful Place.The next one, Broken Harbor, is my favorite (or was until The Trespasser).

I'm happy you loved Autumn, too. I'm really eager for the next one.

32VivienneR
Mai 4, 2017, 1:03 am

Oh, I'm a fan of both authors now. I can't remember how many bullets I've taken for Tana French but thank you, I'm pretty sure one came from you.

33NanaCC
Mai 4, 2017, 8:01 am

>30 VivienneR: Faithful Place may still be my favorite. I love her books, and the most recent was wonderful.

34VivienneR
Mai 5, 2017, 2:59 pm

>33 NanaCC: French is certainly an exceptional writer. I haven't decided whether to back up to the beginning of the series or keep going from here. Either way sounds like there are treats in store!

35VivienneR
Mai 5, 2017, 3:00 pm



Career of evil by Robert Galbraith

As expected from Galbraith, an exciting suspenseful page-turner with excellent characters, especially Robin and Cormoran. This is dark - or maybe gruesome would be a better word, the darkest of the three novels by Galbraith. Blue Oyster Cult song titles were an interesting choice for chapter headings. Galbraith is clever at combining shocking personality attributes with a touch of humour that lightens the heavy topic. The interaction between Cormoran and Robin has developed well and for me, it is the main attraction. It seems Galbraith plans six books in the series, with the fourth expected in the fall of 2017. Looking forward to it because this one ended with a bit of a cliffhanger.

36AlisonY
Mai 6, 2017, 8:50 am

Noting Tana French - haven't read anything by her yet, but sounds like a great writer.

37RidgewayGirl
Mai 6, 2017, 10:10 am

The new Galbraith will be out this fall? That's good news. Rowling has promised she'll pick up right where Career of Evil ended, so that'll be fun.

38VivienneR
Mai 6, 2017, 4:31 pm

>36 AlisonY: It took me a while to pay notice to all the rave reviews here on LT, including RidgewayGirl's, but I'm glad I made it eventually.

>37 RidgewayGirl: I imagine I will have to buy my own copy instead of patiently waiting until the library adds it to their collection.

39VivienneR
Mai 8, 2017, 12:54 pm



Bad Luck and Trouble by Lee Child

Child writes a great action story. Jack Reacher, always a winner, proves to have a facility for mathematics as well as all his other talents. In this story he is working with his old army Special Investigations team who are now the target of a conspiracy.

40NanaCC
Mai 8, 2017, 3:19 pm

I haven't read anything by Lee Child. I'm going to add the series to my wish list.

41VivienneR
Mai 9, 2017, 12:12 am



Peace by Richard Bausch

At the end of 1944 Italy is on the point of surrender, but the country is still filled with retreating Germans and advancing Allies. Bausch describes the thoughts and actions of a small group of American reconnaissance soldiers during two days of unrelenting freezing rain. Peace seems to be beyond imagination. This thought-provoking, mesmerizing story is the quintessence of war.

42VivienneR
Mai 11, 2017, 2:35 pm



His Bloody Project by Graeme Macrae Burnet

Burnet begins with a preface explaining the story that follows as a true crime story from 1869 in the Scottish Highlands. However, it is a clever work of fiction and a deserving nominee shortlisted for the 2016 Man Booker Prize. Descriptions of 19th century crofting were interesting but the unfair treatment of the crofter and the method of determining the murderer's mental state were infuriating. Still, this is a chilling psychological study that includes some genuine elements and is written in a style that gives it an intriguing authenticity.

43kidzdoc
Mai 12, 2017, 7:40 am

>42 VivienneR: I enjoyed His Bloody Project as well. Nice review, Vivienne.

44VivienneR
Mai 12, 2017, 2:13 pm

>43 kidzdoc: Thanks Daryl. I wasn't sure where the bookbullet originated, but it may have been from you. In any case, I'm glad it hit. His Bloody Project was different, and I enjoy books with an unusual approach.

45VivienneR
Modifié : Juil 27, 2017, 11:41 am



This is my latest Early Reviewer book.

The Big Book of Canada: Exploring the Provinces and Territories by Christopher Moore

What a fabulous book for young readers! It has details about each province right down to the most recent events and celebrities. Chapters are arranged by province with text that is inviting and easy on the eye, illustrations that are colourful and attractive. This is a keeper that will provide years of use for study or reference. I have given my copy to a young friend whose enthusiastic opinion clinched a rating of a full five stars. Thank you Tundra, this one is a winner!

46VivienneR
Mai 15, 2017, 5:38 pm



To kill a mockingbird by Harper Lee

A wonderful coming of age story set in Alabama in the 1930s. I first read it when I was a young teenager in the UK. It was a world new to me and I was shocked to discover the ethnic inequality and racism of which I knew nothing until that point. I enjoyed the re-read for its heartwarming qualities but the racism is just as shocking.

This time I listened to the audio version with excellent narration by Sissy Spacek.

47avidmom
Mai 16, 2017, 12:25 pm

Sissy Spacek narrating To Kill A Mockingbird sounds wonderful!

48RidgewayGirl
Mai 17, 2017, 11:15 am

>47 avidmom: I'm in complete agreement. Her narration was perfect and listening (rather than reading, which is faster) allowed me to gain new perspectives on it.

49VivienneR
Mai 17, 2017, 5:40 pm

Some books are improved in audio format, this was one of them. And there are some narrators who sound so close to a memorable movie part they played that it's difficult to erase it from the mind. Again, Sissy Spacek was perfect.

50janeajones
Mai 17, 2017, 7:17 pm

49> I agree. I'm sure it has something to do with storytelling. I had read Toni Morrison's Jazz once or twice and then listened to her reading it. It was a revelation. I heard the jazz rifts echoing through the book; it was like a bard reciting an ancient epic.

51Caroline_McElwee
Mai 18, 2017, 6:36 am

>46 VivienneR: I don't listen to Audio books often at the moment, but I do have that one Vivienne. Nudging up the pile.

52VivienneR
Mai 18, 2017, 2:52 pm

>50 janeajones: That must have been a wonderful experience! Another one for the wishlist.

>51 Caroline_McElwee: I'm still learning about which books work well in audio format, and which ones do not. This is one that was successful but there is nothing compares to holding a "real" book.

53VivienneR
Mai 20, 2017, 1:04 am



Thrice the brinded cat hath mew'd by C. Alan Bradley

One of my favourite series! Like Flavia, this mystery is a bit more grown up although Flavia retains her endearing precocious attitude to murder. Father is in hospital and the sleuthing is keeping her mind occupied. Bradley captures 1950s England beautifully. He includes lots of little details that are so subtle, they are almost hidden in the story, many of which only someone who has been there will appreciate. After the cliffhanger ending, I'll be looking out for the next in the series.

54VivienneR
Mai 21, 2017, 9:12 pm



West with the night by Beryl Markham

I'm sorry to say I haven't heard of Beryl Markham until I read this memoir written in 1936, first published in 1942 and reprinted in the 1980s. Markham was born in 1902 and went to what is now Kenya with her father in 1906. Like her father she was a racehorse trainer but she fell in love with flying and became a bush pilot eventually scouting for elephant from the air and working with people like Baron von Blixen. In 1936 she was the first woman to fly solo east-to-west across the Atlantic.

She was the most adventurous woman I can imagine, afraid of nothing. And to top it all produced this fantastic memoir using the most poetic, beautiful prose that even Hemingway envied. This mesmerizing book goes back on the shelf because it will definitely be read again. Now I plan to read Mary S. Lovell's biography West with the Night and Circling the Sun a fictional story of her life by Paula McLain. There has been some controversy about whether or not Markham wrote the book, but Lovell is said to have been in no doubt about the authorship after meeting Markham.

Best book of the month earning a full five stars!

55NanaCC
Mai 22, 2017, 4:58 pm

56VivienneR
Mai 23, 2017, 12:29 am

>55 NanaCC: I've already started Paula McLain's Circling the Sun and enjoying it a lot too. McLain fills in all the personal details missing from Markham's story.

57VivienneR
Mai 23, 2017, 1:24 am

Yay! I just got my "tenner" badge! It sure doesn't seem like I've been on LT for ten years, time flies when you're having fun.

I've been buying a lot of books recently, and a booksale coming up in a couple of weeks, so I'll have no problem filling the "ten and one to grow on" haul of books. I'll post the list soon.

58VivienneR
Mai 23, 2017, 3:48 pm



This is the list of eleven books purchased in the last two weeks to celebrate my 10th Thingaversary. Neville Stuart and Mary Lovell books have not arrived yet. In my zeal to buy books, I mistakenly bought two versions of Madeleine Thien's book, one print and one audio.

Agatha Christie's secret notebooks by John Curran
The golden child by Penelope Fitzgerald
The likeness by Tana French
Straight on till morning: the biography of Beryl Markham by Mary S. Lovell
I see you by Clare Mackintosh
I let you go by Clare Mackintosh
West with the night by Beryl Markham
Ratlines by Neville Stuart
Crossword mystery by E.R. Punshon
Information received by E.R. Punshon
Do not say we have nothing by Madeleine Thien

59Caroline_McElwee
Mai 23, 2017, 3:51 pm

Happy tenth Thingaversary Vivienne.

60NanaCC
Mai 23, 2017, 4:02 pm

>58 VivienneR: nice choices for your tenth anniversary!

61AlisonY
Mai 23, 2017, 5:40 pm

We love a good book haul.

62VivienneR
Mai 23, 2017, 6:10 pm

Thank you all! Now I have to make room for the books I buy at the library booksale next week. Although only a block away, my DIL and I have to take the car to carry our loot home.

63SassyLassy
Mai 24, 2017, 8:54 am

>54 VivienneR: This is on my TBR in the same edition. Your recommendation is positive indeed, so I shall have to retrieve my copy.

Congratulations on ten years!

64VivienneR
Mai 24, 2017, 1:02 pm

>63 SassyLassy: I've since started Circling the sun by Paula McLain while fictional, it fills in a lot of the personal details Markham omitted. Some have used this omission to suggest West with the night was ghost-written, but if I'd been Markham, these elements are exactly what I would have left out. Markham has written a beautiful book about her love of Africa, horses, and flying, not about the men in her life.

65RidgewayGirl
Mai 24, 2017, 2:18 pm

Happy tenth Thingaversary! The Thien book is very good, but you can read one book twice instead of getting two. That said, I'll be interested in your opinions about the audio version.

66VivienneR
Modifié : Mai 24, 2017, 10:10 pm

Thank you, Kay! I'm interested too in comparing the different formats. Bodies of Light by Sarah Moss arrived in the mail today to round off the Thingaversary gifts to an even dozen. I'm looking forward to it, a bullet from kidzdoc.

67VivienneR
Mai 25, 2017, 3:50 pm



The Vegetarian by Han Kang, translated by Deborah Smith

Although all of the characters have an oppressive sense of despair, the story is memorable in a haunting way. And while I can appreciate the merit in this Kafkaesque story depicting the progression of mental illness, I can't say I enjoyed it.

68VivienneR
Mai 27, 2017, 3:22 pm



Circling the Sun by Paula McLain

It was a bad idea to follow up Beryl Markham's excellent autobiography West with the Night with this fictionalized biography that was a disappointment by comparison. The characters were colourless, the book filled with details of illicit relationships. There is no denying that the affairs happened, but Beryl Markham deserves better than what amounts to a romance story with an exotic setting.

It has occasionally been thought that Markham's third husband wrote West With the Night, but in an afterword McLain confirms that it was written by Markham because a significant amount of the manuscript was presented to the publisher long before meeting the third husband.

69VivienneR
Modifié : Juin 2, 2017, 11:28 am



Heart of a stranger by Margaret Laurence

"For a writer of fiction, part of the heart remains that of a stranger, for what we are trying to do is to understand those others who are our fictional characters, somehow to gain entrance to their minds and feelings, to respect them for themselves as human individuals, and to portray them as truly as we can."

This is a collection of essays written between 1964 and 1975 from one of my favourite authors. The essays, all previously published, are about her travels, and the places she has lived. They reveal an understanding and appreciation of her character. And although the essays about Somalia, Egypt and the Suez Canal are a bit dated, considering the changes that have taken place in the areas since, they also provide an interesting historic look at the locations. The parts I enjoyed most were those set in England, Scotland and Canada. Needless to say, the essays are beautifully written, full of humour: the quintessential Margaret Laurence.

70Caroline_McElwee
Modifié : Mai 31, 2017, 5:19 pm

>69 VivienneR: Ouch, book bullet, Vivienne I love essays, especially literary essays. I bought one of her novels years ago, then realised it was the last in a series, so I need to read the earlier books before reading it.

71VivienneR
Mai 31, 2017, 4:52 pm

Essays and short stories are not my favourite, but I think I'd enjoy Margaret Laurence's shopping list! I can hear her voice as I read her words. My favourite novel is The Stone Angel.

72SassyLassy
Juin 1, 2017, 6:21 pm

>69 VivienneR: and >70 Caroline_McElwee: Over in the Viragos group, Margaret Laurence is the featured author for June.

>69 VivienneR: Is that an old New Canadian Library edition? I look for them occasionally but there were so many cover series that it's difficult to work on just one or two.

73VivienneR
Modifié : Juin 2, 2017, 11:35 am

>72 SassyLassy: When I finished I gave the book to my daughter-in-law so I can't check the edition. The cover image is correct, if that provides any information.

I have since corrected the touchstone, but the author touchstone can't be quickly fixed.

ETA: Thanks for the reminder that Laurence is the Virago group featured author for June. I will have to choose at least one this month.

74VivienneR
Juin 5, 2017, 1:58 am



The white lioness by Henning Mankell, translated by Laurie Thompson

Another great mystery from Mankell involving a plot to assassinate Nelson Mandela. There are a number of police mistakes, a nail-biting ploy Mankell seems to like using, but sure to create an enthralling read. Very enjoyable.

75Caroline_McElwee
Juin 5, 2017, 7:54 am

I've read most of Mankell's Wallander books, I like the slow thoughtfulness of his detective.

76VivienneR
Juin 5, 2017, 3:21 pm

Although I have several, I put off reading them because I'd watched the tv series (both the Swedish one and the British one with Kenneth Branagh) but I enjoyed The White Lioness as if it was brand new to me. I agree, Wallander's style is a big attraction.

77NanaCC
Juin 6, 2017, 5:57 am

I think I've read most of Mankell, as well. I picked up one of his stand alone novels one time, called The Man From Beijing. It also winds up in Africa at some point. I seem to recall that a few of the Wallander books do.

78Caroline_McElwee
Modifié : Juin 6, 2017, 7:14 am

Mankell spent a lot of his life in Africa, Colleen. I think I have one of his African stand-alones somewhere.

79VivienneR
Juin 6, 2017, 12:38 pm

Thanks for that bit of info Caroline, it explains why he is so knowledgable about the country.

Colleen, I read somewhere that The Man from Beijing wasn't as good as others? I'd be interested in your opinion.

80VivienneR
Juin 7, 2017, 1:22 pm



Olivia Joules and the overactive imagination by Helen Fielding

This should have been titled Helen Fielding's overactive imagination! Even though it is full of fun and action I was tempted to abandon it soon after starting, but heroically kept going. Mistake!

81VivienneR
Modifié : Juil 27, 2017, 11:44 am



The boys in the trees by Carly Simon

My copy is in audio format read by the author, whose voice can be slightly monotone, but still pleasant to hear. Simon's life was shaped by her own childhood insecurities, increased by having a stutter, an impediment that was treated by singing. The story was more than just a recitation of events, but revealed thoughts, dreams, loves, and was almost lyrical in places. My biggest quibble was that her narration was often accompanied by music that almost drowned out her voice, a tad annoying but no fault of of Simon's. Not bad, not great, some passages were quite uninteresting and could have been improved with editing.

82NanaCC
Modifié : Juin 8, 2017, 4:48 pm

>79 VivienneR: I just read my comments about The Man from Beijing, and I had said that despite some flaws I enjoyed it. I think that the political thread may have been a little off putting., and there was a little bit of the plot that did not entirely make sense. I gave it 3.5 stars.

83VivienneR
Juin 8, 2017, 5:40 pm

Thanks Colleen, I'll remember that when that title comes up. It may be one that I will skip. We have enough politics to keep us busy :)

84NanaCC
Juin 8, 2017, 9:52 pm

>83 VivienneR: oh, so true.....

You won't be missing anything, as it isn't part of a series.

85VivienneR
Juin 9, 2017, 10:39 pm



Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi

A brilliant epic story, demonstrating the vast length of time and number of individuals affected by the slave trade, the legacy following generation after generation after generation. Gyasi filled in a lot of the fuzzy areas of history for me with this history of the people now known as African American, even though it's only part of the story. Gyasi's details are the type that stay in the mind forever. Highly recommended.

86Caroline_McElwee
Juin 10, 2017, 5:59 am

That could be my next fiction read Vivienne, it's been on my shelf a while, and a few people I know have been blown away by it.

87VivienneR
Juin 10, 2017, 1:14 pm

You will enjoy it - although "enjoy" seems the wrong word. It describes the cumulative effect of the slave trade like no other book I've read, and yet stays with the experience of individuals.

88Yells
Juin 10, 2017, 9:56 pm

>85 VivienneR: It's an awesome book but I wouldn't recommend the audio version. It was well done but it took me forever to figure out that the novel is really a series of stories and not one continuous one. Every time it switched on the next generation, I got hopelessly lost. Fascinating subject though!

89VivienneR
Juin 11, 2017, 3:05 am

>88 Yells: Yes, that could be a problem, especially with unfamiliar names. I was impressed by Gyasi's ability to do "close-up" stories of individuals and yet depict this huge happening that affected so much of human history.

90VivienneR
Juin 12, 2017, 12:27 pm



Double cross: the true story of the D-Day spies by Ben Macintyre

A thoroughly engrossing read! The stories are remarkable and Macintyre's writing captures the era and characters brilliantly. This is non-fiction that reads like a thrilling action story. I loved the clever idea of double-agent pigeons.

91VivienneR
Modifié : Juin 15, 2017, 1:32 pm



A Jest of God by Margaret Laurence

A simple story, that of an ordinary woman, yet it imparts a poweful tale that shows an unerring perception of relationships, especially the one with her mother where the things not said have more importance than those spoken. This was my third reading and I cannot praise this novel enough. Laurence's writing is simply superb.

A favourite quote: In the church she and her mother attend, Rachel likens the image of Jesus to "a slightly effeminate insurance salesman who, somewhat incongruously, seems to be clad in a toga".



Churchill remembered by BBC Archives, Mark Jones

This is a biographical sketch of Churchill, created from a collection of audio material held in the BBC Archives. Some of the recordings from early 1900s are anecdotes from people who knew him at that time and are naturally quite dated. The recording and story-telling quality improves as it progresses. This is an interesting audio collection that provides an excellent and entertaining portrait of Churchill that is a combination of personal, political and picturesque. I enjoyed this much more than I thought I would. The personal accounts and news announcements made the iconic Churchill, as well as the times, very real. Tim Piggott-Smith provides an excellent presentation.

92VivienneR
Modifié : Juin 17, 2017, 3:28 pm



The Fog by Kyo Maclear, illustrated by Kenard Pak

Maclear has written a beautiful story about a young birdwatcher, the red-hooded spectacled female (juvenile), and a small avian human-watcher known as Warble, in Icyland. The pair meet and share ideas and interests. The story has a message of sorts about pollution that a child may not pick up right away, but the information will be stored away and at some time, understood. The endpapers are particularly entertaining with illustrations of humans with bird-like names such as "hairy orange-crowned male (juvenile)" or the "swift red-capped pitcher". Even the author and illustrator biographies are written in avian terms. This is a marvellous story accompanied by fabulous illustrations that is sure to become a treasured favourite.

This was an Early Reviewer snag.

93VivienneR
Juin 17, 2017, 3:28 pm



Burial rites by Hannah Kent

In 1829 the last execution took place in Iceland. A man and woman were beheaded for murder. Kent, an Australian, has created this novel from the real-life story, focusing on the condemned woman, Agnes, who is held at a farm while awaiting execution. Despite being counselled by a young, inexperienced priest, her story is eventually revealed to the farmer's wife who had been initially hostile to Agnes.

Kent has researched 19th century Icelandic culture thoroughly and recreates it believably. My main complaint is that the story is a bit too dreamy, too wordy, as if the author is trying too hard to conjure up the scene in poetic prose. This is probably a first novel mistake, and even though the novel is a good one, it served to slow down the suspense. I was curious about the word "agreeance" used in the text. Use of the word faded out in the mid-19th century, so it is correct here. It is ironic that Agnes, the accused's name, means pure, holy.

94VivienneR
Juin 20, 2017, 1:16 pm

Two books finished yesterday.



No signposts in the sea by Vita Sackville-West
A heartbreaking story of undeclared love that takes place while on an ocean voyage. This was Sackville-West's last book, a novella really, and although the subtle story is beautifully written it doesn't rival her other works, such as my favourite, The Edwardians.



Freeze Frame by Peter May
This was my first Peter May story and it makes me wonder how he has escaped my notice until now. It was the type of mystery that I enjoy most, a sleuth with pizzazz, an intriguing mystery set in foreign parts, in this case Ile de Groix, an island off the coast of Brittany.

95Caroline_McElwee
Juin 20, 2017, 3:43 pm

It's years since I read any Vita. Victoria Glendinning's Vita: The Life of Vita Sackville West is excellent Vivienne.

96NanaCC
Juin 20, 2017, 4:30 pm

>94 VivienneR: I've added the Peter May series to my wishlist....
Just what I need, another series. :)

97dchaikin
Juin 20, 2017, 5:47 pm

Catching up from a ways back, many interesting books here. It's nice to see Peace show up, a memorable book for me. I haven't seen the title in a while.

98VivienneR
Juin 20, 2017, 7:08 pm

>95 Caroline_McElwee: Thanks Caroline, I have it on my wishlist. I love even the gardening books by Vita.

>96 NanaCC: Yes, another series! Just what we need.

>97 dchaikin: Daniel, Peace was excellent! It is a better representation of war than most books.

99arubabookwoman
Juin 23, 2017, 3:29 pm

>94 VivienneR: Peter May's Lewis Chessmen trilogy, beginning with The Blackhouse is excellent!

100VivienneR
Juin 23, 2017, 3:45 pm

Thank you! I just put that series on my wishlist after being hit by a book bullet here. Can't remember the origin of bb, it might even have come from you!

101NanaCC
Juin 24, 2017, 2:32 pm

>99 arubabookwoman: &>100 VivienneR:. Lois (Avaland) put that series on my wishlist. I've yet to get to it.

102VivienneR
Juin 28, 2017, 8:08 pm



Angela Merkel: Europe's most influential leader by Matthew Qvortrup

Knowing little of Merkel to begin with, I found every detail to be interesting. She has a strong personality and thoughtful deliberation that conveys a reassuring confidence in her decisions. Among the abundant issues she has faced I was particularly struck by her courage in opening borders to refugees in 2015. Her compelling reasons were threefold: firstly, as she announced at an EU meeting "I lived a long time behind a fence, it is not something I wish do do again"; secondly, her well thought-out economic plan will try to increase a diminishing younger population to counter the expanding number of seniors; and thirdly, her humanitarian view "There is no tolerance for those who question the worth of other people, no tolerance for those who are not willing to help, when helping is right and humane". Clearly her decisions are not egotistical but made in true consideration of the country and the people. This is a world leader to be trusted and admired, little wonder she is the most influential leader.

Qvortrup's biography will help the reader broaden their understanding and knowledge of the modern world, particularly European politics. He left me wanting more about Angela Merkel, the person.

There was a lot to absorb from this book so I will probably go back to it again.

103RidgewayGirl
Juin 28, 2017, 8:42 pm

>102 VivienneR: I do love Angela Merkel. Her upbringing certainly informs her decisions and the world is the better for it.

104VivienneR
Juin 29, 2017, 12:55 am

I'm so glad, Kay. Your opinion is valuable because you have seen the country in action - so to speak. I've been so impressed with the little I have heard of her so I was delighted to find this on the new books shelf. I should have given it more than four stars, but there were a lot of political names unfamiliar to me that made it more like work.

105Caroline_McElwee
Juin 29, 2017, 6:06 am

>102 VivienneR: OUCH, book bullet hit, Vivienne.

106janeajones
Juin 29, 2017, 9:46 am

The Merkel book sounds very timely.

107VivienneR
Juin 29, 2017, 11:55 am

>105 Caroline_McElwee: Good! You will enjoy it. It's a pleasure to read of a strong, intelligent woman at the helm.

>106 janeajones: Especially after her recent trip to the U.S.

108VivienneR
Modifié : Juin 30, 2017, 2:25 pm



Doctor Thorne by Anthony Trollope

Wonderful story! It's more of a social commentary and history of 19th century gentry and quite funny in places. The raucus election campaign was laugh-out-loud funny, reminding me of the (less funny) recent US election campaign. The lengthy story progresses like a page-turner in slow-motion. I enjoyed it a lot, but maybe not quite as much as Barchester Towers, still a lot.

109janeajones
Juin 30, 2017, 2:33 pm

Sounds like fun, Vivienne.

110VivienneR
Juil 1, 2017, 12:30 am

Jane, it was a lot of fun, but the "action" is oh-so-slow.

111VivienneR
Juil 1, 2017, 1:57 am

 

To all my friends, wherever you are, enjoy Canada's 150th birthday, July 1st.

112VivienneR
Juil 1, 2017, 7:15 pm



Dry Bones that Dream by Peter Robinson

Robinson never lets me down. This one is an older book and it's kind of funny to read about technology, and attitudes to it, in the nineties. I've been reading the series out of order and this was my first featuring constable Susan Gay. I'm hoping there will be more appearances from her. This was an engrossing mystery and I sort of figured out the solution about half-way. Still, I really enjoyed it.

113VivienneR
Juil 2, 2017, 2:52 pm



Running in the family by Michael Ondaatje

This is a poetic, lyrical book of memories and anecdotes about the author's aristocratic and eccentric Ceylonese-Dutch family. Like most family tales, some may have taken on a larger-than-life quality, with the basic story embellished in the retelling. My version is an audiobook with excellent narration by Ondaatje. His smooth, mellifluous voice conjures up the hot island of Sri Lanka, redolent with the scent of jasmine, and is perfect for this work. Fabulous!

114VivienneR
Juil 3, 2017, 2:18 pm



Vegetarian celebrations by Nava Atlas

I've had this for a while and thought it would be perfect for our July celebrations: Canada Day, July 1st and July 4th, my own birthday, and America's.

For a family picnic I made some of the recipes from the Memorial Day and Beyond chapter, all of which turned out very well, my favourite being a beet and orange salad. The Small Celebrations chapter is a useful one in providing dishes to add to the menu or serve individually. The author provides advice about how to adjust recipes for vegans that is appreciated.

I also enjoyed the sidebar notes, one of which was "Things not to be forgotten at a picnic" by Isabella Beaton that included "a stick of horseradish, a bottle of mint sauce, teacups and saucers, and three or four teapots".

115janeajones
Juil 3, 2017, 3:11 pm

I think I'd prefer a bottle of wine and wineglasses to the teapots. ;)

116Caroline_McElwee
Juil 3, 2017, 4:44 pm

>114 VivienneR: >115 janeajones: being a Brit, I'd go for both.

The book looks nteresting Vivienne.

117VivienneR
Juil 3, 2017, 8:11 pm

>115 janeajones: Mrs Beaton's list of alcoholic beverages was enormous! She advised taking three corkscrews!

>116 Caroline_McElwee: Wise woman! I mean, picnickers have to be prepared for fluctuations in weather!

118VivienneR
Modifié : Juil 6, 2017, 3:06 am



The view from Castle Rock by Alice Munro

Munro has played with the truth, mixing in a little fiction here and there, and it succeeds admirably. This collection of short stories begins with some family history in Scotland followed with her Canadian experiences. The writing conveys stories that are sincere and painfully candid, stories of ordinary people who made an unforgettable impression on a young woman, who is recounting her history. If the reader is unfamiliar with Alice Munro, this might not be the best place to start. However, the writing has that unmistakable Munro excellence.

Note: The cover is completely inappropriate for the book.

119janeajones
Juil 6, 2017, 7:32 pm

I really enjoyed View from Castle Rock -- thought it gave interesting insights into Munro's background.

120VivienneR
Juil 7, 2017, 2:06 am

Yes, some parts were obviously true while others made me think, yes, that's probably how it was exactly. I enjoyed it a lot too.

121VivienneR
Juil 7, 2017, 2:22 am



Sanaaq: an Inuit novel by Mitiarjuk Nappaaluk trans. from Inuktitut to French to English
Wesleyan missionaries created syllabics to advance the conversion of Canadian Cree, who had no writing system of their own. Eventually this syllabic alphabet was adapted to the Inuit language of the territory now known as Nunavut. Nappaaluk was a well-respected, admired resident of the area who was asked to assist in creating an Inuit/French dictionary in the 1930s. Father Robert Lechat provided her with notebooks and asked her to write some sentences and terms from daily life when she had some free time. Obviously Nappaaluk found this boring, and instead she created a fictional community of Inuit families with Sanaaq, a young mother, as the main character, possibly a self-portrait. The translation to French was a lengthy process, and although it was published in Inuktitut syllabics in 1984, it was not until 2002 that the French translation was published. It was translated to English in 2014 by Peter Frost. For someone who had never read a novel, never read anything in fact, Nappaaluk's book is enthralling. Nappaaluk earned an honorary PhD from McGill University in 2000 for helping advance the teaching of the Inuit language and culture.

The day-to-day Inuit life that Nappaaluk portrays is unfeigned, and clearly describes the difficulties of living in the Arctic. The writing style is almost childlike in its simplicity, covering disastrous occurrences such as the death of a young person, or accidentally losing an eye, in the same style as mundane events like filling in holes in the igloo. It's frequently necessary to refer to the glossary at the end. This was a difficult book to rate. While the writing is unpolished, frank and plain-spoken, it's very existence is an amazing achievement, and Mitiarjuk Nappaaluk's creative talent is evident.

Note: I picked this up to fill my translations category in the Category Challenge group and also because it's Canadian for my "Read Canada" month.

122janeajones
Juil 7, 2017, 10:55 am

Fascinating.

123VivienneR
Juil 7, 2017, 11:30 am

Jane, you have described it exactly.

124VivienneR
Juil 9, 2017, 2:13 pm



The Specific Ocean by Kyo Maclear, illustrated by Katty Maurey

I was so impressed with Maclear's The Fog June's Early Reviewer win that I set out to find more by the author.

This is another beautiful children's book with a gentle message about a young girl who does not want to go on a beach vacation, would prefer to stay in the city with her friends. But although she resisted going outside for two boring days, as soon as she experiences the beach and water she is won over with the natural world. "Mama has a snowy mountain in Japan, Papa has the South Downs in England. I want this ocean to be mine."

"I used to call it the Specific Ocean until my brother corrected me," she confesses.

The subtle illustrations by Maurey are simple and beautiful. Suitable for ages 4-8.

125RidgewayGirl
Juil 9, 2017, 5:48 pm

I've seen Sanaaq among the offerings of the Canadian library system I have access to. I'll have to check it out as it sounds fascinating.

126VivienneR
Juil 9, 2017, 7:45 pm

I'm glad you have access to it. It is longer than I thought it would be, but covers just about every aspect of Inuit life. I hope you find it as fascinating as I did.

127VivienneR
Juil 10, 2017, 1:59 pm



The Rebel Angels by Robertson Davies

Last read in 2008, this was one of the first reviews I posted on LT. Of course it all came back to me as I re-read it.

Clever, creative and entertaining, and if anything, I enjoyed it just a bit more this time. There is some connection in the story with Rabelais, the 15th century monk Maria Theotoky is studying, whose writing has been labelled satyrical, grotesque, or bawdy, and the faculty of the College of St. John and the Holy Ghost, affectionately known as Spook, who embrace the epithets gleefully. It would benefit the reader to know something of Rabelais to begin with but this is not absolutely necessary.

I haven't yet read the other two in the trilogy and will look forward to them in the near future.

128VivienneR
Modifié : Juil 11, 2017, 12:39 am



Birthday Party by C.H.B. Kitchin

The story begins in 1922 with the suicide of Claude Carlice, leaving a young son and daughter, his second wife, and his sister, Isabel. Of course, the reader immediately suspects that the suicide will eventually be found to be murder. However, there is no hint of suspicion and most of the book is a leisurely account of the family in alternating chapters by four people: sister Isobel, Ronnie the son, second wife Dora, and her brother, a wildcard. Claude's daughter died in a car accident resulting in Ronnie, who stands to inherit on his imminent 21st birthday, being the only person standing in the way of Isabel inheriting.

The book reads more like a family saga where, as in all sagas, not a lot happens, but is an interesting portrayal of upper crust life and society at the beginning of the 20th century, and includes some interesting conversation on socialism, a prominent topic of the time. There was a nice twist at the end that I should have been aware of earlier, instead I had a couple of "Why did he...?" moments and let it pass. Kitchin writes well and and this is an enjoyable story, with just a whiff of murder.

129VivienneR
Juil 12, 2017, 3:44 pm



Reading the bones by Gina McMurchy-Barber

Crescent Beach is a small community in British Columbia that in prehistoric times was a First Nations summer village and burial site. McMurchy-Barber is herself an archaeologist who has studied remains and grave goods from a disturbed site in the area and has created this story for young people that beautifully explains the value of preservation and respect for graves. Well written without any overdone clichés that often accompany YA stories. Includes a bibliography.

130VivienneR
Juil 14, 2017, 10:49 pm



A rule against murder by Louise Penny

Another great story from Louise Penny. I'm never successful in figuring out who the murderer is - actually I don't even try any more with Penny's books - because I'm concentrating on everything else: the poetry, the language, the Quebec culture, and of course the character revelations about Gamache, his family, and his team.

It took me a while to warm to Penny and Three Pines, but after I saw her interviewed on CBC where she was intelligent and charming, a lovely person in fact, I just had to give her books another try. And thanks to all the Louise Penny fans who convinced me to keep going. Now I'm hooked!

131NanaCC
Juil 15, 2017, 11:13 pm

132VivienneR
Juil 16, 2017, 12:13 am

>130 VivienneR: Yes, I got the message at last! I even wrote an addendum to my first Louise Penny review.

133ChocolateMuse
Juil 16, 2017, 9:05 am

I just read through your whole fascinating thread, Vivenne. Much enjoyed.

I adored Rebel Angels.

134VivienneR
Juil 16, 2017, 10:38 am

>133 ChocolateMuse: Thank you, Lorena. Nice to see you dropping by.

Robertson Davies certainly gets the eccentric academics spot on! Have you read the series? I haven't yet, but I know I'm in for a treat.

135VivienneR
Juil 17, 2017, 7:09 pm



Birds, art, life: a year of observation by Kyo Maclear

When Maclear found herself "unmoored" and unable to concentrate on writing, she joined a musician who had treated his artistic doldrums by birdwatching and photographing birds in Toronto. She accompanied the unnamed musician on his bird walks for one year, writing about her experience and thoughts in chapters arranged by the month, each having a motif.

At one point she speaks of "spark birds", the first time I've heard this phrase that refers to the bird that sparked personal interest. I was happy to find Audubon's spark bird was the same as mine, a phoebe. My phoebe came back year after year to build a nest on the same spot on the wall beside the door of our weekend house in a remote area of northern Alberta. Maclear goes on to consider "spark books", another intriguing topic that naturally had me thinking of what book had sparked my interest in reading.

Maclear's memoir is profound without being scholarly, gentle, but never bland. There are many moments of quiet brilliance that demanded to be recorded in my own journal. Although birds feature large, this is not a book about birds, but about life. It is an absolute jewel.

I discovered Kyo Maclear through The Fog, an Early Reviewer win that led me to The Specific Ocean, another of her excellent children's books.

136ChocolateMuse
Juil 17, 2017, 9:27 pm

>134 VivienneR: Yes I have, and yes you are in for a treat! What's Bred in the Bone was practically life-changing, it was that good. In fact I see from my review of it, that I said, I finished What's Bred in the Bone with a feeling that I'm not quite the same person I was when I began it. One of the most outstanding aspects was the way he writes about art. It's wonderful.

The Lyre of Orpheus though didn't live up to the other two for me - but it was still well worth reading! It helps to have read some E.T.A Hoffmann first, perhaps in particular The Life and Adventures of the Tomcat Murr - but not essential!

137VivienneR
Juil 18, 2017, 12:58 pm

>136 ChocolateMuse: I hope I have the same reaction to What's Bred in the Bone when I get to it. And you've written an excellent review!

138VivienneR
Juil 18, 2017, 12:59 pm



The Taken by Inger Ash Wolfe

Another great mystery starring Detective Inspector Hazel Micalief that has an action-packed suspenseful ending. Wolfe has written a winning combination with a tough, tenacious female protagonist, a cast of well-developed characters, and an excellent plot. Even with Micalief's qualities there are some who consider the sixty-two year-old a dinosaur, and therefore dispensable. With her recent back surgery, she is fighting on a lot of fronts. This is a page-turner that the Canadian setting made even better. I feel like dropping by Tim's for a double-double.

139VivienneR
Juil 21, 2017, 5:27 pm



After the war is over by Jennifer Robson

From Canadian author, Jennifer Robson, this is more of a romance story than what I would normally choose. However, details of post-war life accurately reflected the desperate conditions for many people: demobbed men left injured, burned, shell-shocked, without pensions, and few jobs; women widowed by the war put out of work to make jobs for men. Charlotte, the main character of the story, worked as a nurse during the war and now works for an agency to help the destitute, or almost destitute families, although her help is often unwelcome and instead seen as "charity". The depiction of the first "Peace Day" was poignant, when the populace threw street parties to celebrate the Armistice of November 11th, 1918, now known as Remembrance Day.

140VivienneR
Juil 23, 2017, 5:19 pm



How does a single blade of grass thank the sun? by Doretta Lau

This collection of short stories is different to anything I've read before. It's definitely Canadian, but new Canadian. Lau, a young Chinese-Canadian woman, writes from the perspective of an Asian millennial, with an audacious, irreverent tone while somehow remaining amiable, nice. My favourite was the first story "God Damn, How Real Is This?" where future selves harass present selves by text message. It is funny, weird, and captivating. The final story that provided the book's title was about a gang of Chinese youths menacing their Vancouver neighbourhood. Lau is smart-mouthed, wildly creative, and funny in a strange unique way. Said by blurber Rebecca Godfrey to be "the one to usher in a new era of CanLit", Lau is an author to watch.

141janeajones
Juil 24, 2017, 8:34 pm

140> Interesting review. I'll keep an eye out for this one.

142VivienneR
Juil 24, 2017, 11:31 pm

>141 janeajones: Jane, it is worth keeping an eye out. Lau's humour is difficult to sum up easily. When I found this book mentioned in "The Georgia Straight" a famed Vancouver paper, it was the quote "you say dickless as if it were an insult" that hooked me.

143VivienneR
Modifié : Juil 24, 2017, 11:36 pm



Do not say we have nothing by Madeleine Thien

Thien's magnum opus reminded me of The Noise of Time by Julian Barnes, a fictionalized biography of Shostakovich trying to survive under the thumb of Stalin. Thien's book is an ambitious, multi-generational, multi-layered story, beginning in Vancouver but focusing on the cultural revolution in China. Thien's quiet writing belies the emotional depth of a story that describes people trying to endure and retain their human spirit through their love of music and art. It is advisable to pay attention because, although brilliant, this is not an easy read that has many characters and a lot happening with the risk of significant ramifications. By the time I reached the events at Tiananmen Square I was completely hooked. I wish I had known more about Chinese history and government before I started.

144VivienneR
Modifié : Juil 27, 2017, 11:37 am



At the water's edge by Sarah Gruen

Madeline Hyde, the rich, spoiled socialite and her similarly privileged husband, were thrown out of his family home with a reduced allowance. Oh, poor dears. Better order another bottle of champagne.

A search for the Loch Ness monster combined with a WWII setting, sounded like a good read. Despite a terrible beginning, I stayed with it, hoping for improvement. With about 30 pages left, I've had enough.

I read this to fill a challenge over at the Category Challenge group, otherwise I would have abandoned it much earlier.

145janeajones
Juil 26, 2017, 4:28 pm

The Madeline Thien book sounds wonderful. I'll pass on the Sarah Gruen.

146VivienneR
Juil 27, 2017, 1:13 am

Yes, Thien is wonderful. However, Gruen gets the prize for worst book this year :)

147brodiew2
Juil 27, 2017, 11:23 am

Hello Vivienne! I hope all is well with you.

>140 VivienneR: This sounds strangely intriguing and something I would not normally give notice. I'll get it from the library and give it a go.

148VivienneR
Juil 27, 2017, 11:34 am

>147 brodiew2: Glad to see you dropping by. I hope you enjoy Lau's book. "Intriguing" was my reaction too when I read about it. It's a slim book, so won't need any major investment of time.

149VivienneR
Juil 30, 2017, 2:05 am



Waging a heavy peace: a hippie dream by Neil Young

Right away I have have to say that although I own a few of Neil Young's albums, I have never been what might be called a fan. But this fun, rambling conversation - for, although one-sided, that's what it is - shows that the guy is a charmer. It's as if he created the book by recording his voice as he remembers random topics, then printed it. As well as music, he refers often to his love of model trains, cars - lots of cars - guitars, and his dedication to creating a system that will bring improved sound quality of recorded music. He is also devoted to his two sons who were born with cerebral palsy and to his daughter. Young's life has had more than his fair share of tragedy but his autobiography is sunny and refreshingly unpretentious. He often acknowledges those who helped him along the way and never has an unkind word for anyone. Now I'm a fan.

My version was an audiobook with excellent narration by Keith Carradine.

150VivienneR
Juil 30, 2017, 4:14 pm



No such creature by Giles Blunt

Owen Maxwell became an orphan when he was a child. His only living relative, Uncle Magnus Maxwell, took charge and adopted him. Uncle Max was a wig salesman and wannabe actor, a perfect combination of occupations to prepare for a life as a con man. Before Owen begins Juilliard in September, the pair travel across the country on a string of robberies at elite parties until their successes come to the notice of a ruthless criminal who covets their loot. This is an enjoyable journey with some unsavoury characters.

151VivienneR
Juil 30, 2017, 4:19 pm

My reading often drops off in summer as I'm outdoors a lot doing other things but with the record heat in British Columbia this month my reading appears to have increased. Some more record-setting temperatures expected in the next couple of weeks (up to 42°C, about 107°F).

152ChocolateMuse
Juil 30, 2017, 10:21 pm

Global warming is so evident now... We're having an unusually warm winter in eastern Australia at the moment. Yesterday was 28°C in Western Sydney, and that's in your equivalent of the end of December. Best of luck with temperatures in the 40s, we had a run of those last summer and it is most unpleasant!

153VivienneR
Juil 31, 2017, 1:15 am

Our current wildfires can attest to that. Usually the heat starts to go down a bit in August, but not this year. Winter temperatures of 28° would be worrying, to say the least.

154kidzdoc
Juil 31, 2017, 5:41 am

>151 VivienneR: 107 F in British Columbia?! That makes Atlanta seem chilly by comparison; we'll be in the mid to upper 80s F (29-32 C) all week.

155dchaikin
Juil 31, 2017, 7:45 am

Wishing you (and all of us) better weather. Enjoyed catching up with your thread. Lots of new to me authors and titles of interest. Noting some authors to help me remember: Kyo Maclear, Doretta Lau and Madeleine Thein.

156VivienneR
Juil 31, 2017, 1:29 pm

>154 kidzdoc: Although I love summer, I'm not a fan of hot weather and I'm fed up being indoors (even though my reading is getting a boost). In British Columbia we are having one of the worst wildfire seasons in the history of the province, with no end in sight. It's difficult to comprehend what so many people are enduring as homes are lost or threatened. I'll consider spending next summer in Atlanta!

>155 dchaikin: Thanks, Daniel. Another couple of weeks and the heat will just be a memory (I hope). Soon after that we'll be measuring snow in metres :) Maclear, Lau, and Thein are three very different authors I hope you will enjoy sometime.

157VivienneR
Août 1, 2017, 12:45 pm



The tiny hero of Ferny Creek library by Linda Bailey, illustrated by Victoria Jamieson

Of all the Early Reviewer books I have received this one could be the most entertaining. But then, Tundra Books never disappoint.

Eddie is a tiny green bug who lives with his parents, various other relatives, and 53 siblings in a crack in the wall behind a classroom chalkboard. When his adventurous book-lover Aunt Min doesn't come back from a visit to the library, Eddie volunteers to set out on a search for her. After a long risky journey to the library he found Aunt Min injured, hungry and thirsty. While he tended to her, the friendly librarian went on maternity leave, only to have a nasty replacement take over and plan to close the library. This spurred the tiny hero to take action. (What this librarian would like to know is why we are always represented as very, very good or very, very evil?)

This is an absolutely charming story that most children who have advanced to chapter books will love. There are many indirect references to favourite books that create a sort of guessing game to determine which book is referenced. A "bugliography" at the end will provide answers. Eddie's many escapades would also make it an excellent choice for a book to read aloud by instalments. I will never look at a little bug again without thinking of Eddie and his Aunt Min.

158VivienneR
Modifié : Août 2, 2017, 11:13 pm



The Dry by Jane Harper

An excellent debut mystery novel set in rural Australia during extended drought conditions. Harper creates a vivid picture of the intense emotions that can be brought about by hardship. The crime took place in a small town, making it a type of locked room mystery, which was very well done. Possible culprits came to my mind, with each one being immediately replaced by another, and in the end I wasn't able to solve the mystery before the denouement. Great characters, excellent depiction of the scene and the culture, and a plot that was complex without being too convoluted. I'll watch for more by this author.

My copy was an audiobook with an excellent narration by Stephen Shanahan. Australian terms are so unfamiliar to me that I had to text an Australian friend for definitions, specifically for what sounded like "yoot" and "eski". Shame on me! I should have been able to guess.

159VivienneR
Août 6, 2017, 12:51 pm



On Her Majesty's Secret Service by Ian Fleming

One of the best James Bond stories. Not as corny as others, even though there are some cringeworthy attitudes to women and sex. However, there is no shortage of exciting action and Bond's escape on skis accompanied by an avalanche is first class.

I read this to fill August's O & F Alpha challenge at the Category Challenge group.

160Caroline_McElwee
Août 7, 2017, 5:05 pm

I've never actually read one of the Bond novels Vivienne. I'll note your comments.

161VivienneR
Août 8, 2017, 12:02 pm

Caroline, if you can get past the sexist nonsense that might curl your toes, it's a fine adventure story.

162VivienneR
Modifié : Août 11, 2017, 7:05 pm



The narrow road to the deep north by Richard Flanagan

Japan forced hundreds of thousands of WWII POWs and South Asian workers to build the Burma death railway. The main part of this story describes in graphic detail what Australian POWs endured, said to be a tribute to the author's father who was one of them. Although Dorrigo Evans, a serial womanizer pre-war and post-war, was hardly a credit to the memory of Flanagan senior. Maybe the personal link caused Flanagan to lose focus, creating a book that I found to be overdone, over-written, with too much philosophizing - a book that strives too hard to be profound. Cliché, repetitive, and with passages that sound good but are meaningless: "You could go to war with the world, but the world would always win."

163Yells
Août 8, 2017, 1:37 pm

>162 VivienneR: Well, that one moved a little further down the 'to-read' pile. It looked so promising!

164VivienneR
Août 8, 2017, 7:12 pm

>163 Yells: It looked promising to me too. Mind you, a lot of people liked it.

165VivienneR
Août 8, 2017, 7:41 pm



Not the end of the world by Kate Atkinson

Not being able to wait for Kate Atkinson's next book, I found this wonderful collection of short stories published in 2002. It has to be the find of my year. This is mythology as it applies to modern life. Filled with loosely connected stories that are absolute jewels, it's the kind of book that makes the reader want to start over again at the beginning as soon as the last page has been read. This brilliant collection gets the full five stars!

166lilisin
Août 8, 2017, 8:00 pm

>162 VivienneR:

creating a book that I found to be overdone, over-written, with too much philosophizing - a book that strives too hard to be profound.

That is exactly what I thought. I found it bewildering that it won any sort of prize. Until your thread I had even forgotten I read it despite reading it in January!

167VivienneR
Août 9, 2017, 12:49 am

>166 lilisin: I'm glad you agree. I was surprised too that it won so many awards or was shortlisted. I believe it is because of the topic that this happens. It is not easy to be critical of a book that gives an account of such human suffering.

168brodiew2
Août 9, 2017, 11:13 am

Good morning, Vivienne!

>165 VivienneR: I've heard of Kate Atkinson, mostly by A God in Ruins, but I have never read any. Nice review of Not the End of the World.

169VivienneR
Août 9, 2017, 11:39 am

Good morning, Brodie! And thank you. I've enjoyed everything I've read by Kate Atkinson but I don't usually care for short stories so that was a pleasant surprise. I became hooked on her writing after the first book I read Behind the scenes at the museum. I particularly like her creative style paired with some dark elements.

170VivienneR
Août 10, 2017, 1:59 am



Fifteen Dogs by Andre Alexis

In a Toronto tavern, Hermes and Apollo have made a bet that if animals were given human intelligence they would be more unhappy than humans. In a nearby veterinary clinic there are fifteen dogs, who provide a convenient test study.

Alexis appears to point at human frailties in his story, such as when Apollo, intoxicated with his divinity allows "parts of himself to be touched by an older man in a business suit" in the tavern’s washroom. A pleasure that cost the man eight years. Or when Majnoun discusses topics such as same-sex relationships, religion, or what happiness is, with his new human companion, Nira.

It is tempting to make comparisons to Animal Farm, but this fable is quite different from Orwell's. Alexis' message might be slippery, ambiguous, but he tells a wonderful story and the characters of the dogs are finished to perfection.

Apollo and Hermes have a lot to answer for.

Each of the dog poems has the name of one of the dogs hidden in the lines, a type of poetry created by François Caradec that has significance to both humans and dogs.

As well as other awards Fifteen Dogs won the Giller Prize in 2015. I read it at this time to remember Jack Rabinovitch, founder of the Giller Prize who died a few days ago.

171dchaikin
Août 10, 2017, 7:48 am

>162 VivienneR: - bummer, I've been looking forward to The narrow road to the deep north

>165 VivienneR: - You mentioned "This is mythology as it applies to modern life." This comment got my attention. Wondering how literal you meant it. And noting Not the end of the world

>170 VivienneR: - more mythology...

All three of these got my attention, V.

172VivienneR
Août 10, 2017, 12:46 pm

>171 dchaikin: I was terribly disappointed with The narrow road to the deep north - but note, others loved it.

Surprising that I should have two mythology-related books in a row because it's not a favourite topic. "Mythology as it applies to modern life" might be a bit overblown, but each of Atkinson's stories are preceded by a quote from classic literature, Ovid, the Old Testament, Homeric hymn to Artemis, Virgil, and poets such as Christopher Smart, Blake, Poe, that provide a loose relationship for the imaginative stories. Atkinson's stories are not a retelling of classics, but more like recognizing the classic themes in modern times.

Fifteen Dogs is a slim book that is well worth a try. My knowledge of the Greek gods is not enough to understand why Alexis chose Apollo and Hermes for the story, but they were quite comfortable as habitués of the Wheat Sheaf tavern in Toronto. The book is filled with existential ponderings.

Glad I got your attention, Daniel.

173dchaikin
Août 10, 2017, 1:36 pm

I'm really interested in that Atkinson, I'm curious where she takes the themes.

174VivienneR
Août 10, 2017, 8:21 pm

Here's an excellent review from the Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/books/2002/nov/10/fiction.features

And part of another :"A girl shocks herself by bringing a man back to life. An Olympian father rejects his too-human son, as thunderbolts roar overhead. A stolen cloak confers a dangerous gift: the crushing burden of immortality. While driving home a mother plans lemon meringue pie as Hades chariot overtakes on the inside lane.

I hope you get an opportunity to read the stories. I'd be interested in your - much more knowledgable - opinion.

175janeajones
Août 11, 2017, 10:32 am

I've completely overlooked Kate Atkinson -- I'll have to give her a try. Not the End of the World sounds delicious.

176VivienneR
Août 11, 2017, 10:57 am

>175 janeajones: I'm an Atkinson devotee to begin with. However, I am not a fan of short stories so it was a real treat to find how much I enjoyed this collection.

177NanaCC
Août 11, 2017, 2:57 pm

>165 VivienneR: Book Bullet here too! Onto my wishlist.

178VivienneR
Août 11, 2017, 7:03 pm

>177 NanaCC: Hi Colleen, glad to be of service!

179VivienneR
Août 16, 2017, 1:41 am



Restless by William Boyd

In 1976 Sally Gilmartin discloses secrets about her origins to her daughter Ruth. Sally, a Russian émigré named Eva Declectorskaya, became involved in the world of espionage during the war. She's been hiding in a quiet life since she escaped the group, and now over thirty years later fears that someone is watching her. Ruth had no idea of her mother's Russian background or the espionage, and wonders if her mother is losing her mind. The story alternates between Sally's intrepid, perilous story and Ruth's, a single mother, English tutor, and academic, living a lifestyle so ordinary that the difference is clearly startling. Boyd's plot sounds implausible, but as the story progresses it becomes credible. He maintains the pace right to the end. He also conveys both eras so skillfully that the reader can slip from one to the other with ease.

Verbose authors should take note: Boyd covers an elaborate story and the well-drawn characters concisely, without waffling or padding, and leaves the reader feeling like they have just had more. Well written and very enjoyable.

180RidgewayGirl
Août 16, 2017, 9:05 am

Hurray! I have Restless in the tbr pile.

181dchaikin
Août 16, 2017, 9:11 am

>182 VivienneR: appreciating your last paragraph

182VivienneR
Août 17, 2017, 12:07 am

>183 NanaCC: I hope you like it as much as I did. I'll watch for your opinion.

>184 VivienneR: Flanagan (see post 162) is one of many who could take some lessons from Boyd.

183NanaCC
Août 17, 2017, 7:29 am

>182 VivienneR: I "read" Restless several years ago. It was before I joined LT, and I listened during my commute to work. I can't remember whether I liked the reader, but I do remember enjoying the book.

184VivienneR
Août 17, 2017, 12:50 pm

>186 VivienneR: It was a little surprising because I have a few of Boyd's books and they never jump off the shelf at me. I'm glad this one did.

185VivienneR
Août 20, 2017, 7:18 pm



Love over Scotland by Alexander McCall Smith

This series, my favourite from McCall Smith, gently lampoons the residents of Scotland Street, Edinburgh. The characters are delightful caricatures who entertain royally, especially Bertie, the six-year-old prodigy. It's easy to miss the author's considerable expertise amid the droll humour. Very enjoyable.

186VivienneR
Août 21, 2017, 1:20 am



My latest Early Reviewer win - but a winner, not so much.

Dog Night at the Story Zoo by Dan Bar-el illustrated by Vicki Nerino

In this graphic novel aimed at a young audience, four dogs tell their stories in a sort of after hours comedy club where animals congregate after the humans go to bed. It seems a bit mature for young children and I imagine middle grades might appreciate the humour more. The stories are entertaining but sadly the art is less appealing, giving the animals, and humans, very little expression.

187NanaCC
Août 21, 2017, 4:56 pm

>188 VivienneR: i can't remember how far I got in this series. I used to listen to them in the car on m commute to work. I'll have to look and maybe get into another.

188VivienneR
Août 21, 2017, 6:44 pm

>190 valkyrdeath: I've been reading them out of order, Colleen, but somehow I can fit the story together like a jigsaw. In this one Bertie was a year younger than the last one I read. They're a lot of fun.

189VivienneR
Août 21, 2017, 9:44 pm



The Zig Zag Girl by Elly Griffiths

Griffiths' new series features Edgar Stephens and Max Mephisto. Set in 1950 Brighton when variety shows on the pier were still popular, a group who were together in special ops during the war are now three magicians and a policeman, still friends. When a woman's body in three pieces turns up, suggesting the famous zig-zag girl trick gone wrong, the group are warned that they are the target. This is an excellent mystery that portrays the theatre business of the 1950s with authenticity: the seedy grandeur of the theatres, the performers who have a different landlady each week, the acts themselves that are now long gone. Entertaining enough to be classed as a cozy yet the nature of the crime gave it more gravity, the plot was complex, the characters well-drawn, and the conclusion satisfyingly exciting. Griffiths did her research well and deserves the place on my favourite mystery writers list.

190valkyrdeath
Août 26, 2017, 7:05 pm

Just catching up here after falling months behind. Lots of interesting reads here! I'm particularly noting the Doretta Lau book and am bumping the Kate Atkinson story collection up my list a bit.

191VivienneR
Août 26, 2017, 10:22 pm

>193 VivienneR: Nice to see you dropping by. Doretta Lau was a surprise. I'll watch out for more, but so far I think she is still only known locally. And as far as I'm concerned, Kate Atkinson can do no wrong.

192NanaCC
Août 28, 2017, 8:58 am

>192 NanaCC: I'm adding this one to my wishlist. I'm not familiar with this author, so you're expanding my list.

193VivienneR
Août 28, 2017, 1:09 pm

>195 brodiew2: That goes both ways, Colleen!

194VivienneR
Août 28, 2017, 1:11 pm



Atonement by Ian McEwan

McEwan's writing is outstanding. He begins the story in the past, at a family gathering in 1935, then jumps ahead to WWII. His account of events at Dunkirk were graphic but the description of nursing that followed was, if anything, more horrific. And then comes the astonishing conclusion. Well-deserving of all the accolades.

195brodiew2
Août 30, 2017, 12:56 pm

Hello VivienneR! I hope all is well with you.

>192 NanaCC: Excellent review of The Zig Zag Girl! I am intrigued. I like the group of ex wartime friends investigating a crime in their new profession idea.

>197 VivienneR: I read one McEwan book long ago and it pretty much did me in for his morose style. This seems to be no different, but at the same time, along with the film, interesting. I may have to give it a try on audio.

196Caroline_McElwee
Août 31, 2017, 6:04 am

>197 VivienneR: they made a fine film of Atonement Vivienne.

197VivienneR
Août 31, 2017, 3:14 pm

>198 VivienneR: Hi Brodie, nice to see you dropping by. The Zig Zag Girl got my attention because I can recall the pier shows from my childhood in the UK.

You are right about McEwan's morose style, I seem to remember having to abandon one of his books for that reason.

>199 VivienneR: Thanks for that information, I will go on the lookout for it. It would make a good movie.

198VivienneR
Août 31, 2017, 3:15 pm



In a dry season by Peter Robinson

In this early novel, DCI Banks is in "career Siberia", an unspoken discipline for past infractions. Chief Constable Riddle gives him what appears to be a dead-end case as a further sign of ill-will. A skeleton has been found in a village that has been flooded to form a reservoir for the past fifty years and is now dried up. His sidekick is DS Annie Cabbot, who because of her past record with the police, is regarded as another kind of punishment for Banks. The story is told in alternating parts: the modern investigation and the account of one of the principal characters of the crime scene. It was an interesting look back at Yorkshire in wartime and the modern understanding of the times.

199VivienneR
Août 31, 2017, 10:39 pm



Screamin' Jay Hawkins' greatest hits by Mark Binelli

A fictionalized biography of Screamin' Jay Hawkins (1929-2000), the singer famous for the legendary song I Put a Spell on You. An early interest in opera may have sparked the idea for his presentation of the song by entering the stage in a coffin carried by six white-gloved pallbearers. Although choppy and not particularly well-written, Binelli does a decent job of depicting the life of this weird performer.

My daughter-in-law passed this one on to me otherwise it would not have come to my attention.
Ce sujet est poursuivi sur Vivienne's reading in 2017 - Part 3.