I have read a lot this month for me.. all that escapism I needed.
The Bronte Sisters by Catherine Rayner– Sub-titled Life, Loss and Literature. I really enjoyed this book as it explores the lives of the three sisters and links events to plot lines and characters in their novels. These women were truly remarkable in their world views and the position of women in society. A good book for my upcoming vist to Haworth later this year.
Toby’s Room, and Life Class by Pat Barker — being the first two books in the trilogy I read the third book in last month. The best parts if they can be called that are of the descriptions of life in the trenches in WW1. and of how normal life in the UK was in the early years, so unlike nowadays when civilians are impacted immediately, even when some are miles away.. I am talking about you know what here.
The Infernal World of Branwell Bronte- Daphne du Maurier– still the best book I know about this young man who had so much unfullfilled potential. A re-read for me.
Take your breathe away by Linwood Barclay– I shelved so many of his books when I was a library volunteer, but had never read any..until this book was discussed on BBC Radio 4 World book club. A Jolly good thriller.. Brie disappeared 6 years ago, her husband is suspected of murder, but no body. Then she turns up at the site of her now demolished home , causes a scene and leaves. So what is going on?
Watermelon by Marian Keyes- not quite sure how I came to own this book.. I suspect I picked it up in a charity shop. Part way through some of the characters seemed a bit familiar- I had it transpired read Rachel’s Holiday which preceeds this book. It reminds me of Bridget Jones’ diary and any book by Maeve Binchey- pure escapism and if you are angsting about something and need some froth, this could be it. It also occured to me that there is now a BBC TV programme based on the books- there are three more I believe- called The Walsh Sisters.
Haven’t they grown – by Sophie Hannah– your best friends have moved away and you’ve not seen them for years. Then one day you pass their old house and spot your friend with her children and they are not a day older from the look of them, than when you last saw them many years ago. How can that be? I made my own deduction, I was wrong, and actually think that what I thought was a much better idea! It was okay.
As I said a lot of books for me this month. I very much want to pass some onto a second hand bookshop this month, so quite an incentive to read more. I don’t plan on buying any in the shop when I visit..but who knows?













