VivienneR Reads in 2016, volume 3

Summer is over, time for a view of Fall reading.

This is my fourth year at Club Read. As usual I am planning on making some headway with Mt. TBR although I seem to buy more than I read so it has grown instead. This was supposed to be the year to change all that but books still seem to arrive faster than I can read!

I'm also doing the Category Challenge and can be found at VivienneR's 2016 Category Challenge

Up Next:
The Halloween Tree by Ray Bradbury
Academy Street by Mary Costello
Offshore by Penelope Fitzgerald
The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson
Finders Keepers by Stephen King
Baby Jesus Pawn Shop by Lucia Orth
The Queen of Water by Laura Resau
Barchester Towers by Anthony Trollope
Andreo's Race by Pam Withers

1st Quarter:

January
1. Best of Women's Short Stories edited by William John Locke
2. Virginia Woolf by Nigel Nicolson
3. Miracle in the Andes: 72 days on the mountain and my long trek home by Nando Parrado
4. Monsieur Pamplemousse Afloat by Michael Bond
5. Person or persons unknown by Bruce Alexander
6. A walk in the woods : rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail by Bill Bryson
7. A Peter Gzowski Reader by Peter Gzowski
8. Fear & Loathing in Las Vegas by Hunter S. Thompson
9. Untold Stories by Alan Bennett
10. Dressing Up for the Carnival by Carol Shields
11. Photograph by Ringo Starr
12. George Harrison: Behind the Locked Door by Graeme Thomson
13. The Clothes They Stood Up In and, The Lady in the Van by Alan Bennett
14. All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr
15. Miss Petitfour by Anne Michaels
16. A Royal Pain by Rhys Bowen
17. Death of a Bore by M.C. Beaton
18. I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou

February
19. One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest by Ken Kesey
20. Train Dreams by Denis Johnson
21. Johannes Cabal, the necromancer by Jonathan Howard
22. The Queen's Man by Sharon Kay Penman
23. Fifteen Days: stories of bravery, friendship, life and death from inside the new Canadian Army by Christie Blatchford
24. The Lost Painting by Jonathan Harr
25. The World of Jeeves by P.G. Woodhouse
26. Station Eleven by Emily St John Mandel
27. The Magical Adventures of the Wishing-Chair by Enid Blyton
28. Be Careful What You Wish For by Jeffrey Archer
29. Mightier than the Sword by Jeffrey Archer
30. The Magdalen Martyrs by Ken Bruen
31. The Cat Who Knew a Cardinal by Lilian Jackson Braun
32. Benediction by Kent Haruf
33. No Time for Goodbye by Linwood Barclay

March
34. The Cuckoo's Calling by Robert Galbraith
35. The Dog Who Knew Too Much by Spencer Quinn
36. Diamond Solitaire by Peter Lovesey
37. Celebrations at Thrush Green by Miss Read
38. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button and Other Jazz Age Stories by F. Scott Fitzgerald
39. A Murder of Quality by John le Carré
40. The Warden by Anthony Trollope
41. A Country Doctor's Notebook by Mikhail Bulgakov
42. Miss Moon, Wise Words from a Dog Governess by Janet Hill
43. The Heretic Queen by Michelle Moran
44. Far from the Rowan Tree by Margaret Gillies Brown
45. Who asked you? by Terry McMillan
46. Last Orders by Graham Swift
47. The Féte at Coqueville by Émile Zola
48. The Camomile Lawn by Mary Wesley
49. Wilful Behavior by Donna Leon
50. Hark! A Vagrant by Kate Beaton
51. Plainsong by Kent Haruf
52. End of the Wasp Season by Denise Mina
53. Q & A by Vikas Swarup

2nd Quarter:

April
54. The Life-changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing by Marie Kondō
55. The Phantom Major: the Story of David Stirling and the SAS Regiment by Virginia Cowles
56. Leaven of Malice by Robertson Davies
57. A Brief History of Montmaray by Michelle Cooper
58. You Had to Be There: an intimate portrait of the generation that survived the Depression, won the War, and re-invented Canada by Robert Collins
59. Pomegranate Soup by Marsha Mehran
60. What Was She Thinking: Notes on a Scandal by Zoë Heller
61. Going Solo by Roald Dahl
62. The Good Thief's Guide to Vegas by Chris Ewan
63. The Solitude of Thomas Cave by Georgina Harding
64. The Music Lovers by Jonathan Valin
65. No Fixed Address: an amorous journey by Aritha van Herk
66. Boy: tales of childhood by Roald Dahl

May
67. Grave Goods by Ariana Franklin
68. Red Glass by Laura Resau
69. A Complicated Kindness by Miriam Toews
70. What we talk about when we talk about the tube : the District line by John Lanchester
71. A Mixture of Frailties by Robertson Davies
72. The English Patient by Michael Ondaatje
73. The Roald Dahl Omnibus: Perfect Bedtime Stories for Sleepless Nights by Roald Dahl
74. The Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness Emmuska Orczy
75. Tender: a cook and his vegetable patch by Nigel Slater
76. Murther & Walking Spirits by Robertson Davies
77. The Light of Evening by Edna O'Brien

June
78. Sorry by Gail Jones
79. Grammar snobs are great big meanies: a guide to language for fun and spite by June Casagrande
80. The Marriage Casket by Deborah Morgan
81. A Far Cry from Kensington by Muriel Spark
82. Gilead by Marilynne Robinson
83. Unfinished Portrait by Anthea Fraser
84. The Hanging Garden by Ian Rankin
85. The Bookshop by Penelope Fitzgerald
86. From Russia with Love by Ian Fleming

3rd Quarter:

July
87. Longitude: the true story of a lone genius who solved the greatest scientific problem of his time by Dava Sobel
88. The Day the Falls Stood Still by Cathy Marie Buchanan
89. The Catering Queen by Alison Lawrence
90. Mr Mercedes by Stephen King
91. The Lake District Murder by John Bude
92. And thereby hangs a tale by Jeffrey Archer
93. Lost in Shangri-La: A true story of survival, adventure and the most incredible rescue mission of World War II by Mitchell Zuckoff
94. Through early Yellowstone: adventuring by bicycle, covered wagon, foot, horseback and skis edited by Janet Chapple
95. A Death in the Family by James Agee
96. Bandits by Elmore Leonard
97. The Dame by Richard Stark
98. Death of My Aunt by C.H.B. Kitchin
99. Wait for me!: memoirs of the youngest Mitford sister by Deborah Devonshire
100. Gutshot Straight by Lou Berney
101. Slide by Norah McClintock
102. Perfect Hatred by Leighton Gage
103. Macbeth by William Shakespeare

August
104. The Hours by Michael Cunningham
105. A House in the Sky : a memoir by Amanda Lindhout
106. Wilderness Tips by Margaret Atwood
107. The Garden at Chatsworth by Deborah Devonshire
108. Chatsworth: The House by Deborah Devonshire
109. The Toad : the disgusting critters series by Élise Gravel
110. Wild: from lost to found on the Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl Strayed
111. Gently with the Painters by Alan Hunter
112. The Silkworm by Robert Galbraith
113. In the midst of life by Jennifer Worth
114. A beautiful place to die by Malla Nunn
115. Gaudy Night by Dorothy L. Sayers
116. Sweetness in the Belly by Camilla Gibb
117. Graveyard shift: and other stories from Night Shift by Stephen King
118. Echo Burning by Lee Child
119. Résistance: a woman's journal of struggle and defiance in Occupied France by Agnes Humbert

September
120. Anil's Ghost by Michael Ondaatje
121. Big little lies by Liane Moriarty
122. Now May You Weep by Deborah Crombie
123. The Dead Hour by Denise Mina
124. Canada's Weather: the climate that shapes a nation by Chris St. Clair
125. Slip of the Knife by Denise Mina
126. Faceless Killers by Henning Mankell translated by Steven T. Murray
127. Suite Française by Irène Némirovsky, translated by Sandra Smith
128. Seabiscuit by Laura Hillenbrand
129. Samuel Maclure, Architect by Janet Bingham
130. Bourbon Island 1730 by Lewis Trondheim, Appollo translated by Alexis Siegel (GN)
131. The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas
132. Gold boy, emerald girl by Yiyun Li
133. Crooked Lake by Nelson Brunanski
134. Ten things I've learnt about love by Sarah Butler

Happy new thread Vivienne. Penelope Fitzgerald recommendations: The Blue Flower and Offshore certainly. I'll need to check the titles of earlier novels I read but don't own. I also dip into a collection of her prose (I'm about half through) called A House of Air.

That is a beautiful, peaceful picture up top.

>6 Caroline_McElwee: Thanks Caroline, added to the wishlist!

>7 NanaCC: I hope you are enjoying a similarly peaceful vacation, Colleen.

Longitude: the true story of a lone genius who solved the greatest scientific problem of his time by Dava Sobel

Sobel has told a complex story very clearly, staying with the toplc closely and without straying into related events and issues - although she does include many fascinating snippets from history. It is focused on the central character of John Harrison and his achievement of inventing a chronometer that would determine longitude. Her admiration is clear. I pitied Harrison, who spent his life on the job yet parliamentarians were reluctant to award the £20,000 Longitude prize. Thanks to Sobel's writing ability, this short book is a wonderful story, skillfully told.

This was my second reading of Sobel's book and enjoyed just as much as the first time.

Viv - I enjoyed Longitude too. I think it's a bit of a classic, as far as popular history books go.

I've seen a TV documentary from the story too. You're right, it's a classic. It's made me want to visit Greenwich.

>9 VivienneR: >10 dchaikin: I read it many years ago, but I remember liking it.

I read it years ago too, then gave (lent?) it to someone. When I saw a copy at the library booksale recently I snapped it up.

>9 VivienneR: That looks interesting and it's available on audio at my library. Just downloaded it - thanks for the recommendation!

>14 japaul22: Great! I hope you enjoy it.

The Day the Falls Stood Still by Cathy Marie Buchanan

Buchanan provides some interesting historical information about Canadians in WWI, early hydroelectric power, and dressmaking fashions. The romantic part of the story was less appealing to me.

Mine was an audio version of the book that I do not recommend. It was read by Karen White whose narration was annoyingly whiny and had an effect on my opinion. It was only later that I realized the print version had photographs that would have added reality to the book, possibly moving the focus away from snobbery and romance.

The Catering Queen by Alison Lawrence

This comedy was a sold-out hit at the Toronto Fringe festival in 2006, garnering several awards. The action takes place at a Christmas cocktail party that is being catered. Mel, the catering supervisor, is shocked to see her ex-boyfriend Nick, among the guests, even more shocked with Julia, the glamorous young lawyer on his arm. The elderly host fancies Timothy, one of the help, and suffers a heart attack when he is rebuffed. What unfolds is the Catering Gig from Hell.

This play performed on stage would be a lot of fun. Reading it was entertaining too. The best part of reading a play is that the reader can ham it up for each part. I may not have been much as Nick, but taking on Mel and Julia was a blast!

Read for the Women's Bingo challenge.

I was given a copy of The Day the Falls Stood Still and although it sounds interesting enough to keep, it doesn't sound interesting enough to bump up my tbr pile. I suspect it will be a while before I get around to it but I'm pleased to read your comments.

>Good judgement. As I said, the print version might be a better choice.

Mr Mercedes by Stephen King

Whether fiction or non-fiction, the best kind of book is one that hooks the reader on page one. King accomplishes this to perfection. His attention to detail in the story makes it realistic and gives the characters believable personality. And those characters are so mis-matched - a retired detective on the verge of suicide, a teen computer whiz heading to Harvard, and a disturbed middle-aged woman - that there are few authors who could make the combination work. I have only read one of King's books previously, but had to try this one when I discovered it was a mystery, with no supernatural elements involved. It is assuredly a page-turner; I couldn't put it down until I flicked over the last page. Now I am looking forward to the rest of the series. Highly recommended to those who enjoy thrillers!

Yes, the Bill Hodges trilogy works because of the characters. I really appreciate that King has created a female character who is valued and who isn't young or beautiful and who has some off-putting quirks.

Just catching up. 90 books? Phew!!!!! Go you.

>21 RidgewayGirl: The characters were excellent! And Hodges wasn't infallible, which is a major departure from the usual detective. I love King's throwaway lines such as Brady's order from The Chicken Coop - a "Clucker Delight". In the middle of mayhem and you just have to smile.

>22 AlisonY: Thanks Alison. I stayed up to 2:30am trying (and failing) to finish a slow-moving book. Then just before 6am I got up, anxious to finish Mr Mercedes. I read instead of sleep.

The Lake District Murder by John Bude

This was a very slow read. It was not my favourite of the British Library Crime Classics series. When what appeared to be the suicide of a petrol station owner turned out to be murder, Meredith begins by investigating a petrol fraud that may be linked. What followed was a detailed investigation requiring multiple locations to be kept under surveillance for days. Police budgets were not even mentioned. Neither was breaking the law to get information. Need to search a property? A break and enter will handle that. The fraud investigation continued for so long that even Inspector Meredith had forgotten about the murder. He was not the only one. After filling half the book with the petrol fraud investigation it was found to have no basis and the inquiry took a different turn. Written in 1935 when women seldom had a major role in crime fiction by male authors, their absence is glaring in this yarn. Pity - a woman like Miss Marple would have found the solution much quicker that the ineffective Inspector Meredith. One thing I liked was the name of the petrol company - Nonock.

Hmmm, I bought that on Kindle a while back, but I don't think it will be nudged up the pile Vivienne.

You never know, you might like it. I haven't read anything else by John Bude so I have nothing to compare it with.

And thereby hangs a tale by Jeffrey Archer

Fifteen stories, all entertaining and ranging from pleasantly entertaining to darkly eccentric. Each one has an ending to catch the reader off-guard. Although it's difficult to pick favourites, Where there's a will, The undiplomatic diplomat, Better the devil you know and Caste-off head my list.

>27 VivienneR: I remember listening to A Twist in the Tale many years ago. Now there is another. Off to the library website now!

>28 brodiew2: And that's one for me to look for!

16> I read The Days the Falls Stood Still as an Early Reader selection. While I found the information about the Falls (near where I grew up) fascinating, I agree that there was too much romance and dress-making. I noted in my review: The inclusion of some photographs and newspaper clippings from the time teased with the possibility of a much richer and deeper story.

>30 janeajones: You were absolutely right! My main attraction to the story was the Falls, which turned out to be less than the romantic element. The result is that I have many questions about the history of the Falls and hydroelectric power. To start I will have a look at the library's print copy just to see the photos.

Lost in Shangri-La: A true story of survival, adventure and the most incredible rescue mission of World War II by Mitchell Zuckoff

On May 13, 1945 a group of US Army servicemen and WACs stationed in New Guinea were taken on a sight-seeing tour over the jungle to view a remote valley nicknamed Shangri-La. The plane, a Gremlin, named for Roald Dahl's children's book, crashed in the uncharted area, killing all but three. Corporal Margaret Hastings, Lieutenant John McCollom (whose twin was also on the flight) and Sergeant Kenneth Decker were stranded in the rainforest with a stone-age people said to be cannibals on one side, and Japanese troops on the other. All three had severe injuries that quickly showed signs of becoming gangrenous. A yellow tarpaulin salvaged from the wreckage was spotted by a search plane after a few days. The parachutes dropping supplies were also spotted by the natives who came to ogle their visitors. Eventually two medics and a rescue party parachuted in. The problem in bringing about a rescue was that no one had any idea how to achieve it. The final plan to tow and release a glider on a cleared area, then snatch it up tethered to a another plane stretched the imagination. That journey on June 28 was horrific. As the canvas peeled away from the bottom of the glider Hastings said it was like a glass-bottomed boat with no bottom. The process was repeated three times to get everyone out.

The Dani people used no metal, and had not yet discovered the wheel. They were constantly at war with their neighbours believing war to be necessary. Although they had no religion, they chopped off the fingers of girls to satisfy the ghost of a relative killed in war. They counted only to three, any more was "many". Just as legend predicted, a new age dawned in the ensuing decades. Shangri-La is now known as the Baliem Valley. An interesting travel section in The New York Times describes it here http://www.nytimes.com/2015/08/06/travel/papua-indonesia-frugal-traveler.html?_r...

Press interest in the crash at the time was intense but was eclipsed by the news of war ending. More than sixty years later Zuckoff met with the last remaining survivor who was able to show him diaries, photos, scrapbooks, military bulletins, maps, letters, and ground-to-air radio transcripts as well as film footage of events as they happened. Zuckoff's research paid off. Without glossing over attitudes prevalent at the time or straying off topic, he has produced an excellent account, written with a lot of flair.

Wow. Fun review Vivienne.

Thank you. I really enjoyed the book.

I've been dipping into this Early Reviewer book since I received it over a month ago.

Through early Yellowstone: adventuring by bicycle, covered wagon, foot, horseback and skis edited by Janet Chapple

This anthology of early writings about Yellowstone records the accounts of early visitors to the park during the period from 1871 to 1928 no matter their means of transport. It makes for an excellent companion to Chapple's earlier comprehensive guidebook Yellowstone Treasures. This book is considerably enriched by the reproduced watercolour paintings of Welsh artist Thomas H. Thomas. Anyone interested in national parks, especially the historical aspect, will enjoy this very much.

I don't remember requesting this Early Reviewer book so not sure how I was chosen to receive it, however, it is a gem, one that I will treasure

Lost in Shangri-La has been in my TBR pile since it was published. Must get to it. I spent two months in Papua New Guinea in the 1980s and flew all over the country, so I can related to small planes flying over those mountains and valleys.

I remember you mentioning that at one time so I thought of you as I was reading. I'm sure you will find it interesting - and changed!

A Death in the Family by James Agee

In beautiful lyrical writing the story examines the emotions and thoughts after a death in the family. Jay Follet is called to see his father who is ill. On his return journey to his wife Mary and children, he is killed in a car crash.

Early in the story Jay and Mary's son Rufus asks excellent, but difficult to answer questions about death, heaven and God. "Will the cat be in heaven too? And the rabbits? Will they still be all bloody?" In a way, it was a childish version of what the adults would consider later, when they were trying to come to terms with Jay's death. Agee describes so well the literal way that children react to death. Although the pacing is slow as events are described in excruciating detail, the beautiful writing keeps this book engaging.

Enjoyed your review of A Death in the family.

Thanks Daniel.

Bandits by Elmore Leonard

Leonard manages to inject this hard-boiled yarn with humour and an offbeat flavour. Jack Delaney works at his in-law's funeral home and gets talked into a scheme to rob a Nicaraguan warlord so that they can rebuild the hospital he destroyed as payback. The collection of diverse characters added to the entertainment value.

Believing that the setting was Nicaragua, I chose this for July's GeoCat over at the Category Challenge group, but it turned out the story stayed entirely in the U.S. Second choice on the way!

A Death in the Family has been loitering on my wish list for ages now. You've pushed it up nearer the top.

Alison, my only problem with it was that I longed to move forward more quickly. Stream of consciousness style of writing is agony for my impatient temperament. :)

Death of My Aunt by C.H.B. Kitchin

Malcolm Warren, a junior, rather likeable young stockbroker, is summoned by his aunt to give advice on her vast wealth. Right away, one wonders why the aunt would consider her inefficient nephew’s advice. During his consultation with her, she takes some of a new "tonic" and promptly dies. Avoiding suspicion is hardly possible, so he sets out to solve the crime. There are several candidates for the deed: aunt's new husband, a younger man, out of her class and with no money, an insolent chauffeur, and numerous needy relatives of which Malcolm is one. Published in 1929 when Kitchin was enjoying huge success, this is a treasure from the Golden Age of mystery writing. The elegant writing with subtle wittiness is reminiscent of Evelyn Waugh, with just a hint of E.F. Benson.

As well as lawyer, Kitchin also was a stockbroker although much more successful than Malcolm Warren.

entertained by your review. Never heard of Kitchin.

It appears Kitchen was even more entertaining than his books! He was so well-known socially that Virginia and Leonard Woolf published his books at Hogarth.

Wait for me!: memoirs of the youngest Mitford sister by Deborah Devonshire

I've heard snippets about the six Mitford sisters over the years but not enough to create a cohesive picture, probably because the scandalous sisters were so diverse. In 2010, when she was ninety years old, the youngest, Deborah, Duchess of Devonshire wrote her biography that includes details about her family and involves much of the history of the last century. Practically everyone of note from the era makes an appearance from movie stars to world statesmen, art and literary luminaries, royalty, the Kennedy family, even Hitler. Her husband's elder brother who would have inherited the title, was married to Kick Kennedy, the sister of childhood friend Jack Kennedy. The Devonshires attended President Kennedy's inauguration and funeral, described in two appendices. She was amazed at how Americans handled the inauguration so informally compared to the minute planning of Queen Elizabeth's coronation.

Her life was interesting, with many achievements. The deaths of Andrew's elder brother in the war and his father not long afterwards, incurred enormous death duties that were not fully paid until 1974. They transformed Chatsworth into a profitable business, now one of the biggest tourist attraction in Britain and employing 600 locals.

I suspect Debo wrote this frank detailed biography to provide the last word on her life and family, thus curbing inaccuracies in other renderings. It's a complex story arranged by topic rather than chronology, giving it depth although it appears to jump around. It is not simply name-dropping on her part but a history of the world she knew and naturally, the people involved. This is Downton Abbey on a grand scale, combined with an international Who's Who of the 20th century.

Among her other books are Chatsworth: the house and The Garden at Chatsworth both of which I've also enjoyed browsing as companion reading.

Gutshot Straight by Lou Berney

This is the first of a series featuring professional wheelman Shake Bouchon. Within hours of his release from jail - and solemn vows to stay out of trouble - he is propositioned, knowing full well that although it sounds innocent, it is definitely not. Through this job he meets Gina, who appears to be wholesome and demure, then turns out to have a talent for lying. The action takes them to Panama where Shake would just like to fulfill a dream of owning a restaurant and cooking his specialty: good simple food with local ingredients.

This was an enjoyable story (warning: there is an "ick" factor) with excellent characters. I hope Berney continues with this series, it was all fun.

>47 VivienneR: very interesting about the Devonshires.

Glad the Berney was fun.

>47 VivienneR: great review. I've had a couple of books about the Mitford sisters sitting on my wish list for a while but haven't got to them yet. They are such a fascinating family.

I think the whole concept of death duties is so wrong - so many of these amazing estates are falling to rack and ruin as the families who have owned them for generations cannot afford to pay them. I'm not sure why they should be punished for owning a home that their family has had for generations.

Chatsworth House is beautiful. We went to some horse trials there in the early 2000s, and the garden is just fabulous.

>49 dchaikin: Thanks, it was a very interesting book. There were quotable passages and anecdotes on every other page. I started by making notes on which ones to include but the choice was too much.

>50 AlisonY: Thanks Alison. I'm going to be on the lookout for more from the Mitfords. The Devonshire death duties were particularly heavy because both the eldest son and father died within a short time of each other. It's a good way to add to the country's coffers but that counts for little when precious parts of the estate have to be sold. It really belongs to the nation after all. Lucky you being able to go to Chatsworth. I can imagine how beautiful it must be.

This was an Early Reviewer book snagged last month.

Slide by Norah McClintock

Fourteen year-old Rennie struggles with the relationship with his father, "the Major". He also suffers with grief and guilt after the death of his mother. Things are looking up when the Major has to go out of town and arranges for Grandma to stay. This adventurous Grandma immediately takes Rennie out of school to set off on a ski trip.

Many teens will be able to relate to the feelings that Rennie experiences in the coming-of-age story that is woven with adventure and mystery. This engaging book has enough action and suspense to keep the reader turning pages.

Perfect Hatred by Leighton Gage

A mystery set in Brazil that explores the possibility of a relationship between what appears to be individual crimes: the assassination of a politician, an explosion at a community event, the murder of a woman and kidnapping of her child. Complex yet clearly written, with a surprising twist in the tail.

Macbeth by William Shakespeare

It wasn't in my reading plans, but today when I came across "the Scottish play" I couldn't resist. What can I say that hasn't already been said? It is astonishing just how far ambition can push a person, and how difficult it is to live with the results. This is one of my favourites from Shakespeare. It never fails to entertain whether on the stage or on paper.

>54 VivienneR: Yes! So many excellent quotes in this one! Also it feels shorter and more tightly plotted than, say, Hamlet. ;)

>55 ELiz_M: Yes, it's great to come across a phrase that is still in common use today.

The Hours by Michael Cunningham

Cunningham's novel pays tribute to Virginia Woolf's Mrs Dalloway by providing a connection in the stories of a single day in each of the lives of three women - Virginia Woolf in England 1941, Clarissa Vaughan, nicknamed Mrs Dalloway, in contemporary New York, and Laura Brown in 1949 California. Their lives are so diverse yet Cunningham adeptly describes how they are linked and brings them all together in a brilliant ending.

I have seen the movie and to be honest, remember little about it. The book, so beautifully written, is much more memorable. This is especially recommended for fans of Virginia Woolf.

>57 VivienneR: I hoped you would enjoy this one! I actually enjoyed it far more than Mrs Dalloway itself, dare I say it. I loved the movie too - one that I plan to watch again sometime soon.

>58 AlisonY:
Not a surprise-- it's much more readable. I love Woolf, but she's a lot of work.

>58 AlisonY: I enjoyed it more than I thought I would and like you, more than Mrs Dalloway, that I believe I have yet to finish. Like Joyce says, Woolf is a lot of work.

>57 VivienneR: I loved this novel and have read it several times, often after a rearead of Mrs Dalloway Vivienne.

>61 Caroline_McElwee: After The Hours I am resolved to try Mrs Dalloway again. I like Woolf and don't remember why I didn't finish it. I just mentioned to Nickelini on another thread that I would like to see the movie again just to compare. Cunningham's book is thought-provoking to say the least.

Just catching up on a review. I read and loved this in June when life was unusually busy and I'd no time to scribble a review.

Sorry by Gail Jones

Stella, a lady's companion, is obsessed with Shakespeare. Nicholas, is a would-be anthropologist, a study chosen as the most likely to generate distinction for him. They met as he was finishing his studies at Cambridge after a lengthy interruption brought about by WWI. When these two uncommunicative introverts marry, it appears it is not for any feelings for each other but because marriage is a thing to do, convenient. They moved to Australia so that Nicholas can write an anthropology paper on Aboriginals. In a primitive shack in Western Australia, they became emotionally distant parents to their child Perdita, who narrates the story. Although Stella and Nicholas regard themselves as superior (so much for the validity of the anthropology paper) the local Aboriginals become neglected Perdita's loving family. When Nicholas is found stabbed to death, Perdita's closest friend Mary confesses to the crime while the unstable mother hysterically recites Shakespeare. It is a long time before Perdita, still a child, is allowed to visit her friend in prison during which time she receives counselling for the stutter developed since her father's murder, the same counselling that recovers her memory of the event. Perdita's story is built around Australian history of which the injustice of Mary's imprisonment is an example of extensive wrongs against Aboriginals and others.

Jones has written a sad story in beautiful prose with unforgettable poignancy, a story Australians can be proud of. I recommend it highly.

For Aboriginal people, "sorry business" is the term given broadly to matters of death and mourning. When Prime Minister John Howard refused to apologize to Aboriginal Australians for past treatment, a National Sorry Day was declared May 1998, since re-named in 2005 as the National Day of Healing for All Australians, intended to indicate new hope.

>62 VivienneR: I actually liked the film.

>63 VivienneR: must nudge this up the tbr pile (if I can find it!).

If you're going to tackle Mrs Dalloway again, I suggest you use Shmoop.com to help you along.

>64 Caroline_McElwee: I liked the movie too, I just can't remember much of it.

I'd be interested in hearing your opinion of the Gail Jones book.

>65 Nickelini: What a great site! Thanks for that.

>63 VivienneR: I've not heard of Sorry before. Will have to go on the wish list.

>63 VivienneR: sad how little I remember of this. I really was taken by the writing, but oddly didn't love the book. Enjoyed your review.

>67 AlisonY: I hope you enjoy it. I chose it because it was long listed for the Orange Prize, usually books I will enjoy.

>68 dchaikin: I can understand not loving the book, it's not a pleasant story.

I've enjoyed catching up on your reading. You've piqued my interest on a few of them. I'm not sure if you've heard of the novel of Macbeth: A Novel by A. J. Hartley. I listened to it (narrated by Alan Cumming), and it was really very good. I read the play first, and then listened to the novel. I would recommend it to you, since you enjoy Macbeth. A good part of my enjoyment was Cumming's narration, so if you like audiobooks, it would be the way to go.

Yes, I have heard of the novel, Colleen. I think you may have recommended it at some point in the past. I ordered a copy of the audiobook but unfortunately it was defective and wouldn't play. Thanks for the reminder, I'll try again. Cummings would make a perfect narrator.

I read this for August's GeoCAT challenge - Sub-Saharan Africa - over at the 2016 Category Challenge group.

A House in the Sky : a memoir by Amanda Lindhout

Canadian Amanda Lindhout was the typical young person of her day, backpacking as many countries as possible, in her case, inspired by reading thrift store copies of National Geographic. She earned money to pay for the travels from waitressing tips, working to save enough to travel and returning to work when funds were depleted. When she decided to try and earn her way as a freelance journalist - meaning without qualifications or affiliations - she lost carefree backpacker status and entered "the most dangerous place in the world" ignoring the risks. She admitted that it was naive. She and her photographer partner were captured after just three days. What followed was 460 days of being brutalized and tortured, with more severity for Lindhout, because she was a woman. Her ability to to mentally remove herself from the savage atrocities by building an imaginary house in the sky and other such mind games helped her through the nightmare. Her experiences in this book helps to partly understand the mindset of the captors although it’s a long way from understanding how a group of men can justify these actions. She is to be thoroughly praised for her sense of forgiveness and for creating the Global Enrichment Foundation offering, among other benefits, university scholarships to women in Somalia. I'm sure her recovery will require a lifetime but Lindhout shows a capacity for the human spirit that is inspirational.

It is difficult to rate memoirs at the best of times and in this case more so because of the subject matter. The second half of the book relates the time she was held prisoner and is well-written without becoming emotional or sentimental in any way. However, the first half of the book describing the minutiae of early travels was a tad long.

>72 VivienneR: I've wanted to read this since I heard her interviewed on CBC. Everyone in my book club seems to own it, and all say I can borrow their copy. But now that I read your review, I wonder if I should just buy my own copy and make my travel lust daughters read it. I think my 19 year old mainly just wants to go to Europe, Hawaii, and New Zealand (she went to non-resort Mexico last year and it wasn't a great experience), but my 16 year old wants to take a gap year and travel Asia. She's smart, but naive. Yes, I think I need to buy this. Thanks for posting, who knows, .... I buy the book, my kid reads it, thinks ..... yada yada yada, she's still alive after her travels.

>72 VivienneR: I hadn't heard of this story. Messed up world. Great review.

>73 Nickelini: A friend mentioned to me yesterday that his daughter loves to travel and is "counting countries" - a phrase Amanda Lindhout used. It gave me the shivers. I didn't mention the book, it wasn't the right moment. But I will. At least when my son travelled, it was in European countries and at a safer time, even then he had eyeopeners.

>73 Nickelini: Thanks. It sure is messed up.

Short stories are not my preferred format, and I strayed from Atwood a few years ago. This slim volume was a pleasant trip back to a favourite author.

Wilderness Tips by Margaret Atwood

Like all collections of short stories, some are - not necessarily better - but enjoyed more than others. Hairball was downright creepy. They all show essential qualities that the characters usually keep hidden. I've been told that Atwood fictionalized portrayals of Canadian literary contemporaries in her stories. Hack Wednesday, one of my favourites, is said to be drawn on the journalist June Callwood. Selena in Isis in Darkness is a tribute to poet Gwendolyn MacEwen. I don't know MacEwen well enough to guess how it might have been received, but I think she'd have liked it.

Interesting cover. I'm not familiar with the other authors, but the collection sounds like a good Atwood. Enjoyed your review.

>76 VivienneR: I've been staying away from Atwood for some years, but your mention that these are fictionalized portrayals makes this books sound like one I would enjoy. Does she actually suggest that the sainted June Callwood was a hack? Naughty!

Have you read Rosemary Sullivan's biography of Gwendolyn MacEwen? That's one I keep promising myself I will read.

>77 dchaikin: I wish someone would explain that cover to me :)

>78 SassyLassy: I too have stayed away from Atwood since I read The Handmaid's Tale, which I hated. Written off on the basis of one book hardly seems fair, but that's the way it is. Hack Wednesday was quite funny. I'm now curious about MacEwen and will look out for Sullivan's book.

  

I've been browsing through these two beautiful books since reading Wait for me!: Memoirs by the same author.

The Garden at Chatsworth by Deborah Devonshire

Not a gardening book in the usual sense but a tour of Chatsworth landscape. The Duchess describes the changes that have been made to the garden since the first Cavendish bought the land in 1549 providing a glimpse of history as well as the magnificent garden now encompassing 105 acres.

!n 1980 the family granted a 99 year lease at a rent of £1 per year for Chatsworth House, the contents, garden, park and woods to a charitable foundation with the object being the preservation of Chatsworth for the benefit of the public. An endowment fund was created from the sale of works of art from the private side of the house and family resources. The income from the endowment goes towards the upkeep of the house, garden and park. The Cavendish family still live in the private part of the house.

Chatsworth: The House by Deborah Devonshire

In 1547 when Bess Hartwick married Sir William Cavendish, Treasurer to the Chamber of Henry VIII, she persuaded him to buy property in Derbyshire including the land where Chatsworth now stands. There was an inconveniently-placed house on the site so Bess started building Chatsworth. The history of the family in relation to the house is fascinating. Nowadays the house is planned to accommodate visitors and family without either groups crossing paths. The house was home to the author Deborah Cavendish, Duchess of Devonshire from 1950 until 2005 when she moved into the Dower House, Edinsor. A remarkably interesting and beautiful book.

>80 VivienneR: Those both sound interesting. Have you visited Chatsworth? I haven't but hope to one day.

>80 VivienneR: Vivienne, I loved this biography of Chatsworth's gardener Joseph Paxton

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Thing-Disguise-Visionary-Joseph-Paxton-ebook/dp/B008IX5...

>81 Nickelini: No, I've never been to Chatsworth but if I'm ever in the UK again, it is at the top of the list.

>82 Caroline_McElwee: Paxton got a lot of coverage. I especially liked the story of the giant waterlily. He must have been very interesting. I believe that book is in our library system. Thanks for the link.

Great reviews, and lovely to see some more books on Chatsworth House.

>83 VivienneR: Looks like a good book. You might also be interested in The Head Gardeners, which includes Paxton.

>84 AlisonY: Thanks, I didn't know what I was getting into when I read a book by one of the Mitford sisters! I've more on the way too!

>85 SassyLassy: Thanks for the recommendation! What is really amazing is that he was an engineer, responsible for building the Crystal Palace, among other achievements.

Wild: from lost to found on the Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl Strayed

Strayed wrote this memoir describing her 1,100 mile solo hike along the Pacific Crest Trail from the Mojave Desert in California through Oregon and into Washington. Aged 26 and without any hiking experience, she set out alone on the trek after being devastated by the death of her mother.

I really liked the hiking story itself - how she prepared (or didn't prepare, in this case), what she was afraid of, what made her confident, the landscape, the physical challenges. Although she mulled over her life in flashbacks, these reflections added little to the story, and did not lead to any conclusions or realizations. It is to be expected that personal information is necessary to let the reader know how and why she came to decide on such an extreme undertaking, but Strayed returned often to her use of heroin, promiscuous sex, and her mother's death, which detracted from the main story - or maybe that was the main story. Half a star off for the gratuitous sex encounter near the finish that I preferred to skip. In the end, I enjoyed this interesting and entertaining memoir. Kudos to Strayed for her huge achievement.

>87 VivienneR: was interested to read your review Vivienne as I think I have Wild on my wish list. Sounds like a good read.

>88 AlisonY: It was one of those "couldn't put it down" books! The end of the trail is near the region where I live and I know it well. I can't imagine walking into the area alone. It was pre-mobile phone days, but that wouldn't make any difference, there is no coverage anyway. I saw the movie with Reese Witherspoon that was a very good portrayal and stayed close to the story.

Gently with the Painters by Alan Hunter

When the sole female member of an art group is murdered and dumped outside police headquarters, Gently is brought in from London to search for the killer. In addition to the jibes from affronted local police, he has to contend with the eccentricities of the artists and the murdered woman's superstitious husband, a former bomber pilot with the RAF. The story flowed well until an extended interview near the end, supposed to show off Gently's style, instead became tedious. Hunter, who was also an RAF pilot in WWII, wrote and set his George Gently series mid-20th century, capturing the era distinctly.

The Silkworm by Robert Galbraith

Thou entanglest thyself in thine own work like a silkworm - John Webster

Cormoran Strike's private detective agency is enjoying prestige and increased business secured by the success of the Lula Landry case in The Cuckoo's Calling. In this, the second of the series, Galbraith brings a darker investigation involving an author who is killed by the same method described in his latest, as yet unpublished book, a book that is scathing in its description of his friends. The colourful characters are well-drawn and the murder is satisfyingly grisly. But what Rowling does best is in the details: the cold weather is believable; whether the restaurant is upscale or greasy spoon, the reader experiences the surroundings; the physical and emotional scars of Strike's devastating injury in Afghanistan are achingly transparent. A minor criticism is that towards the end of the book some scenes were drawn out too much with a long interview that reduced the impact of the resolution. However, I look forward to the next instalment and hope that the series continues for a long time. Cormoran Strike and his sidekick Robin are currently my favourite detective pairing.

For the Dewey challenge at the Category Challenge group

In the midst of life by Jennifer Worth

First of all I have to admit it that I thought this book was about Worth's experiences as a nurse in the 50s and 60s. Instead I found a thought-provoking discussion about death including the "death-defying tactics" used by the medical profession who will not allow a patient to die where there are advanced levels of medical care that might delay death even at the expense of the patient's comfort. Worth also speaks of care homes, many whose first priority is to their shareholders, not patients, similar to hospital management that is based on business models. She makes some excellent points until reaching the topic of euthanasia or assisted death when she sank into an irrational religious argument strangely at odds with what she had written before. Ironically, at an advanced age, she was found "dead" at the bottom of a swimming pool and resuscitated successfully, knocking her earlier arguments against resuscitation on the head.

>92 VivienneR: very interesting Vivienne. On some levels a precursor to Being Mortal perhaps, except the ethical mores of her era obstructed her from rounding it off in a rational way it sounds.

>93 Caroline_McElwee: I have Being Mortal on the tbr shelf and I believe it will be a better book. Worth was doing well until she started contradicting herself. And she completely wrote off atheists in one short sentence, as if their deaths don't count.

A beautiful place to die by Malla Nunn

Detective Emmanuel Cooper is dispatched to the small South African community of Jacob's Rest to check on a phone call received at headquarters that provided no information, a possible hoax. Instead Cooper is led to the body of the police captain who was shot and dragged into the river where he was left face down. Like the captain's family, Cooper is stunned to find himself investigating the murder alone, instead of with a squad of detectives. When assistance arrives it's in the form of a couple of Security Branch thugs who have an agenda of their own and know how to wring a confession from their chosen suspect. Cooper, by necessity has to investigate behind their backs. It is 1952, just after apartheid laws were introduced, bringing more complications to an already tense inquiry.

Nunn, a filmmaker by profession, is skilled at evoking the African countryside, illustrating the harsh political and social issues of the 1950s, and creating outstanding and memorable characters. As well, there is the captivating mystery, filled with action until the last page.

This is the first in the series. I have previously read later books and was hooked. I'm looking forward to more. Highly recommended.

>95 VivienneR: This sounds like an interesting series to add to my list. :)

>96 NanaCC: I'm sure you will enjoy them, Colleen.

Gaudy Night by Dorothy L. Sayers

When Harriet Vane attends a reunion Shrewsbury College, an event known in Oxford as a Gaudy, she is the recipient of a minor but malicious anonymous letter, one of several offences that have been occurring. It is understandable that the college scholars would ask Vane to investigate the series of nefarious happenings on the strength of her being a mystery writer - I think Sayers must have had a chuckle about that. However, it meant they would avoid the possibility of having the college discredited by a police inquiry.

Among the many serious topics brought up by Sayers, there is some lighthearted humour: the discussion about the type of shirt fronts men wore and how each man has his own style was an example of a private joke among women. Funnier still when Miss Pike, that lover of facts, disconcertingly asked Wimsey for the reason for the "popping" sounds that may be made by stiff shirt fronts. His serious reply was as clever as it was hilarious.

Sayers is genius at re-creating Oxford of the 1930s, the literary discussions, the feminism, the strong value placed on education. And well she might, this was her world. But Sayers gives us so much more, the characters are rich in not only detail, but also with those quirky qualities that academics are often endowed. Lord Peter Wimsey abandons the silly act he's been known to adopt in other books. The result is an intriguing mystery, much intellectual conversation and the pleasing relationships between Harriet, Wimsey, and undergraduates, one of whom is Wimsey's nephew who refers to Vane as Aunt Harriet. A foreshadowing?

This is my favourite of Sayers' books, one that I recommend highly.

Oh a favorite, good! I will try to remember that title to look into, since I wasn't super keen on the one short story collection of hers I read but do want to try her again. :)

Very nice review of Gaudy Night, Vivienne.

I've always told myself that I need to read Dorothy Sayers and I do need a mystery for one of my reading challenges. I will have to check this one out. It looks really good! Thanks for your review!

I think I've read all of the Dorothy Sayers books, and Gaudy Night is my favorite, as well. My recommendation would be to read the Peter Wimsey/Harriet Vane books in order. If you were to just read the four Peter/Harriet books, you would see the progression of their relationship. (Strong Poison, Have His Carcass, Gaudy Night, and Busman's Honeymoon)

>99 .Monkey.: I hope you enjoy others.

>100 kidzdoc: Thank you, Darryl. I always enjoy your reviews.

>101 Sace: Same as for >99 .Monkey.:. Also, note the good advice from >102 NanaCC:.

>102 NanaCC: Thanks for the advice, Colleen. I've read most, if not all, of Sayers' books a long time ago but recently have been finding a few to re-read.

>102 NanaCC: Thanks for the advice!

It's ages since I read Gaudy Night. Harriet and Lord Peter are a treat.

I love them both, Caroline. I plan to re-read more of Sayers, I enjoy them a lot.

Sweetness in the Belly by Camilla Gibb

While living in Morocco, Lilly, the child of a couple of nudist hippies was orphaned and left to be brought up in a Sufi mosque there, later fleeing to Ethiopia. Even though a devout Muslim, she was always denigrated as a "farenji" (foreigner) because she was white. When eventually she went to live in London, her accent and religion again labelled her a foreigner. This was a close look at Muslim society and culture in Ethiopia, including a detailed account of the barbaric practice of female circumcision. The people of London did not fare any better, displaying just as much intolerance. Gibb has obviously done her research (she lived for a year with a Muslim family in their compound in Harar, Ethiopia). Although the theme of ethnicity, displacement, and identity are the essence of this story, I found the characters remained oddly unlikeable. I expected a book about Muslim women as refugees but instead learned more about the restrictions of Islam. The dreamy, pensive, reflective style of writing does not appeal to me, and despite attempts to keep the text lyrical, the topic romantic, Gibb, the academic, has written a book that is more ethnography than novel.

Graveyard shift: and other stories from Night Shift by Stephen King

Like all collections of short stories, they vary in entertainment value. However, there is no doubt that King is a master at spinning a yarn, scary or otherwise. And, some of them fit in the "otherwise" class for I found myself laughing at a couple of "scary" bits. All in all, a couple of hours of fun.

Echo Burning by Lee Child

Just how did Jack Reacher escape my notice until now? This is my first encounter with Child and I'm hooked. His characters are well drawn, the plot filled with suspense. American authors who write mysteries set in England often do not get it quite right, so I was interested in this English author setting his mystery in the U.S. In my opinion he hit the spot and produced a page-turner that kept me up most of the night. Great stuff!

My husband has read several Reacher books and loves them. I may have to swipe a few of his books and read them myself! I've only heard good things about the series.

Oh yes, do swipe a few! Ask him which ones he'd recommend. In this book Reacher was like a modern day Robin Hood. I can't wait to read more.

I think he read the first two or three. I hope so. I'm sure it's a series that you can jump into at any point (as you did), but it makes me twitch if I haven't read at least the first book. I'm weird that way.

Résistance: a woman's journal of struggle and defiance in Occupied France by Agnes Humbert

Humbert kept a journal relating events as they happened when Paris fell to the Germans in June 1940. With few men left in the civilian population, what became known as the French Resistance was organized by women. The early entries describe the shock and dismay at what is happening to her beloved city and country, when she was inspired to do something, if only to spread information. She met others with the same goal, and together they printed a newsletter titled Résistance, the first use of the word that eventually gave the name to the movement. When Humbert's activities were discovered by the Gestapo in April 1941, although they had little to go on, she was arrested and immediately imprisoned.

At her trial she was given 5 years in prison and sent to a forced labour camp. From this point the book gives an account of the extraordinarily horrific experiences as a slave labourer, but written soon after her liberation in April 1945. Because this section continues in journal format, it serves to show the prolonged time of extreme, agonizing ill-treatment. During this time she maintained her resistance, sabotaging every product she worked on.

After her liberation, she again kept a journal, reprinted as the final section in the book, making only the middle section written from memory. There are many outstanding features in her account, the most noted being that she retained her positive attitude, sense of humour and consideration for other prisoners. When she was liberated, the German town of Wanfried was in chaos and Humbert took a leading part in the organization of facilities, food supply, medical treatment to the townspeople, prisoners, and huge population of army personnel, many of whom behaved like hooligans. Conditions were quite different to the idea many of us might have about liberation where everyone is suddenly free, and ready to go home. She appreciated the difference between Nazis and those who were forced into the party and used the information to form a method of identifying Nazis which led to many arrests. Humbert's contribution to the war effort, resistance, and recovery was extensive and nothing short of heroic.

Her book, one of the first about the war years in France and slave labour camps was published in January 1946 although not translated until 2008. The Afterword by Julien Blanc is of particular interest by filling in the details of Humbert's life, her process of writing the book and the Resistance movement. There is also an extensive appendix detailing documents on the Resistance, translator's notes, bibliography and index. A highly recommended five-star read.

Anil's Ghost by Michael Ondaatje

Anil Tissera has returned to her native Sri Lanka as a pathologist for an international human rights organization to investigate deaths of Sri Lankans in the civil war of the 1990s. She is assisted by Saratha, a local archaeologist and his brother, an emergency physician. It's a subtle story that is not so much about the war, but quietly entangled with the passions and loyalties of the people. There are myriad tragedies to be faced beyond the allegations. As anyone from a country that has experienced civil war can attest, understanding the allegiance of those around you is paramount. Anil's colleagues are complex, shadowy, careful, only to be expected in the circumstances, but Ondaatje gives them a remarkable verisimilitude.

Because so much of what has happened in the war reflects national identity, Anil's forensic investigation is as much a probe into Sri Lanka's culture, people and history as of the civil war victims. This is a quiet telling, an elegy set against the sad backdrop of Sri Lanka's civil war and veiled in the surreal, dreamlike quality of Ontaatje's prose that captures the beauty and atmosphere of the country.

Very interested to read your excellent review of Résistance: a womans journal of struggle and defiance in occupied France
I have just read 33 days which is similar to the effect that it was written contemporaneously; or as near as possible. Tempted to get a copy of Résistance.

I am a big fan of Michael Ondaatje's Anil's Ghost

Thanks Barry. Humbert's book told me a lot that I wasn't aware of. 33 Days sounds like a worthwhile read. I'll add it to my growing wishlist. It's always interesting to see a topic from a different point of view. I also have Outwitting the Gestapo by Lucie Aubrac on the shelf but my son convinced me to read Résistance: a woman's journal of struggle and defiance in Occupied France first.

I'm a big fan of Ondaatje. So far I have enjoyed everything I've read by him.

Anil's Ghost sounds really, really good. Thank you for the review.

>113 VivienneR: think you got me with a book bullet here Vivienne.

>114 VivienneR: it's years since I read Anil's Ghost, time for a reread soon maybe. I've read The English Patient about four times. I ought to get to the more recent of his novels in the pile too

>117 Sace: You're welcome!

>118 Caroline_McElwee: Great, glad to be of service. :)

Ondaatje's books are good candidates for multiple readings. I get more out of them each time.

>114 VivienneR: One of my favourite Ondaatje books, and I agree, he is a great author to reread.

And on that topic, I think it's time for me to re-read In the Skin of a Lion.

>113 VivienneR: great review of Résistance. I'm keeping this one in mind.

Intrigued by Anil's Ghost too.

Two excellent books, Daniel. It's always interesting to read about a different kind of experience, as in Humbert's book.

I realize my opinion about this one goes against the grain here on LT.

Big little lies by Liane Moriarty

This story gives us examples of many forms of violence, much of which needs to be brought in the open and recognized for what it is. I realize Moriarty exaggerated the characters and issues (I mean, adults picking on a 5-year-old!) but for me the satire went over the top. Could there possibly be any group of people so totally dysfunctional? Even the barista was "heartbroken". There were few characters that I liked and none I could relate to. I just don't find so-called "helicopter parents" to be entertaining. The book was much too long and annoyingly frustrating, harping on and on about an innocent kindergarten child and a petition to have him suspended. I know it was tongue in cheek, but writing it in chick-lit style debases any message as well as the actions. I only stuck with it to find out who would get murdered, an event promised early in the story. I had my fingers crossed for several names.

I had another book by Moriarty that has since been donated for the booksale.

Now May You Weep by Deborah Crombie

A combination of history, a touch of romance, and whisky, naturally, in the Scottish Highlands. This is a decent whodunnit from Crombie who has woven the past with the present and brought them together with a satisfying conclusion. Gemma James is obliged to investigate this one alone, even though the Scottish police don't welcome her help. Kincaid is left in London trying to solve a problem of his own related to his son Kit.

The Dead Hour by Denise Mina

Paddy Meehan, a spirited night-shift journalist, is trying desperately to take home regular pay cheques to her Mum while establishing her career. She follows police calls to try to get a story that will give her a boost at the newspaper, a newspaper ruthlessly cutting back and paring costs. What a great character: smart, quick on the uptake, yet considerate of anyone in need, she has enough street smarts to spot fib or felon. This was a page-turner and kept my attention throughout, especially closing in on the exciting finish. Mina has created a feisty, strong female protagonist who has normal insecurities normal of a teenager carrying the responsibility of being the only wage-earner at home. Although the series is a mere three volumes. I hope someday Paddy makes a comeback. The atmosphere is truly Glaswegian. A cliffhanger at the end means I'll be starting the next in the series as soon as possible!

I love Paddy Meehan! She has a cameo appearance at a press conference in one of the Alex Morrow series. I at a book signing and told Denise Mina that I liked that cameo and she said that Meehan will appear again and that she's based on an actual person.

Do you remember which one of the Alex Morrow books that was? I have read all of the Alex Morrow series (another great character) but I'd make a point of re-reading that one. I love that Paddy is based on an actual person. The "real" Paddy Meehan must be delighted with the result. Lucky you to get to talk with Mina!

Catching up. Noting some very interesting reads!

Thanks Alison!

Canada's Weather: the climate that shapes a nation by Chris St. Clair

"Although Canada has very distinct seasons, it is best known for its winter weather."

Canadians are obsessed by weather, especially winter. No one asks how bad it was driving west in the setting sun, or how the wet fall leaves made roads and sidewalks slippery, but give them a touch of frost or a fall of snow and conversation becomes animated.

Our large land mass means we have multiple climates so that while west-coasters count flower blossoms, much of the rest of the country is still shovelling snow. While easterners are enjoying the warmth of a late fall day, westerners are getting drenched in rain. This book offers so much more by describing how weather is affected by ocean currents, wind, air currents, and how clouds are formed. The Pineapple Express, a saturated air current brings heavy rains and snowfall to British Columbia. An Alberta Clipper creates biting cold and high winds to the Great Lakes region.

There are chapters on the seasons as they apply to specific regions: Spring includes maple tapping in Quebec, iceberg formation in the Maritimes; Summer describes the thunderstorms and resulting wildfires in British Columbia, and the long sunny days in the north making the change of season almost instant. Naturally, Winter includes excellent information about the Northern Lights. Some giving this as a reason for the disaster of the Franklin Expedition, when summer changed to winter unexpectedly.

Some interesting records:
- The coldest Grey Cup (CFL) football game was November 1991, with a kickoff temperature of -17C (1F). My records tell me that was in Winnipeg.
- London, Ontario has an average of 36 days per year with thunderstorms.
- In Canada, the average life expectancy of a snow shovel is 2.5 years
- The driest Canadian city is Medicine Hat, Alberta that has 271 days each year with absolutely no rain, mist, fog, dew, frost or snow.

This is a fascinating, wide-ranging book that can be read systematically cover to cover, or just sampled according to topic. The illustrations and graphics are excellent. I give it an unconditional five star rating.

>131 VivienneR: Well that sounds like fun. Where did you find it?

>132 Nickelini: My daughter-in-law bought it at Dollarama! I guess that's where the remainders go nowadays. The best dollar she ever spent!

>128 VivienneR: Denise Mina is one of my all-time favorite authors, so in meeting her I made sure to be extra awkward and weird. She was gracious, funny and happy that I liked the Meehan cameo. I can't remember which book it was, but I'll have a look. The woman Paddy Meehan is based on is still in Glasgow but not doing well according to Mina. I'm just looking forward to more of her.

Well, I'm sorry the "real" Paddy Meehan isn't doing well. She deserves the best for inspiring such a wonderful character. I had to immediately start Slip of the Knife and I'm glad I read them in quick succession, it was like reading about someone I know personally. Mina is a gifted writer. She even gets political details right (like the Northern Ireland references). I can imagine her being funny but I'm having trouble imagining you as awkward and weird!

The worst part of finishing this one is that it's the last in the series.

Slip of the Knife by Denise Mina

When The Dead Hour ended I had to immediately start this, the final entry in the Paddy Meehan trilogy. Paddy is such an irresistible character that I would have enjoyed spending time with her regardless of the quality of the story. But Mina provides an enticing story too, with great characters, suspense, and an interesting family life in the background. The contemplation of five-year-old Pete is so genuine, that I would be surprised if Mina is not a mother herself. Highly recommended.

Love the photo at the top.

Thanks Caroline. It appears Fall has arrived today. Summer zipped past too quickly.

Nice reviews of Résistance and Anil's Ghost, Vivienne. I was equally fond of Ondaatje's novel.

I'm just catching up today. I'm so far behind on everyone's threads, as well as, my own. I haven't started the Paddy Meehan trilogy, but hope to very soon. I've loved the Alex Morrow series, and from everything I've heard, Mina's other series are as good.

>139 kidzdoc: Thanks Darryl. I love Ondaatje's lyrical prose.

>140 NanaCC: I hope to start Mina's Maureen O'Donnell series soon. I enjoyed Alex Morrow.

Read for September's translation category at the 2016 Category Challenge group.

Faceless Killers by Henning Mankell translated by Steven T. Murray

The first in the series, this is a good introduction to Kurt Wallander, a middle-aged Swedish detective whose life is beginning to fall apart: his wife has left him, he is turning to alcohol for comfort, he appears to have a dysfunctional relationship with his daughter, and his father is beginning to suffer from senility. Although there is much going wrong in his life, he's not broken but quite capable of handling the job, even a tough one such as this. In this story Swedish policy on immigrants and refugees plays a part when a brutal double murder is thought to have been committed by "foreigners", indicating a group in transition that makes them practically untraceable. Although the book was published in 1991, similar immigration issues still exist in many European countries to the present day. A well-written mystery that portrayed a complicated, engaging character as well as the country.

I enjoyed this better than any other Scandi crime novel I've tried so far. Apart from one or two minor anomalies that indicated this was not the original language, the translation was good. Recommended.

The Wallender Series get better as they go along Vivvienne, and reading them in order gives you the arc of Kurts life, though I think here they managed to transpose the order two were published in I remember. I preferred the two Scandinavian tv dramatisations, to the British one, despite Kenneth Branagh in the role.

Caroline, I've seen and enjoyed one Scandinavian Wallander series (with Krister Henriksson) as well the English series with Branagh. Until this week I would have said I liked Henriksson best, but as I read I saw Branagh as Wallander.

I also enjoyed the Wallender series, and agree with Caroline that they get better as they go. Have you tried Karin Fossum? She is another Scandinavian crime writer that I really enjoyed.

Glad to get your recommendation, Colleen. I picked up a Karin Fossum book at a library booksale but so far it's still on the shelf.

I'm just catching up. You do read some wonderful things! I've noted Mr Mercedes for my wishlist (never read any Stephen King, but I've seen several positive comments about this one in CR recently), as well as Sorry, which I like the sound of (I want to give Gail Jones another try; I wasn't blown away by Dreams of Speaking). And the Malla Nunn series has gone on my wishlist too. So, a fruitful visit to your thread!

I am a Denise Mina fan too, having discovered her through CR this year. I'm resisting the urge to binge on everything of hers I can find all at once.

>147 rachbxl: Thank you, glad you dropped by.

Sorry was my first experience of Gail Jones and I will be on the lookout for more. It certainly wasn't a typical story, and I appreciated the author's imagination and intent. I believe Mr Mercedes was my first novel by Stephen King too. I was swayed by the fact that it is a mystery, not horror. I have the rest of the series ready and waiting on the shelf. I'm sure you will enjoy Malla Nunn too.

Suite Française by Irène Némirovsky, translated by Sandra Smith

In the first part of the novel, Storm in June, the myriad population of Paris react to the impending German occupation by packing whatever they can and escaping the city by whatever means possible. Némirovsky portrays the alarm, fear, trepidation so well that the packed roads are easily imagined. Amid the panic there is the badly planned packing, the forgotten items, the assumption that all would be well elsewhere, that restaurants and hotels would be operating as usual, that petrol would be available. Within the chaos there are little moments of humour that are so unexpected in such a harrowing tale, yet completely natural. There are swindles, thefts, deceptions, anything necessary to evade occupation. Then the realization that there is no escape and for those who survive, eventual acceptance - of a kind. Némirovsky wrote with astonishing acumen and perspicacity, even her description of the cat's experience was remarkably perceptive.

In Dolce the Germans arrive to be billeted in a small town where the inhabitants have been able to hide some of their valuables and buried the best wine. But these Germans are gentlemen, and accordingly they must be treated with civility, no matter how feigned it might be. Over time, there is a certain level of acceptance, even admiration by some for the Germans. But for most of the French the unknown is frightening, they are walking on eggshells while waiting for what else might come. There is always the urge to resist while appearing to comply. The range of human emotions portrayed is immense.

It was intended to be a sequence of novels but before this compelling book was finished Némirovsky was arrested and sent to a concentration camp where she died one month later. Her daughters were able to preserve the unfinished manuscript in the form of a tiny notebook written in minuscule handwriting, but it was not until 1998 that they realized what it was. Her tragedy may have added to the book's acclaim, but it does not change the fact that this is an outstanding work.

I have Suite Francaise in my Audible library. I really should get to it. I remember having queued it up at one point, but timing was bad, and I never got back to it.

>149 VivienneR: I agree this is a very fine novel Vivienne. Nemerovsky was achieving her peak, which makes her loss at that time even more heartbreaking. I have liked all her other books too, some more than others, but all could tempt me to a reread. I have reread this novel.

I thought the film they made of the book was fine too, despite the usual tweaks.

>150 NanaCC: Colleen, you will really enjoy it.

>151 Caroline_McElwee: I have another by Némirovsky but I will leave it a while so that I may savour this one. I'd like to see the film. I'm sure they just can't do it justice.

>149 VivienneR: Great review of Suite Française, which you've made me want to get round to sooner rather than later (I've had a copy for years).

>153 rachbxl: Keeping books on the shelf is pretty common for me too! I was surprised by just how much I enjoyed Suite Française.

>153 rachbxl: >154 VivienneR: I date books as they come into the house, and worked out that if I don't read a newly acquired book in the first year, the average is a 12 year wait!

Oh Caroline, that is so comforting to know! I won't feel as guilty anymore.

Seabiscuit by Laura Hillenbrand

I know horse racing fans will disagree, but I can't help but see the abuse in the "sport". Mostly for this reason, the book did not appeal to me. Also, at over 450 pages, it is a lengthy book filled with the minutiae of racing, trainers, and training methods.

Samuel Maclure, Architect by Janet Bingham

Samuel Maclure (1860-1929) was originally a telegrapher and became one of British Columbia's most gifted architects who paid attention to every detail. Working mainly in Vancouver and Victoria, he specialized in high quality homes, known for their originality, many of which are still in use today.

One of his major achievements was Hatley Park, just outside Victoria on Vancouver Island, built for the Dunsmuir family. Like other homes he designed, it is now a heritage site. It later housed Royal Roads Military College and since 1995 Royal Roads University. Dunsmuir, who was then British Columbia's Lieutenant-Governor, instructed Maclure "It doesn't matter what it costs, just build me what I want". He got a Tudor-style castle with formal gardens on over 500 acres, sufficient to entertain in grand style.

His landscaping talents were also regarded as the best available. Mrs Butchart consulted him about the garden she planned for her quarry, now world famous Butchart Gardens. He shared the project to build Government House with another celebrated architect F.M. Rattenbury, and designed the gardens that provide another garden tourist attraction in Victoria.

Maclure's family history and life were fascinating. He was known to be kind, extremely generous, easy to get along with and able to put difficult customers at ease. Bingham has done her research well and this is a delightful book filled with interesting information. However, it will not appeal to the masses, but mostly to readers who know the area, the houses, or are interested in design or the history of British Columbia.


Hatley Park

>158 VivienneR: That would be me! I think I've perused this at Munro's and put it in my mental one-day pile. Maclure was born in my neighbourhood and there are still some lovely homes of his in the Queens Park area of New West. My nephew's wedding was at Hatley Park last summer -- I didn't realize that it was one of his. I'll have to pick this one up next time I'm at Munro's.

I could have said much more, I really enjoyed it. His mother was from my country of Northern Ireland and when she moved to British Columbia - by sea, pre-Panama Canal - it took 6 months! The family were all very interesting. Maclure is regarded as self-taught, his training consisted of just a year at art college that touched on architecture. What an amazing guy! His homes are so beautiful. Definitely put it on your shopping list.

Bourbon Island 1730 by Lewis Trondheim, Appollo translated by Alexis Siegel (graphic novel)

This graphic novel is for September's GeoCategory challenge although it might well have been chosen for a RandomCategory translation, or even for Talk Like a Pirate Day!

"Don't be silly, Raphael, there are no more pirates. And in any event there is no way you'd be able to drink enough rum to follow one of their conversations."

Set on Bourbon Island, now known as Réunion and one of the few countries left where my reading has not already taken me. An ornithologist is searching for the dodo bird (was there ever any on Bourbon Island?), there are the aforementioned pirates, colonists, slavery, and terrorists. Fictionalized history, humorous in a way, detailed art, but only mildly entertaining. This might be enjoyed more by someone who appreciates graphic novels more than I do.

>157 VivienneR: Disturbingly, pretty much all "entertainment" surrounding animals is rife with abuse. Any racing, rodeos, circuses, it's awful. :( And yep that's the main reason I stayed away from that book (and movie) when it was all over the place.

>155 Caroline_McElwee: That's a good idea, I think I'll start doing that. I don't know why it is that books seems to lose their appeal unless read almost immediately, only to become attractive again years later.

>163 rachbxl: I think it is more, I know what I like, and so will still want to read it years later, crossed with too many books coming through the door to keep up! I'm 'trying' to cure the latter, and succeeding more this year.

>162 .Monkey.: Of course, I should have known. I did know. All the rave reviews won me over.

>163 rachbxl: & >164 Caroline_McElwee: This year I've tried to stop myself from rushing out to buy every book that takes my fancy. Not exactly a success story, but I'm getting better mostly because I ran out of shelf space. Now I'm trying to force myself to read books I already own if only to free up some space. I found some of the books I thought essential were not as enjoyable as I thought they would be.

Enjoying your reviews. I didn't much care for the Irene Nemirovsky book I read last year (or was it this year - the months all blur into one), but everyone seems united in praise for Suite Francaise so I think I'll give it a go one day.

I have another one of Nemirovsky's books but it doesn't appeal as much. I'll keep it for the right day. I wonder if it is the one you tried. Many of my reads are selected for the Category Challenge group that has introduced me to books I wouldn't normally have chosen. The results have been mainly on the positive side.

The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas

I've been dipping into this doorstopper off and on for a month or more - maybe not the best way to read a story of this complexity but it worked out well and I enjoyed it a lot. The first time I read this classic tale of adventure was many years ago and although the plot and characters were familiar, many details lost in the mist of time were revived. Excellent story!

>168 VivienneR: A book well worth rereading... I love it.
I've been catching up with your reading all at once from post 124 and enjoying it all. Naturally made a note of Canada's Weather and wondering if the author discussed those places where you get all seasons on the same day. I've yet to tackle Paddy Meehan, but it looks like a good trilogy for those never-ending winter days.

I wish I still had the weather book but I gave it back to my daughter-in-law. It's one of those books that you can pick up, open at any page and find interesting information. My comments may have been general, not specific.

Paddy Meehan was a great character. Alex Morrow is the protagonist in Mina's current series that I can also recommend, another strong woman. If you are interested, the first in that series is Still Midnight, also set in Glasgow.

>168 VivienneR: this is a novel I've long wanted to read. Maybe next year. Glad you enjoyed it Vivienne.

>171 Caroline_McElwee: I've been putting it off for too long. Maybe next year I will tackle another of Dumas' works.

Gold boy, emerald girl by Yiyun Li

As usual I have to say that short stories are not my favourite genre but this collection caught my eye. The writing is muted yet articulate, with a style that clearly indicates a different culture.

"They would have been called "gold boy and emerald girl at their wedding, enviable for their matching good looks."

The first story, really a novella, is quite plaintive in its portrayal of a friendless woman who reads Dickens, as she reflects on her life after receiving an invitation to the funeral of her army officer.

In the title story a young woman brought up by her father developed a friendship of sorts with her biology professor. The professor arranges marriage for her now middle-aged student with her gay son. Here again the Dickens leitmotif appears: "Her grandfather had once memorized volumes of Dickens on the small balcony of a Shanghai flat, a feat that had eventually led him, before the liberation, to a high position in a bank run by Englishmen".

Overall, the stories are about love, but show a grey, melancholy picture of communist China peopled with eccentrics.

>173 VivienneR: I'd almost buy that volume for the cover Vivienne. I do like short stories, but go long periods without reading them, I'm tempted by this though, I like a bit of melancholy sometimes.

It was the cover that got my attention too! Strange stories. I couldn't quite decide what rating to give it. I was in a hurry to finish it because I've got five holds in at the library! Then we had company drop by and I didn't make it to the library after all.

Crooked Lake by Nelson Brunanski

This book fills the self-published square of my Bingo challenge which completes the card.

This is a decent mystery set in Saskatchewan that captures the Canadian small town atmosphere nicely. The story features the owner of a fishing resort who is also on the board governing the local golf course. He feels obliged to investigate a murder when his friend is accused of the crime. Even the grain elevator on the cover has a part to play. Although the conclusion was a tad far-fetched it was filled with action and suspense. With some punctuation and spelling errors it could have used the work of an editor but otherwise it was enjoyable and I would try more of this author's work.

>173 VivienneR: I just saw the post you left on my thread, and I came straight here to read your thoughts on Gold Boy, Emerald Girl (which I haven't read). Much of what you say rings true about the novels too - muted yet articulate, grey and melancholy communist China peopled with eccentrics... I'd forgotten about Yiyun Li's short stories (I haven't read A Thousand Years of Good Prayers, her first collection, either), so thanks for reminding me. The Dickens connection is bothering me - one of the main characters in Kinder than Solitude has a favourite book, a classic which she read many times in translation as a teenager, only to be disappointed by the original which she reads after emigrating to the USA...I shall have to check if that was a Dickens too. I can't remember.

>177 rachbxl: Isn't that interesting about the Dickens reference. I felt there had to be more to it, but just didn't get it. She certainly is an interesting writer.

Ten things I've learnt about love by Sarah Butler

A surprising story, touching, memorable, simply told yet complex. Alternate chapters are told by two people, Alice, a young woman whose father has just died and Daniel, a homeless man, each lost in a way, searching for something, without knowing exactly what, or what they might find. This is a well-written beautiful story that has each chapter headed by a list that indicates the direction the story is taking. It is a book I couldn't put down. And I was sorry when it ended.

I don't know who recommended Butler to me, but I certainly appreciate it.

I hope you come and join me in the continuation of my thread here