Devon Book Club discussion

Ian wrote: "Sonia wrote: "I have been thinking about reading the Neapolitan Trilogy for a while - so will follow your lead and excellent taste and read once I have finished Swing Time"

I think..."

Will let you know. Off to read Swing Time. Started it last night - 3 chapters in - she's a fabulous writer - superb characterisation - great at the little details and observations that tell you so much about a character and their life.. Night!

Sonia wrote: "Will let you know. Off to read Swing Time. Started it last night - 3 chapters in - she's a fabulous writer - superb characterisation - great at the little details and observations t..."

Enjoy. Im in bed with my booj too. Goodnight

Reading Queer and not liking it. Horrible characters!! Not motivated to read the very long introduction so guess it will remain a mystery to me. It's the 25th anniversary edition too!!!!

Brilliant. Thanks

I've just finished Ian McEwan's novel The Children Act, and while it makes unsettling reading, I thought it was excellent. Certainly it made me think along many new lines. I also loved the detail of the walks around London - I even got my map book out. Plus the way McEwan conjures up the detail of someone living in - yet another - fairly closed community, while also having such varying problems bought to her: and all requiring in-depth research ... so quickly. Also, the horror of having such issues to deal with while coping with 'life'. I never worry about content - apart from sometimes wanting to check factual validity - and I rarely worry about 'not liking' characters. I see such novels as bringing more experience to my door, and I can check it further and learn, learn, learn - and about 'the writing ' too. It's left me mulling over all the many moral and philosophical quandaries. Looking forward to our 'Reading Group' debate!

DrMama wrote: "I've just finished Ian McEwan's novel The Children Act, and while it makes unsettling reading, I thought it was excellent. Certainly it made me think along many new lines. I also lo..."

I agree Carol - one of his better books. I sometimes find McEwan disappointing - the ideas are always interesting but the execution leaves me unmoved. I did like this book though and thought the dilemmas it exposes were well handled.

Along with Saturday this is my favourite of his works

I finished the second of the Neapolitan novels by Elena Ferrante yesterday and immediately downloaded the third. I think this tells you that I loved the second book as much as the first. A rare 5 star read for me.

Those Who Leave and Those Who Stay is the third in the series. I heartily recommend them

I thought SaturdaySaturday was an excellent book.

I've just read Sealskin by Devon Author, Su Bristow. It won the Exeter Novel Prize in 2013, and you can see why; it's stunning. Now reading His Bloody Project by Graeme Macrae Burnet. It's hard going in places, but overall, I'm enjoying it. Will review when I'm done.

Elizabeth wrote: "I've just read Sealskin by Devon Author, Su Bristow. It won the Exeter Novel Prize in 2013, and you can see why; it's stunning. Now reading His Bloody Project by Gra..."

Sealskin is on my list for asap this year - looking forward to it

Helen wrote: "I thought SaturdaySaturday was an excellent book."

Yes, I enjoyed that enormously, too, although I found the effect of the recitation of 'Dover Beach' a tad implausible. I think I've admired all the McEwan's I've read, although I'm aware there's a lot more - and reading life it too short!

I found His Bloody Project very hard going! It's been Scottish book of the year, and I think that's because of the vivid portrayal of how hard life was for crofters. But in fiction, it's risky to hold out no hope at all from the start. I'm not sure I'd have finished it if we hadn't been reading it for book club. I'll be interested to see what you think.

Su wrote: "I found His Bloody Project very hard going! It's been Scottish book of the year, and I think that's because of the vivid portrayal of how hard life was for crofters. But in fiction, it's risky to h..."

After I posted my original comments, I suddenly got into it and flew through the rest of it. Here's the review I wrote:

"It's hard to remember that this is a book of fiction. It is presented as an historical presentation of fact, made up of witness statements, statement by the defendant, medical reports, and a recount of the trial. Roderick Macrae stands charged on three counts of murder; murders he doesn't deny. But that's only the start of the story; or maybe it's the end? The atmospheric descriptions of 19th Century Highland life are stunning. This is a book that will leave a lasting impression. It is not surprising that it was short-listed for the 2016 Booker Prize; the only surprise is that it didn't win."

Sealskin is on my list too!
At the moment I'm reading Consequences by Penelope Lively. I love her writing - has anyone else read this one?

I really enjoyed McEwan's Saturday and Sweet Tooth, so maybe I'll put The Children Act on my list, too.

Elizabeth wrote: "Su wrote: "I found His Bloody Project very hard going! It's been Scottish book of the year, and I think that's because of the vivid portrayal of how hard life was for crofters. But in fiction, it's..."

Sounds good, the sort of book I like. I will try it ... 'though I'm not sure when I imagine I'll get round to it. Thanks!

Right now I am in the middle of 77 Shadow St. by Koontz

Clare wrote: "Sealskin is on my list too!
At the moment I'm reading Consequences by Penelope Lively. I love her writing - has anyone else read this one?"

Ive not read Penelope Lively, though I'v heard of Moon Tiger (think it won a major prize?)

David wrote: "Right now I am in the middle of 77 Shadow St. by Koontz"

I haven't read any Koontz either - do you recommend him? 77 Shadow Street

By the way, for anyone who is not familiar, it is great when you refer to a book or an author to add them using the link just above the dialogue box - that way others can easily access details, reviews etc

Clare wrote: "I really enjoyed McEwan's Saturday and Sweet Tooth, so maybe I'll put The Children Act on my list, too."

Clare wrote: "Sealskin is on my list too!
At the moment I'm reading Consequences by Penelope Lively. I love her writing - has anyone else read this one?"

Not read Saturday, but loved Sweet Tooth.

Just started Neil Gaimon's American Gods and already hooked.

DrMama wrote: "Just started Neil Gaimon's American Gods and already hooked."

I love that book. It is on my to re-read list. An amazing work of imagination

Ian wrote: "I finished the second of the Neapolitan novels by Elena Ferrante yesterday and immediately downloaded the third. I think this tells you that I loved the second book as much as the fi..."

I m just finishing the second book and have reserved the third from the library already. Cornwall libraries have the whole set in stock.

Ian wrote: "I finished the second of the Neapolitan novels by Elena Ferrante yesterday and immediately downloaded the third. I think this tells you that I loved the second book as much as the fi..."

Karen wrote: "Ian wrote: "I finished the second of the Neapolitan novels by Elena Ferrante yesterday and immediately downloaded the third. I think this tells you that I loved the second book as mu..."

Elena Ferrante is my new favourite author. I want to read everything she has written. The Neoplolitan novels are brilliant!

Sonia wrote: "Ian wrote: "I've just started the second in the Neapolitan Trilogy by Elena Ferrante - it is gripping me - just as the first did. So beautifully written and minutely and sensitively ..."

I'm just finishing the second and can't wait to read the third. Superb series and she is my new favourite author.

Ruth wrote: "I've just read Stella Duffy's latest, "London Lies Beneath" and loved it. Very sad, but her portrait of East End families in the years between the Boer War and the First World War is utterly compel..."

I've reserved it from Cornwall libraries! Can't wait to read it.

Ian wrote: "Sonia wrote: "I have been thinking about reading the Neapolitan Trilogy for a while - so will follow your lead and excellent taste and read once I have finished Swing Time"

I think..."

I love them!

DrMama wrote: "Just started Neil Gaimon's American Gods and already hooked."
This is fantastic. There are some linked short stories too, and a sort of sequel, Anansi Boys. Neil Gaiman is brilliant.

Karen wrote: "Ian wrote: "Sonia wrote: "I have been thinking about reading the Neapolitan Trilogy for a while - so will follow your lead and excellent taste and read once I have finished Swing Time- about to get started on that. A series of superlative quality

I've just finished the third, downloaded the final book The Story of the Lost Child - off to bed now to get started on it - a superlative series

Su wrote: "DrMama wrote: "Just started Neil Gaimon's American Gods and already hooked."
This is fantastic. There are some linked short stories too, and a sort of sequel, Anansi Boys. Neil Gaim..."

Agree that Su

Su wrote: "DrMama wrote: "Just started Neil Gaimon's American Gods and already hooked."
This is fantastic. There are some linked short stories too, and a sort of sequel, Anansi Boys. Neil Gaim..."

Thanks for the other suggestions!

The Pilgrim of Hate by Ellis Peters (a Cadfael story). It's sooo good

Jane wrote: "The Pilgrim of Hate by Ellis Peters (a Cadfael story). It's sooo good

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I've never read a Cadfael - what am I missing?

Ian wrote: "Jane wrote: "The Pilgrim of Hate by Ellis Peters (a Cadfael story). It's sooo good

"

I've never read a Cadfael - what am I missing?"

You are missing a lot Ian. Ellis Peters was a wordsmith beyond reproach. She knew her period inside out. And she also knew how to turn a story...

Go on. Give it a go

I've just finished the Ibis trilogy by Amitav Ghosh. Very well researched, and fabulous play with language. With characters you care about, I can say I thoroughly enjoyed this trilogy, although I found the middle book a little slow going and heavy, it was worth it for the final instalement.
Sea of Poppies
River of Smoke
Flood of Fire

Got them all from the library...Cornwall library service.

I hope Devon Libraries are putting together a Reading Group set of the third volume, as in 'Kingsbridge Library Reading Group' we have read the first two. Not surprisingly, they were two of the few books where we all pretty much agreed ... and thought them excellent. He is such a skilful writer, telling tales that deserve to be known. In the dim past I read his earlier works:The Glass Palace and The Hungry Tide, try them, if you have not already read!

I'm still reading 'American Gods' by Neil Gaimon, and enjoying it ...hugely. However, as I have other reading deadlines I've just started Foreign Bodies by Cynthia Ozick. It's our next Reading Group read, so thought I'd better start ... not grabbing me so far, but only a few pages in. Also constantly dipping into Lydia Davies's bookof Collected Stories. Very different, but superb, sublime, challenging!

I have loved all of Neil Gamon's books that I have read so far, I hope to read more of them.

Have just finished Thomas Jefferson's Paris, by Howard C. Rice and have nearly read Panorama of Paris, edited by J. D. Popkin. It is a selection of works by Louis Sebastien Mercier (originally in 12 vols.) and describes Paris in the late 18th century. A fascinating account of how people lived then.

Im a third of the wat through The Museum of Innocence by Orhan Pamuk. I love his writing. This is the story of a young man's affair (he is also engaged to be married) and his obsession with the woman.

This is a long book - over 700 pages and, at times, the intensity of the writing is overwhelming - it is easy to read but his obsession is relentless and a bit exhausting - but then I guess that is the reality of obsession.

Purple Hibiscus

I've just finished Purple Hibiscus by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. Such a brilliant book and her first. It's the second time I've read it, and having read Half of a Yellow Sun and Americanah, I am now a big fan of this author.

She writes so well, and her characters are well drawn. There is often a little romance, which helps to keep it light, because the topics she covers are harsh. Again she highlights issues such as poverty, race, Nigerian politics, but a familiar theme of hair emerges and in this novel we see flowers. You need these lighter themes to carry you through the isolation of abusive relationships within family and the impact of religion.

Highly recommended, as is Americanah and Half of a Yellow Sun.

Karen - not read Purple Hibiscus but def echo your views on the other two.

Now I cannot believe I have left Hag-Seed languishing on my library the pile since October! It is so good. Failed theatre director/ actor takes a job in a correction centre where he teaches the inmates literacy through Shakespeare. This novel focuses on The Tempest and I love the passages that have been rewritten in rap!

Karen wrote: "Purple Hibiscus

I've just finished Purple Hibiscus by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. Such a brilliant book and her first. It's the second time I've read it, and having read Half of a Yell..."

She is an amazing writer - I've only read Half a Yellow Sun but that stayed with me

Lizzie and her TeaBooks wrote: ""

Thanks Lizzie - I've never read a Stephen King. I know he is very popular - what am I missing? What do you like about this book?

Am currently reading Louis Gottschalk's 'The Era of the French Revolution'.It was first printed in 1929 and last printed in 1957. I find Gottschalk a wonderful historian. I believe he was also a musician. It is difficult to get hold of his books as they are not now being printed so I always have to buy second hand copies.

Am also currently reading 'La France' by Lady Sidney Morgan. It was first published in 1817 in Paris and London. Digital printing now means that so many of these old books can now, as in this case, be printed on demand, so enabling us to read books which would otherwise be almost impossible to obtain. She writes in detail about French society from peasant to noble. She describes the city of Paris, as well as French literature, plays and culture generally.

Anya wrote: "It's been a while since my last update on here, so here's a quick summary of what I have read since then:

Ali Shaw - "The Trees" - This is a sort of post-apolcalytic horror/fantasy novel. I really..."

Really varies choices there Anya - any stand out books? How about delving into some of our Devon authors?

Looked up the origin of' to delve' as it seems a very interesting word. It appears to come from old German as so much of our language does. (There used to be a boy in my class with the surname of Delve).