Wolf Hall

Finished in 2012 (just)! Well despite my apprehensions, it was a real page turner. I have to admit, it was made easier having watched "The Tudors" and being able to put names to "faces" (so many Thomases) but what a fascinating story. Not that Hilary Mantel can really take credit for that but she certainly knows how to research and turn a phrase. Am I up for "Bringing Up the Bodies"? Yes. But not right now. This story had all the great parts, Anne Boleyn's claim to be Queen, their marriage, the death of Thomas More - all told essentially from the point of view of Cromwell. It had me looking up Hans Holbein portraits on google and different London buildings - how far was Whitehall from the Tower? etc. Highly recommended but only if you are interested in the period.

I'm now an Official blogger

This should be fun. I've nearly finished Flight Behaviour so will report in when I do.
Carm

From Carm

I'm into "Flight Behaviour" by Barbara Kingsolver. I had forgotten how much I love her writing and her characters. 

I was in the book shop and decided I had to give "Wolf Hall" a try after all the hype and awards.  I am loving it but it is not a read for busy weeks.  I just fall asleep.  A weekend at the beach though will see me plough through it.

I am reading “Saigon” by Anthony Grey as I thought it would give me some good background for the trip to Vietnam next year. It was written thirty years ago and only covers about 50 years from towards end of French Colonial rule till end of Vietnam war It is “big”! Like a Ken Follett or James Michener. It fell from my hands as I was dozing last night and completely woke me up again!! Great historical and political detail but typically a bit melodramatic and implausible in parts.

 I read another of Kate Atkinson’s recently “Emotionally Weird” but found it very convoluted and slightly
boring till the end when she pulls everything together per usual. Lucille read “ In Falling Snow” whilst
she was up here and thought it pretty good.
http://www.allenandunwin.com/default.aspx?page=94&book=9781743311219 
I was thinking of reading “Capital” so good to hear you enjoyed it. I am reading Ramona Koval’s reminiscences “By the Book – a Reader’s Guide to Life”. So far set in Melbourne in 1950’s and it certainly resonates.She remembers reading “John and Betty”!!! And “The Drover’s Wife”.
http://textpublishing.com.au/books-and-authors/book/by-the-book/

From Carm
I just finished "Where'd you go Bernadette?" A very enjoyable book. Lots of laughs at the start but it gets more serious and a good ending. 

From Bern
Currently reading "The Red House" new one by Mark Haddon of "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time" fame.  Am enjoying it immensely though have only just started it.
 
Gave up on "NW" new one by Zadie Smith - enjoyed her other ones - White Teeth and On Beauty.  Couldn't get into NW and didn't like the characters!  Will try again later.