The McEwan was an interesting, but for me, not wholly satisfying read. It took on huge themes but somehow felt contrived - not the first time I’ve felt that with his writing.
I would definitely not discourage others from reading it, however.
On to Pynchon’s new one.
Bed time Audible. 34 hours long. 1200 pages
Like many I wasn’t a great fan of the previous book.
Hope we are back on track. Strike and Robin provide the romance in my life.
His autobiography “Wings on My Sleeve” was originally published in 1961. (Ghost written by someone in the MOD I think).
This bio was written after his death and corrects a few inaccuracies from that and is a fuller (and perhaps more honest) account of his life. Some man and an enjoyable read.
Definitely on my list! That BBC4 documentary featuring him was amazing and my late Uncle went to one of his talks.
The Fleet Air Arm Museum at Yeovilton has a set of his naval uniforms and flying gear on display as I recall. I think this includes a set of Messerschmidt Komet flying goggles given to him by Hanna Reisch.
Finished “Shadow Ticket.” Thought it read like warmed over Pynchon lite until I got to the last 50 pages or so, where he bids a relatively orderly farewell to the main characters, suggesting here and there a ray of hope while at the same time anticipating (in historical time) the circumstances of his other novels. It struck me as an author’s farewell.
Just finished this - Our Evenings by Alan Hollinghurst ( Line of Beauty author). It covers 50+ years from the 60’s to the present day. It’s about a lower middle class, dual heritage boy who gets a scholarship to a public school. As an adult he becomes a successful actor who is also gay. The book details the prejudice he encounters on the grounds of race, class and sexuality. But it is much more than that - witty, erudite and a cracking story. Beautifully written and Hollinghurst’s best book to date IMO
Not read any yet.
But I’m going to.
Next one on my reading pile is this new book release by Colin Harper, put out by Jazz In Britain. This apparently is Vol 1, covering the story up to 1960.
Henry IV Part 2.
A series that I positively disliked with a passion and refused to read to my children or have in the house. I can’t imagine what this might be like. Mind you, I accept that I was and am probably one of a few who felt that way.
An etymological delight for whodunnit fans. I gather the author is well known on the other side of the pond from me.
Sounds interesting, I will take a look at it. Please share further thoughts if you regard them as being worthwhile.
A very unusual book. I’ve had it for years, but have only just read it. I should have done so sooner.
It’s a whodunnit set in Oxford amongst editors of a dictionary modeled on the OED who start receiving cryptic (in two senses of the word) letters. The mystery plotting is adequate, but the writing is better than average. And the reflections on the evolution of the English language make it somewhat unique. Quality entertainment.
I really enjoyed Karla’s Choice and agree that the style and story felt like a very natural but new glimpse into the familiar. Not sure if your Audiobook had the Author’s Note, but I was surprised to learn that Harkaway is the real-life son of LeCarre and of course grew up immersed in Smiley’s world. A nice footnote.
Two or three from this Author in the Library so I thought I would start at the beginning.
Although it’s a grizzly story the author tells an easily read tale.
Norwegian Noir. Grumpy male detective leading the enquiry with more than a bit of Lisabeth Salander (Hornets nest) and Saga (The Bridge) wrapped up in his principal assistant.
The rest of the series should be enjoyable.
Just out of DBS surgery on the brain and I couldn’t resist sharing #12 in this book Zuboff’s “The Story of a Brain”, pg 202 of this popular edition (with the Neurosurgeon and Neurologist).
