The Ones I’ve Already Read
The Forgotten Waltz by Anne Enright
Five words from the blurb: powerful, people, moving, love, adultery
My review: The Forgotten Waltz by Anne Enright
One of the few authors able to engage me without the use of a plot. This character study is packed with emotion.
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
Five words from the blurb: circus, dark, dazzling, world, imaginative
My review: The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
Unforgettable, vivid setting, but plot is a bit weak.
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The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
Five words from the blurb: Greece, Heroes, King, war, immortal
My review: The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
Light, but enjoyable read that will suit anyone interested in Greek mythology.
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Gillespie and I by Jane Harris
Five words from the blurb: Glasgow, encounter, tragedy, mystery, humour
My review: Gillespie and I by Jane Harris
An entertaining Victorian mystery.
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Half Blood Blues by Esi Edugyan
Five words from the blurb: cabaret, black, Berlin, betrayal, secrets
My review: Half Blood Blues – Esi Edugyan
Fantastic atmosphere, but too much jazz for me.
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The Sealed Letter by Emma Donoghue
Five words from the blurb: Victorian, women’s movement, marriage, affair, divorce
My review: The Sealed Letter by Emma Donoghue
Some great descriptions of Victorian London, but court case was too slow for me.
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State of Wonder by Ann Patchett
Five words from the blurb: Brazilian, river, researcher, mystery, secrets
This book had some great sections, but they were interspersed by long dull bits. I abandoned it at the half way point.
Painter of Silence by Georgina Harding
Five words from the blurb: Romania, hospital, memories, society, war, victim
Beautiful poetic writing, but plot was too gentle for me. I abandoned it after 50 pages.
The Ones I Haven’t Read
Island of Wings by Karin Altenberg
Five words from the blurb: islands, family, love, madness, hardship
On the Floor by Aifric Campbell
Five words from the blurb: city, bank, success, trouble, risk
The Flying Man by Roopa Farooki
Five words from the blurb: man, charm, Pakistan, escapes, game
The Translation of the Bones by Francesca Kay
Five words from the blurb: motherhood, faith, love, emotional, London
Five words from the blurb: voyage, deceived, super-rich, false, hearts
There but for the by Ali Smith
Five words from the blurb: dinner party, stranger, satirical, perspective, memory
The Pink Hotel by Anna Stothard
Five words from the blurb: Los Angeles, funeral, mother, letters, photographs
Tides of War by Stella Tillyard
Five words from the blurb: Regency England, Spain, Peninsular War, freedom, women
Lord of Misrule by Jaimy Gordon
Five words from the blurb: horses, racing, steal, fast, winners
The Grief of Others by Leah Hager Cohen
Five words from the blurb: family, secret, past, grief, tenderness
Foreign Bodies by Cynthia Ozick
Five words from the blurb: teacher, New York, divorce, family, love
Five words from the blurb: 9/11, memorial, grief, Muslim, conflicts
My Plans
This is an interesting list, containing several books that are new to me. So far I’ve tried 8 books and whilst several have been enjoyable, none have bowled me over with their brilliance. I would like to try all the books at some point, but make no promises about finishing them.
The Submission has been on my radar for a while so this gives me the perfect excuse to read it soon. I’ll read the others over the coming weeks, but try to spread the reviews out a little bit so that this blog doesn’t become overly Orange.
What do you make of the list?
Which book do you think I’ll enjoy the most?