February Books
4: Orlando Virginia Woolf
This was the book club choice for February, and I hated every word of it. I didn't like the style of writing, the plot (or lack thereof), even the illustrations were wrong. It was in dire need of a decent editor. I have a feeling this is the sort of book you get when you keep telling someone they are special and clever. Also people kept telling me this was the most 'accessible' of her books - I hope that doesn't mean the best ...
5: Roman Blood Steven Saylor
Nice to have finally read the first book in the series (Gordianus the Finder), and find out about the origins of Eco, and some of the origins of Bethesda. I thought the way the real case was used as the basis for the mystery was very clever, and I like the mix of real and fictional characters.
6: The Reader Bernard Schlink
This is me being organised and not last minute with the March book group book. This one I loved. Well up until the well meaning, but unthinking email of one member spoiled it for me. Still it didn't change the fact that I thought it was beautifully written and very moving.
7: The House of the Vestals Steven Saylor
8: A Gladiator Dies Only Once Steven Saylor
These were the middle books of the Gordianus the Finder omnibus that I bought just after Christmas. They are both collections of short stories filling in some of the gaps between the main Rome Sub Rosa novels. Saylor also uses the chance to explore some other aspects of Roman life, and locations. Lovely to see how his family life develops too.
This was the book club choice for February, and I hated every word of it. I didn't like the style of writing, the plot (or lack thereof), even the illustrations were wrong. It was in dire need of a decent editor. I have a feeling this is the sort of book you get when you keep telling someone they are special and clever. Also people kept telling me this was the most 'accessible' of her books - I hope that doesn't mean the best ...
5: Roman Blood Steven Saylor
Nice to have finally read the first book in the series (Gordianus the Finder), and find out about the origins of Eco, and some of the origins of Bethesda. I thought the way the real case was used as the basis for the mystery was very clever, and I like the mix of real and fictional characters.
6: The Reader Bernard Schlink
This is me being organised and not last minute with the March book group book. This one I loved. Well up until the well meaning, but unthinking email of one member spoiled it for me. Still it didn't change the fact that I thought it was beautifully written and very moving.
7: The House of the Vestals Steven Saylor
8: A Gladiator Dies Only Once Steven Saylor
These were the middle books of the Gordianus the Finder omnibus that I bought just after Christmas. They are both collections of short stories filling in some of the gaps between the main Rome Sub Rosa novels. Saylor also uses the chance to explore some other aspects of Roman life, and locations. Lovely to see how his family life develops too.