Karen Joy Fowler - We are all completely beside ourselves

This is an extraordinary book. Please do not be tempted to immediately read page 77 as it will spoil the suprise and what a shock it is. Well it was for me! I think this will become a Reading Group classic, if people can keep quiet about the content. However when we know the secret the book then it becomes a fascinating study of  psychology and human behaivoir. It is absolutely brilliant!

Robert Goddard The Corners of the Globe

The excellent Robert Goddard has begun a new Trilogy set during the peace negotiations after the First World War. Book one came out in paperback in June and book two in hardback  this month. They are both available as e-books. The books follow the attempts of ex WW1 flying ace James Maxted to solve his father's  death. They are both exciting edge of the seat stuff but despite James being an amateur he has astounding success in uncovering the lies and treachery that led to his father's demise. He uses his war experience to propel him into increasingly dare devil and dangerous situations. His quick thinking propels him forward. They are real page turners and a fascinating insight into the negotiations and machinations in Paris at that time.

I loved both of these books and now cannot wait for the last in the series and the final denouement. I think book one would make an excellent Reading Group Read as there is much too discuss about the Ways of the World at that time!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

George R. R. Martin - Game of Thrones

Phew I have just finished the long haul though all 5 books of the Game of Thrones fantasy series. What can I say? They are totally immersive, completely  addictive edge of the seat writing. this is mainly  due to the fact that no character is safe. Unlike so much fiction and like reality random bad things happen to the nice characters, leaving you as the reader bereft but acknowledging the overall truth that life is not fair.

If you enjoyed the series on TV then this is going to be a real treat. Your really get to own the characters, hence the emotional fallout when they do. Each chapter is dedicated to a character and you see the world from their view point. This means that as the series progresses you have multiple viewpoints of events, in an intense  multi layered experience. I am in awe.

I actually felt emotionally bereft when I finished Book 5 with the realisation that I may have to wait years until book six comes out but at least we do have a title!