Archive for the ‘Historical fiction’ Category

Comments Off on Silver by Andrew Motion

Silver by Andrew Motion


2012
04.01

“Follow up to the great Treasure Island which I read again not so many years ago.
The poet laureate has taken on some challenge. Now what I will say is that his writing is lovely and not over done.
The story picks up years after Long John Silver returns from Treasure Island, his son, a teenager is met by a strange girl, and the story takes us on the journey.
What the book can’t decide is if it is for children to read (as I was first time around) or adults. Either way it’s too long at 650 pages and not the page turner to hold the teen readers attention.
It didn’t have the edge or imagination and ultimately left me cold. I read this back in September and gave it a 3/10 Now after reflection I’ll up it to a four, some parts have lived in the memory so not all bad.

Score 4/10

Date read April 2012

What would your score for this book be? Please post your comments below.”

Pure by Andrew Miller


2012
03.23

“Costa winner and rightly so. I recommend reading this historical novel.
The city graveyard of Paris is overflowing with corpses and had to be shut, it rests and it stinks.
Young engineer Jean Baptiste is given his first job after a surreal interview at Versailles to remove it, contents, church, everything.
This is a multi layered masterpiece and perfect for any reading group who, like ours will discuss late into the night.

Score 8/10

Date read March 2012

What would your score for this book be? Please post your comments below.”

Comments Off on Wild Child by TC Boyle

Wild Child by TC Boyle


2012
01.20

“Based on true events dating back to 18c France, a feral boy is discovered by peasant farmers and hunters in the forest.
Once captured he is of great interest and civilised France take him to Paris and intend to ‘humanise’ him.
A novella and a good taste of TC Boyle, note to self; read more of this author.

Score 6/10

Date read January 2012

What would your score for this book be? Please post your comments below.”

Jamrach’s Menagerie by Carol Birch


2011
10.13

“This year the Booker Prize got a lot of stick for choosing ‘readable’ books. I applaud them for their choices.
Jamrach’s is one of these on the short list. Never imagined it could win, it didn’t, but is it worthy of reaching the last six? I’m not convinced it is.
The story has elements of truth woven into it, there is indeed a statue of Jaffy Brown and the tiger in East London. The Essex was a whaling ship that encountered disaster. I won’t elaborate the details. Part of this novel I thoroughly enjoyed, others parts felt lifeless and slow, or hurried.
Our book group had mixed feeling with 5.1/10 scored. It was however well debated so a good book club choice.

Score 5/10

Date read October 2011

What would your score for this book be? Please post your comments below.”