Book em Dano

[tvordlj]

Just looking at the list of books shortlisted for the Booker prize and i think i'm quite interested in a couple of them. There's a new one by A.S. Byatt. Not always sure about her. I like the stories but the telling of them can sometimes be a bit of a slog. I might save that for the library. Sarah Waters has one that looks good. I've liked her books in the past but one that really peaked my interest was Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel which is about Cardinal Wolsey. Anything Tudory is going to draw me in and going by the biography, she writes a lot of historical fiction and some of the other titles look interesting too. Anyone read her before? medusa? kixie? Sometimes books that win prizes like this can be very much up their own arse and far too "literary" for me but I've read some in the past that i liked. Life of Pi was one and the English Patient was another. Far better than the movie. I must have a look round the Booker website archive and see what else looks interesting. If nothing else, i might find a new author or two that i'd like.

Comments

[steer.livejournal.com]

Wasn't Life of Pi just great? So strange and unexpected.

[tvor.livejournal.com]

It was a bit bizarre and i never twigged what the twist was either until it was revealed.

[medusa.livejournal.com]

A Place of Greater Safety by Hilary Mantel is probably my favourite book. It's about the French Revolution and focuses on the relationships between Danton, Desmoulins and Robespierre. It's fabulous.

I have liked her other books too but if Wolf Hall is anything like A Place of Greater Safety (I haven't read it yet) then it will be really good.

[tvor.livejournal.com]

Thanks! I figured you'd read the French Rev. one if nothing else! Was hoping it was good. I love the Tudor era so i figure Wolf Hall will be right up my alley

[naturalbornkaos.livejournal.com]

I've read "A Place of Greater Safety" too. It's a little hard going in that it's MASSIVE and full of stuff about a period I'm no expert in, but the characterisation and dialogue is absolutely first-rate and, above all, it's a Hell of a story.

Also read "Fludd" by Hilary Mantel which was not really my bag at all. Kind of like a dry and creepy "Father Ted"... but not as good as that sounds.

[tvor.livejournal.com]

lol Well Father Ted was always a little bit creepy really :) I have been looking up her books on Amazon and i see quite a few i think i'd like! Thanks for the recommendation, will add it to my list.

[ladymoonray.livejournal.com]

I love Hilary Mantel. Beyond Black is one of my favourite books. I went to hear her speak at the British Library a few months ago; she's lovely. A real old-fashioned lady.

I'm struggling with Wolf Hall, but that's because it's physically too big for me to manage. I'll get through it eventually.

[tvor.livejournal.com]

Ooh. Sounds like i may have found a new author then! That's another good recommendation! Thanks!

[girfan.livejournal.com]

I really enjoyed Beyond Black and look forward to reading her new book.

[tvor.livejournal.com]

Yes i saw she has a new one coming out in hardback. I think i'll start making my way through the others while i wait for it to come out in paperback. Like i need more books on my unread pile lol

[ephemera.livejournal.com]

I've added the whole list to my wishlists, as they all look good (I do have a fondness for Byatt, though)

[tvor.livejournal.com]

I'm quite surprised that i am interested in more than even one off the list and quite pleased i have probably found a new author to read!