Ruth

It's funny; I spent most of the my teenage years trying to look older than I was, and most of the years since hoping I look a bit younger (but in truth, I don't really worry about it now. Life is for living, and there is no way I would have my face all sliced up or botoxed just to look a few years younger).

Frankie, you are such a gem . I really enjoy reading this thread, even if I don't always remember to comment. I remember when I was in my 30s, and DREADING turning 40 - and like Marie said, it came and....nothing bad happened. I don't worry quite so much these days, but sometimes I do think surely it was only a couple of years ago that I was in my mid- 20s!!

Adding my good wishes too Julie - hope you are feeling much better now x

Thanks both of you I saw the film when it came out - I remember enjoying it, but it was quite a while ago, and I definitely wouldn't think it would spoil anything about the book. I thought the book was wonderful (as you can tell!) Haunting is exactly the word I'd use Marie. Hope you enjoy it too Poppy.

We've been watching Numb3rs lately - Rob Morrow from NE is in it. My husband loves NE, but I've never watched it. I think we have at least the first few seasons, so I might have to give it a watch soon

Much Ado About Nothing - the 1993 adaptation. I've seen it before, but not for years. Still totally wonderful

Very sad news. He was a truly inspirational man.

Oh, that sounds like a good read. Great review Julie (I'm going to look out for the Peter Jenkins books too!)

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society - Mary Ann Shaffer - I agree with Frankie...I loved this book, and hope you do too. I've added Step Back In Time to my wishlist too - I like the sound of that one, and also Life After Life, by Kate Atkinson (I've heard good things about that!) Hope you get some good news about your test results soon, x Oh, and those pigs sound like a huge bundle of cuteness!

What a great review I read this book early this year, and I wasn't over-keen, but looking back, I feel that it may have been that I wasn't in the right mood for it. (It was picked by our book group for our January meeting, so I read it because I felt I had to, rather than because it was something I fancied at the time.) Your review has reminded me of the things that I did like about it, and I'm glad I held onto my copy, because I think I shall probably read it again at some point.

The Remains of the Day, by Kazuo Ishiguro The narrator of this book is Stevens, a loyal butler, who has worked at the grand Darlington Hall for most of his adult life. Set in 1956, when Stevens receives a letter from former housekeeper Miss Kenton, who left Darlington Hall several years earlier to get married, he sets out to meet her. En route, he reminisces about his time at Darlington Hall, specifically the years when he served the now deceased and disgraced Lord Darlington, in the years between World War I and World War II. I found myself being drawn into this book, and ended up being very moved by it. The characters – principally Stevens himself and Miss Kenton are believable, and if not always completely likeable, are certainly shown as two very decent people, who may have both missed the best years and opportunities of their lives. (Such as when Stevens meets some villagers on his journey and allows them to believe that he had more influence over world affairs than he ever could really have hoped to have had.) The dual narration works well, and while most of the book is devoted to Stevens’ time serving Lord Darlington, his present day narration show how those earlier years have affected him, despite his seeming never to want to show emotion. Tellingly, on a couple of occasions in the present day narrative, he denies having worked for Lord Darlington, due to Darlington’s reputation as a Nazi sympathiser. At times I wanted to shake Stevens and tell him to allow himself to show his feelings; not to miss out on an opportunity. He was a perfectly drawn character, sometimes frustrating to read about with his fastidiousness and his occasional obtuseness, and ultimately a sympathetic character. Also, this book is surprisingly funny at times. Stevens attempts to teach Lord Darlington’s godson about sex (under Lord Darlington’s instruction) had me giggling, and his occasional referrals to the art of banter, and his attempts to learn this art, were also very amusing. In the end, the message behind the book is a simple (and obvious) one, but this story is so beautifully told and so absorbing. It’s no surprise that this book won the Man Booker Prize…I would highly recommend reading The Remains of the Day.

Thanks The film is great. I only watched it because Jimmy Smits is in it and I think he's rather lovely (although he's not so nice in this ), but I ended up absolutely loving it. Hope you do too Thanks I've seen some negative reviews about the book, but I really enjoyed it. If you enjoy it, I would definitely recommend the film too (as you can probably tell)!

The Jane Austen Book Club, by Karen Joy Fowler I picked this book up a few years ago in a charity shop, because (a) it was ridiculously cheap, and (b) I like Jane Austen. I finally got around to reading it because I watched the film adaptation a few weeks ago, and really enjoyed it, and I wanted to see how the book and film compared. Of the many reviews I’ve read of this book since finishing it myself, the vast majority are unfavourable, but while I can see what might put people off, I actually enjoyed it a lot. Six friends start a book club which meets once a month, to discuss the novels of Jane Austen. Each takes their turn at hosting, and while the novel does discuss their meetings, it takes much more time to describe each character’s back story, and the issues which they are facing in their current life. The narration is quite unusual – it is as if the book club has a collective consciousness, and it is from the point of view of this consciousness that the story is told; I can see how that could irritate, but for me anyway, it worked. I did think that the characters were pretty well drawn, although two of them – Prudie and Bernadette – seemed slightly set apart from the other four, this possibly being because the other four had connections between them that excluded Prudie and Bernadette (this may also explain why these two characters were my least favourites). It’s a very charming book, if slightly predictable. Not entirely predictable however – the resolutions of Sylvia’s and Allegra’s stories were not what I had expected (or at least in Sylvia’s case, it would have been unexpected, but I knew what happened, only because I had seen the film). However, as each chapter is devoted mainly to one character (that being whoever is hosting the book club that month), it almost feels like a series of separate short stories which relate to each other through shared characters. I wouldn’t say that you need to like, or even to have read any Austen novels to enjoy this book, as in truth, only small parts of the books are devoted to the actual book club meetings – in fact, you could probably have written this book about any author’s works (Karen Joy Fowler is clearly a big Austen fan, as she notes in her acknowledgements) – but I do think it helps, as I found myself nodding along with the assessments of certain Austen characters. I enjoyed it a lot, but on balance, I’m not sure I would read it again, while I would certainly watch the film adaptation again.

I love your reviews Have added The Luminaries to my wishlist, which actually means I'll probably buy it this weekend Glad I'm not the only one who struggled with The Turn of the Screw. I think I was extra disappointed because I started it expecting to enjoy it. I didn't finish it, although I probably could have - I've finished books which I've enjoyed less. Maybe I'll give it another try one day (but probably not)!

The Battle for America 2008: The Story of an Extraordinary Election, by Dan Balz and Haynes Johnson This is a brilliantly readable account of what was indeed an extraordinary election in America in 2008. It starts from the beginning, with the candidates announcing their intentions to run, thoroughly discussing the Democratic and Republican campaigns to get the nomination, and then the presidential campaign. The Democratic nomination campaigns quickly became a two-person race, between the well-known Hillary Clinton and the newer face of Barack Obama. (While I do think Obama is terrific and I was lucky enough to be in a blue state in America for both of his elections, this book reinforced my view that Hillary would also have done an excellent job.) The book demonstrates how important the Iowa caucus was to both candidates, and how infighting and bad management of finances within Hillary’s campaign caused so many problems. Barack Obama’s campaign, while certainly not without its problems and mis-steps, seemed to run much more smoothly, in the end helping to win the nomination for him instead of the Clinton powerhouse. (I actually found Bill Clinton’s part in Hillary’s campaign to be fascinating, as it seemed to hinder her as much as help her.) McCain’s campaign for the Republican nomination was not without its problems either, as many of the party viewed him with some suspicion. However, he got the nomination and then faced an even tougher battle against the by this time seemingly unstoppable Obama. The successful parts of his campaign are discussed, although at times there do not seem to be too many of them, and his bizarre choice of running mate is also examined in detail. Sometimes I think if this was fiction and was made into a film, people would find it too unbelievable, but this is all true! The narrative is presented in an engaging tone, and it never feels dull or dry. It also stays unbiased, and although it reports on some of the more unsavoury press which the candidates received during their campaigns, it never resorts to using the same tactics. Overall, I would say that this is well worth a look to anybody with even a passing interest in politics or the election process.

Ah, that is VERY interesting. I remember reading that line and wondering if it meant that It's probably a book I'll read again at some point. Re Mansfield Park - agree about the Crawfords Have you watched The Jane Austen Book Club? I watched it the other week, and loved it (I've got the book too, but haven't read it yet). When they talk about Mansfield Park, one character says that just once she would love to read it and have Fanny end up in bed with Henry Crawford! I hope you enjoy it - and all of her books. I think Emma is probably my favourite, but they are all worth reading

Mansfield Park, by Jane Austen (I listened to this as an audiobook, having previously read it many years ago.) At a young age, the virtuous and sweet Fanny Price is sent to live with her Uncle and Aunt Bertram, and her four cousins, the feckless Tom, the moral Edmund, and their flighty sisters Maria and Julia. Fanny falls for Edmund, but keeps her feelings hidden and has to watch as he falls for their friend Mary Crawford, while Maria and Julia are both attracted to Mary’s sister Henry Crawford. As the Crawford and the Bertrams become closer, entanglements and complications ensue. In all honesty, there is too much story to put into one small summary, and in many ways this is the most socially aware and least romantic novel of Austens. It is also probably the least popular of her novels, and I can understand why, although I did enjoy it. The thing that struck me about the characters is that none of them are particularly likeable. Fanny is sweet and kind, and Edmund is very moralistic and by far the most thoughtful of the Bertram children, but (for me anyway) they were both ever-so-slightly boring. The rest of the characters don’t have much to redeem them, with Mrs Bertram seeming kind, but practically catatonic for most of the novel, and Mr Bertram being well-meaning, but cold and distant. The other youngsters are pretty self-absorbed, and Fanny’s other aunt, Aunt Norris, is mean-spirited and never misses an opportunity to put Fanny down. Despite this, there were moments of humour, and the plot was interesting, with a pivotal scene being the play which the youngsters hope to stage, and which is the point at which feelings and attractions start to develop. (Edmund’s horror at the thought of something so scandalous a play taking place at Mansfield Park – even with no audience – was unintentionally funny!) There was a lot of angsty dialogue between the characters, and some scenes were overplayed, but I did like the gradual growth in characters as Edmund tries to excuse some of Mary Crawford’s behaviour which he would have found unacceptable in anyone else, and as Fanny starts to be more confident about giving her own opinion (in the first half of the book Fanny is really little more than an onlooker through whose eyes we see the proceedings, but as the story develops she features more, and becomes more interesting to read about). Overall, it’s well worth reading, and I didn’t think it the disappointment that some Austen fans do. Fanny, while not the most engaging of characters – she does not have half as much personality as Emma Woodhouse or Elizabeth Bennet for instance – is likeable, and eventually admirable, and the story is well told, even if the ending is predictable to anyone who has read any other of Austen’s books.

The Little Stranger, by Sarah Waters Hundreds Hall in Warwickshire, home to the Ayres family for years, used to be a grand country house. However, in the post-WWII era, it is dilapidated, practically falling down around the family’s ears, and the finances are such that they are struggling to maintain it at all, while coming to terms with a changing society. Doctor Faraday – the narrator of the book – meets the family, the widow Mrs Ayres and her two grown children Roderick and Caroline, when he comes to the hall to treat their young housemaid, but he is drawn into their lives, and becomes friendly with them. But a series of strange and unsettling events, starts to take effect on the Ayres’, and it seems that there may be something sinister within Hundreds Hall, that is taunting the family. I have read all of Sarah Waters’ books, and without exception, have enjoyed them. The Little Stranger was brilliantly written, with a slow, creeping atmosphere, that left me feeling unsettled a couple of times. Waters’ writing always flows so well, and I found myself reading huge chunks at a time, just not wanting to put the book down. It was not a light or happy read, and in truth, not all (in fact, not many) of the characters were easy to warm to, although I suspect that may have been entirely intentional. The Hall itself was just as much a character as any of the people that lived in it, and it was vividly described, making it, and the events which took place in it, all too easy to imagine. The Doctor’s narration too, perfectly described both the isolated life of the Ayres, and his own, somewhat lonely life as a bachelor with few real friends. I had no clue as to how the story was going to end, and was eager to find out what would happen – and here is my only criticism of the book, because the ending was something of a let-down. I don’t want to say too much, because I don’t want to give away any spoilers, but I certainly did not find the big twist that I felt sure must be coming at any moment, the nearer I got to the last page. That kind of left me with a “is that it?” feeling, when I finished the book, which is something that I’m not used to feeling with Sarah Waters books. All the time I was reading this, I thought it was going to be a 5 star book, but because of the ending, I ended up giving it 4. Having said that however, it was still a book which was thoroughly worth reading, and which I would recommend, purely because the writing itself is so good, and Waters really knows how to ratchet up the tension.

I'm adding Amazing Grace (2006) to my list. It is the story of how William Wilberforce struggled for years to get anti-slavery laws passed in England, despite stiff opposition. It made me cry, but at the same time it was wonderfully uplifting.

Great review Julie. I've seen this book and picked it up a few times in the bookshop, but your review has inspired me to buy it. I remember my Dad teaching me to read when I was little - and he and my Mum both still love reading, which has rubbed off on me and both of my brothers, who he also taught to read when they were very young too.

I only read one at a time, but when I walk the dog, I listen to an audiobook, so I guess that's kind of like reading two at a time.

Love that film

A Damsel in Distress, starring Fred Astaire, George Burns and Gracie Allen. I love love love this film Seen it before, but will always record it to watch again when it pops up on tv. Also watched The Jane Austen Book Club, which I really liked a lot. It stars the yummy Jimmy Smits (although he is a bit of a jerk in this), and is just a charming and lovely film. I have the book on my tbr pile, so I want to get to it soon.

Enjoy

Kommandant's Girl, by Pam Jenoff Emma Bau, a Polish Jew, has only been married a few weeks when the Nazis come into her home town, and life as she knows it is changed dramatically. While her husband Jacob leaves their home to go and work for the Jewish resistance, she is forced to take on a fake name, pretend that she is not Jewish, and live with Jacob’s Catholic aunt, Krysia. When a chance arrives for her to help the resistance by working in the office of a high-ranking Nazi official, she takes it, but against all her inclinations, finds herself attracted to her boss – and the feeling is mutual. While the devastating effects of the Nazi regime are being felt all around her, Emma (now known as Anna) must keep up the charade, and cope with her conflicting feelings. I usually enjoy books set in the WWII, and this was no exception. I thought it was an easy read, despite the subject matter, and events were moving quick enough that I was drawn in and always eager to find out what had happened. The story was definitely more plot driven than character driven, and I was never sure how I actually felt about Emma/Anna on a personal level. Nonetheless, the book does highlight the considerable risks that people took to fight back against the Nazis, and I am always slightly awed by such stories (because yes, these characters were fictional, but there were people who took such risks). I felt that the author tried to humanise the Kommandant, for whom Emma has such unwanted feelings of attraction; he was almost - almost - likeable, but I couldn’t get away from the fact that he was a Nazi. However, as Jacob barely featured in the book, he was also not a character about whom I could feel very much. Krysia, on the other hand was a wonderful character – probably my favourite out of the whole book. This aside though, I really like the book a lot, and an hour of reading it seemed to pass by in about 20 minutes! The atmosphere of suspicion and not knowing who could really be trusted was depicted well, and I certainly felt thankful that I never lived through such times or make such decisions as Emma did. On the basis of this book, I bought another book by Pam Jenoff (actually a prequel to this one, where more is written about the Kommandant’s first wife), and I look forward to reading it very soon.