sirinrob

The Welsh history books sound interesting Chrissy, as I err... rather like history As for me i'm now 3/4 of the way through the Marais and it's still a good read. Hope you arrest that awol reading mojo soon.

I have a similar problem with English translations of German books, most but not all have a flatness to them and its noticeable. Whenever I can I read the German original, then at least I can judge the book on its merits as far as that's possible. To a certain extent I agree that English and German are fairly close grammatically, but there are subtle differences like the ability to swap subject and object, under certain conditions to change the emphasis in a sentence whilst retaining the semantics. You can do the same in English, but you change the semantics in doing so more often than not. Verb usage is distinctly different between the two languages, both tense usage and formation ( think separable prefixes in German;) ).

No, but I did find The Age of Reason to be overblown, but then that's more about personal taste. The plot is good.

That sounds a bit strange. Be interested if you can find an example.

Brian Aldiss

Bertand Russell

Francis Bacon

Heart of Darkness is one I enjoyed as well. As you say it is disturbing, but also haunting in it's beauty. I'm looking at getting a copy of The Shadow Line, one of his later works.

Friedrich H

... yet together in spirit...

Frederick Barthelme

As promised posted a review of Heresy by S J Parris, to be found here. now back reading Your Face Tomorrow 1: Fever and Spear by Javier Marais. I'm two chapters into section 2 and it's getting rather intriguing .

This novel is set in Renaissance Europe and is based on the life of Giordano Bruno. The prologue describes his escape from a Neapolitan Jesuit monastery, to escape the inquisition, for simply reading forbidden books. The remainder of the book relates to the period of his life spent at Oxford, as an undercover agent for Walsingham, Elizabeth the First's Spymaster. He spends his time in Lincoln college. Soon after his arrival a bloody murder is committed. He gets involved with tracking down the killer. The historical facts are accurate, but obviously what happens in Oxford is largely fiction. The historical Giordano Bruno was a heretic hated by both the Catholic, Lutheran and Calvinist churches for his radical ideas on cosmology, which were more radical than Copernicus's. These were in direct opposition to the established Aristotelian view. In fact his cosmology was not far removed from modern theories. None of the religious factions are shown in a favourable light. Their narrow minded thinking and vengeful actions are in stark contrast to Giardano Bruno's tolerant attitude. The novel is well written, with an eye for detail that draws the reader in right from the first page. The pace is on the slow side to start with but does pick up fairly quickly, the last chapters being somewhat hectic. The whodunnit aspects are well done, even if I did spot the culprits about halfway through. The author's irrepressible humour is never far below the surface and many of the sentences said by Giordano Bruno are hilarious. There are numerous clues scattered throughout the book relating to Giardano's later life which give a good indication where a sequel could well be set. I hope there is a sequel , as this is novel gripped me and I found it satisfying.

Finished Heresy, one of those rare books that is-unputtable-down. I'll put a review up later - spoiler free

As an exposition of Sarte's existentialist views its good, beyond that I found it to be average. At least it wasn't as depressing as The Age of Reason

There is a lot of humour in Kafka, The Trial for instance is a riot, if you pick up on the dark humour.

Here are my top 5 in no particular order: 1: Heresy S J Parris 2: Your Face Tomorrow 1: Fever and Spear Javier Marais 3: The Book Thief Markus Zusak 4: The Logogryph Thomas Wharton 5: The Alchemaster's Apprentice Walter Moers. there were a number of that I could have included, but for various reasons didn't: Tn series by Jasper Fforde (include one and you have to include them all so list becomes skewed), Comrades Marco Antonio Flores (orig written 1976 written in spanish, trans in 2008).

I'll echo Abby's sentiments Giuila, This is well written and the story is absorbing. The history of Giordanion Bruno till the time he leaves England is broadly followed. He was an interesting character and that comes through loud and clear.

had the time today and this novel should have a warning on it: This book has a vacuum turbo charge within, all who read will experience a loss of a few hours: do not be disturbed this is normal.

About 3/4 of the way through Heresy by S J Parris, and I only received it this morning....

Small update, now read up to chapter four, and it just gets better. The historical detail is fascinating and the various themes that get explored are well done. Agree about the humour, many of Bruno's comments are very amusing. Back to reading it now ..... How far have you read Abby?

just got my copy of Heresy 10 minutes ago and i'm hooked! Brilliant opening and thats just the prologue . Thanks for the heads up on this one Abby

You have the Library of Babel at your finger tips and it all makes sense ( nod to Borges )

Granted but you would not still be able to discern any lies I wish I could fly

Karl Popper