Rennie's Books 2008

[Renniemist]

The Crimson Petal and the White by Michael Faber

 

I have had this book on my shelf for quite a while now, but there have been so many people on here that said they liked it, so I thought that now was the time to try it.

 

I thought it was very descriptive of Victorian London. The pages are crammed with the dirt and grime of London as well as scenes of sex and oppression. Even the main characters were less than likeable but this did not spoil the enjoyment of the book. Quite the reverse.

 

I wanted to know what was going to happen next and despite the books length it is a good easy read. When the ending came it was a bit unexpected and like other BCF members I now want to know what happens to Sugar and the others.

[Kylie]

Wow, I have never seen a bad review of this book! I have it on my TBR pile and think I should bump it up the list. Thanks for the review

[madcow]

Hopefully you won't be disappointed Kylie, I know we weren't

[Renniemist]

I have finished

 

The Uncommon Reader by Alan Bennett (audio)

 

This Much I Know is True by Wally Lamb

 

Revolutionary Road by Richard Yates

 

A Very Scotch Affair by Robin Jenkins

[~Andrea~]

The Uncommon Reader by Alan Bennett (audio)

 

I have that on my amazon wish list, and came close to ordering it today. Would be interested in your thoughts.

[Renniemist]

It was very good Andrea.

 

Some laugh out loud moments and I thought it had a very satisfactory ending.

[Renniemist]

I have finished several books since last I posted here - I am getting very lazy.

 

Girl with the Pearl Earring by Tracy Chevalier

 

This is a vivid description of life in Delft in the 17th century. The book is about one of Vermeer's most famous paintings, The Girl With a Pearl Earring. The story is told from the point-of-view of Griet, the model for the painting who is a maid in the painter

[Renniemist]

Red Dust by Gillian Slovo

 

Sarah has left South Africa and has become a successful lawyer in New York, but her mentor Ben Hoffman calls her back to help with a last case. It is a complex story involving crimes committed during the apartheid era and involves torture and human reactions.

 

This is a really good read. Gillian Slovo was born in South Africa and describes the landscape and the people wonderfully well.

 

 

No Other Life by Brian Moore

 

This seemed to be a familiar story. It is set in a Caribbean island called Ganae, which is ruled by a dictator. A young intelligent black boy called Jeannot is taken in and educated by Father Paul Michel. The boy becomes a priest and is seen as a saviour.

 

An interesting tale of politics and religion.

[Kate]

Girl with the Pearl Earring by Tracy Chevalier

 

This is a vivid description of life in Delft in the 17th century. The book is about one of Vermeer's most famous paintings, The Girl With a Pearl Earring. The story is told from the point-of-view of Griet, the model for the painting who is a maid in the painter

[Renniemist]

I hope you enjoy it Kate. I would certainly read her other books.

[Renniemist]

Pigs in Heaven by Barbara Kingsolver

 

A novel, where Taylor Greer who has adopted a little girl named Turtle, finds she may have to fight a custody battle with the Cherokee Nation.

 

Questions on adoption, ethnic identity, and poverty are raised but in the end it comes down to what is best for the child.

 

I have read two other Barbara Kingsolver books

[Renniemist]

I am getting very behind with my postings, but here are some books that I have finished.

 

The Blue Afternoon by William Boyd. I enjoyed this very much. I am going to read more of William Boyd

[Renniemist]

Pope Joan by Donna Woolfolk Cross

 

This is a story about the life of a girl who becomes Pope in the 9th Century. I don

[Renniemist]

I have just finished The Talented Mr Ripley and really enjoyed it. Ripely is such a complex character. He dislikes most people but wants to have a bit of their lifestyle. He is devious and unprincipled but sees himself as charming and indeed he does seem to be able to pull the wool over most peoples eyes.

 

I am now starting on Child 44 by Tom Rob Smith.

[~Andrea~]

I have just finished The Talented Mr Ripley and really enjoyed it. Ripely is such a complex character. He dislikes most people but wants to have a bit of their lifestyle. He is devious and unprincipled but sees himself as charming and indeed he does seem to be able to pull the wool over most peoples eyes.

 

I'd like to read this. I read a Highsmith many years ago - A Suspension of mercy and loved it. I have This Sweet Sickness on my shelf which I intend to read soon.

[Renniemist]

The Talented Mr Ripley is the first Patricia Highsmith I have read, but I would like to read some more. I will keep those titles in mind Andrea.

[Renniemist]

Child 44 by Tom Rob Smith

 

This is a thriller set in The Soviet Union in 1953. It is a bit harrowing in bits, but quite a page-turner all the same. I enjoyed it.

 

I have now started on The Day of the Triffids by John Wyndham and I am enjoying it immensely so far.

[~Andrea~]

Hope you enjoy it as much as I did Rennie

[Renniemist]

The Day of the Triffids by John Wyndam

 

I don

[supergran71]

I have The Cast Iron Shore by Linda Grant. Have you read any of hers before? If so, is she any good?

[Renniemist]

I have not read any of her books before this one.

 

I am enjoying The Clothes on Their Backs. It is mainly set in the 1970s and in London.

 

I will certainly try some more of her books. I hope you enjoy The Cast Iron Shore.

[Renniemist]

The Clothes on Their Backs by Linda Grant

 

I enjoyed this book very much. Vivian

[Renniemist]

I am having trouble keeping up to date nowadays.

 

I have read since last posting-

 

The Valley of the Dolls by Jaqueline Susann

 

The Gathering by Anne Enright

 

The Closed circle by Jonathan Coe

 

I have now started on Due Preparations for the Plague by Janette Turner Hospital.

[Janet]

The Closed circle by Jonathan Coe

What did you think of this one?

[Renniemist]

This is difficult Janet.

 

It took me ages to read it when on holiday. (I kept getting distracted.)

 

It ties up all the loose ends from The Rotters Club and to tell the truth I was a bit disappointed. I usually like Jonathan Coe so I won't stop reading his books.