September was the month that I finally got my reading mojo back, and I mangaed to read eleven books. As usual it has been an eclectic mix taking me from England in the 900’s to magical floating Islands, to Helsinki and Chicago, all of which I have thoroughly enjoyed. Choosing my top reads has again been difficult but here are my choices.
The Evening and The Morning by Ken Follett. Ken Follett’s Pillars of the Earth series is some of the best historical fiction I have ever read, so I was really excited to see a prequel was being released. This book tells the story of how the small hamlet of Dreng’s Ferry became the famous town of Kingsbridge, the setting of the next three books. The historical detail was amazing, and Ken Follett’s prose made this such a joy to read without getting too bogged down in fact. With three wonderfully drawn central characters, this will be one of my top reads of the year.
This is the first in a new Fantasy Trilogy based on Japanese Trilogy. The Phoenix Empire is ruled by the Suki Dynasty, but trouble is on the horizon as a a rebellion is breaking out on it’s many Islands. Lin, should be her father’s heir but is set against her foster brother with both looking to prove their worth and lead in a new way. The plot is narrated by five different characters, from different parts of the Empire, showing a rounded view, and why the rebellion is growing. Islands that migrate with the seasons, Frankenstein-esque creatures powered by bone shards and a fabulous new world made me fall in love with this book and I can’t wait for the next in the series.
I have always had an interest in the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, their stunning paintings and their patron John Ruskin. Ruskin was a complicated character, a genius, artist, writer, philanthropist and environmentalist, but also very troubled, suffering bouts of depression. Rebecca Lipkin looks at his later life, when in his forties he fell in love with his student Rose La Touche, thirty years his junior. This book explores Ruskin and Rose’s relationship, the obsession they had for each other, and ultimately how it destroyed both their lives. This book is beautifully written, with Rebecca Lipkin’s passion and understanding of her subjects shining through in her prose. This is a senstaional and masterful debut, and a must read for historical fiction fans.
I have always enjoyed reading Gill Paul’s books so jumped at the chance to read and review The Second Marriage and I think this maybe her best book yet. This book focuses on the love triangle between Maria Callas, Aristotle Onassis and Jackie Kennedy, three big and famous personalities. Jackie Kennedy has to be one of the most iconic figures of the twentieth century and without doubt the most famous First Lady of the White House. In this fictional account, we see her realtionship with her husband, his affairs and his presidency through her eyes and the after effects of his assassination. Maria Callas, one of the most famous Opera singers who leaves her husband for the charming, and enigmatic Aristotle Onassis. Whilst they never met they had a lot in common, and ultimately became trophies for Onassis. Brilliant written and re imagingined, my only complaint is that the book ended too soon.
I’m really looking for to my October reads which include The Devil and the Dark Water by Stuart Turnton, The Invisible Life of Addie Larue by V.E Schwab,and The Betrayals by Bridget Collins.
