Book one was David Mitchell's latest "The Bone Clocks" (kindle version £1.99). My own view paraphrases that of *Joseph Heller, author of "Catch 22". It is unlikely that any author will ever be able to match the brilliance of "Cloud Atlas". That includes David Mitchell. However, I'd like to be wrong about this - in fact, I'd be ecstatic!
Book two was a joy to read - having devoured the last page, I immediately started re-reading. So Michael Murray's done it again - with Julia's Room. (currently less than a quid).
Set in the hey day of Fleet Street, at a time when women could be even more sexist than men, this was compelling reading. Fantastic characters who, frankly, deserve to have their own stories told. Dominating all was the narrator's obsession with the enigmatic, yet worldly Julia, who collects men's hearts like other women collect shoes. However, when a romance becomes too serious, Julia poses an all important question. Infatuated men are advised "to think carefully before you respond. Our future together depends on your answer." How can you not love this woman? Once again, effortless prose allows readers to enter the story, experience the heady atmosphere of a gossip hungry newspaper office, and stroll through London with the extremely likeable - and lively - narrator.
Our good friend and fellow author Jenny Worstall has recommended "The Miniaturist", (Jesse Burton) while the lovely Monica La Porta, in honour of Valentine's Day has a great gift for her readers - (time limited so grab yours now) "An Immortal Valentine's Day" - part of Monica's fabulous Immortals series is free to download & both these are on my kindle now - so thank you Jenny for the recommendation & thank you Monica for a generous gift. Happy Valentine's Day to all!
STOP PRESS!
Nothing gets past me! I've just noticed Jenny's heart warming collection of short stories, "Jubilee Violin" topping Amazon's best sellers freebie charts - I suspect this is a time limited offer too, so go grab your copy now!
*At a party: Book critique to Joseph Heller. 'Such a pity you've never managed to write anything as brilliant as Catch 22.'
Heller: 'Yep. It's a crying shame.' Pause. (And I like to think a wicked grin). 'Of course, neither has anyone else.'
If it ain't true, it should be.