A few weeks ago I started watching the Jeremy Irons led film of "Night Train to Lisbon". After about twenty or thirty minutes, I decided to stop, that I simply had the read the book before I finished watching the film. It seemed important somehow. I have just finished reading the book. It's quite a … Continue reading “Night Train to Lisbon” →

A little while ago I took out a subscription for "Granta". It's a great way to be encouraged every quarter to read something you might otherwise not. In #139, the theme was "Best of Young American Novelists (3)" - a series they produce about every 10 years or so. There's also a "Best of" for … Continue reading “Granta – 139” →

I have just finished reading "Thirteen Reasons Why" by Jay Asher. I have to say that for the first time in a long time, I have come across a book that begs to be read in a single sitting. Where it would be fitting, indeed, in the context of the story, to do so; it … Continue reading “Thirteen Reasons Why” →

I have just finished reading Robert Seethaler's excellent little novel, "The Tobacconist". Highly recommended. Reading

Just finished the 2016 Booker-shortlisted work by David Szalay. I have to say that I'm not sure the people who made all the effusive comments on the front/back cover have actually read it: for a start it's a collection of short stories, not a novel... A small number of the stories are impeccably written, and … Continue reading “All That Man Is” →