|
Cold Mountain by Charles Frazier: A beautiful and compelling love story set in the American Civil war. Exploring how love can grow and sustain during hardship and separation, this uplifting story is rich with the colours and sounds of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and filled with substantial characters. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED and short-listed for my book of the year 1998.
The Bull Calves by Naomi Mitchison: Set shortly after the failed Jacobite rebellion of 1746, a troubled family reunion mirrors the schism in Scottish politics. Old wounds and hidden troubles are laid bare in a highly enjoyable and absorbing tale, in which the authentic period setting seems almost incidental. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
The House of Niccolo series by Dorothy Dunnet: An intricate and gripping picture of 15th century trade, from the bustling streets of Bruges to the opulence of Trebizond, the sultry depths of Africa to the frozen wilds of Iceland, the intrigues of commerce and family come to life in this vivid and excellently researched book. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
A Booke Of Days by Stephen Rivelle : This is the translation of the frank and remarkable journal of Roger of Lunel, describing his arduous physical and spiritual journey on the first crusade to Jerusalem in 1096. It is a true story, well translated into modern English and also contains several poems. A truly exceptional book, instantly transporting you a thousand years into the past. My BOOK OF THE YEAR 1997.
One Thousand Orange Trees by Kathryn Harrison : The parallel tales of a peasant girl and a Queen in 17th Century Spain. Their different lives and deaths are played out under the shadows of family and the ever present inquisition. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
|
|
