I've just discovered Muareen Lee, she writes (I think) mainly about everyday life during and after world war 2 in Liverpool. Her first book I read,' After the war' is about 3 young ladies brought together while serving in the war, after returning to Liverpool the story traces their loves, loses and achievements. A book I couldn't put down it gives an insight into the lives of women post war.
The 2nd , 'Nothing lasts for ever' is set in the present, the main character , married in her forties with two older children is unhappy in her marriage. She leaves her husband, to live a year in the large house her mother has left her. Putting an advert in a shop window three women move in all with their own problems. Friendships are formed as the story unfolds. Maybe it interested me as I also have an empty house, 2 older kids and in my forties. An easy enjoyable read .
I've never read Maureen Lee, but her themes sound interesting. I've just looked her up on the internet and see that the two books you mention have had very good reviews. It's always nice discovering new authors - definitely sounds like the kind of stories I would enjoy.
I'm just reading the latest Donna Leon, Inspector Brunetti detective novel, "The Golden Egg", set in and around Venice. Like any long series, some are better than others, this one is very good. (I've read all c30 of them!)She captures atmosphere and place so well, and her characters develop over the books:- I feel I've watched his family grow up. The better books in the series always have a cause , a wrong to right, an injustice to someone weak & defenceless that has to be sorted. In this book it's the deaf mute who is killed right at the beginning. Do try this book.
I'll look out for The Golden Egg by Donna Leon. Like you, I love to read! Is it necessary to read the whole series or can any one of the books be read as a stand alone story?
Each story is complete and can be read as a stand alone,but I do believe you get more by reading the series. Your understanding of Italian politics/corruption etc develops as you read more.Also as I said, you grow with his children who are quite young and unformed at first. Also try some of the recipes you get in all the books:-lots of lovely veggies and fish!
I have just read a book called "The Truth-Teller's Lie" by Sophie Hannah. It was a crime/thriller and was very good. I enjoyed her style of writing and it was one of 'those' where I didn't want to put it down.
Having googled the author, it turns out that this was the second book in a short series around the detectives in the story, although it was still good as a stand alone story. I'm definitely going to be reading more from her.
I remember reading an article about Sophie Hannah in my writing magazine. She was being interviewed following the release of her novel, The Carrier, earlier this year. The story had been inspired when she had found herself stranded due to her flight being cancelled and she had had to share a hotel room with a strange woman. I remember thinking the story sounded interesting - so keep a look out for The Carrier too. I'll let you know if I come across any other books by her.
I've just discovered Muareen Lee, she writes (I think) mainly about everyday life during and after world war 2 in Liverpool. Her first book I read,' After the war' is about 3 young ladies brought together while serving in the war, after returning to Liverpool the story traces their loves, loses and achievements. A book I couldn't put down it gives an insight into the lives of women post war.
ReplyDeleteThe 2nd , 'Nothing lasts for ever' is set in the present, the main character , married in her forties with two older children is unhappy in her marriage. She leaves her husband, to live a year in the large house her mother has left her. Putting an advert in a shop window three women move in all with their own problems. Friendships are formed as the story unfolds. Maybe it interested me as I also have an empty house, 2 older kids and in my forties. An easy enjoyable read .
I've never read Maureen Lee, but her themes sound interesting. I've just looked her up on the internet and see that the two books you mention have had very good reviews. It's always nice discovering new authors - definitely sounds like the kind of stories I would enjoy.
ReplyDeleteI'm just reading the latest Donna Leon, Inspector Brunetti detective novel, "The Golden Egg", set in and around Venice. Like any long series, some are better than others, this one is very good. (I've read all c30 of them!)She captures atmosphere and place so well, and her characters develop over the books:- I feel I've watched his family grow up. The better books in the series always have a cause , a wrong to right, an injustice to someone weak & defenceless that has to be sorted. In this book it's the deaf mute who is killed right at the beginning. Do try this book.
ReplyDeleteHi Fran
ReplyDeleteI'll look out for The Golden Egg by Donna Leon. Like you, I love to read! Is it necessary to read the whole series or can any one of the books be read as a stand alone story?
Nita
Each story is complete and can be read as a stand alone,but I do believe you get more by reading the series. Your understanding of Italian politics/corruption etc develops as you read more.Also as I said, you grow with his children who are quite young and unformed at first. Also try some of the recipes you get in all the books:-lots of lovely veggies and fish!
ReplyDeleteRecipes as well? i will definitely look out for these books by Donna Leon!
ReplyDeleteI have just read a book called "The Truth-Teller's Lie" by Sophie Hannah. It was a crime/thriller and was very good. I enjoyed her style of writing and it was one of 'those' where I didn't want to put it down.
ReplyDeleteHaving googled the author, it turns out that this was the second book in a short series around the detectives in the story, although it was still good as a stand alone story. I'm definitely going to be reading more from her.
I remember reading an article about Sophie Hannah in my writing magazine. She was being interviewed following the release of her novel, The Carrier, earlier this year. The story had been inspired when she had found herself stranded due to her flight being cancelled and she had had to share a hotel room with a strange woman. I remember thinking the story sounded interesting - so keep a look out for The Carrier too. I'll let you know if I come across any other books by her.
Delete