Can anyone recommend a modern novel with a really good page-turning plot? Most modern novels I've read recently are very good in terms of atmosphere and description, but don't seem to have much in the way of plot! (The last two books I've read are Atonement and The Gathering).
I like well-written, fairly literary stuff, if that helps!
Have you read The Historian, Labyrinth, The Visibile World - all good reads, the last is a beautifully written story of two halves, a couple in war time Czekoslavia and their son many years later.
Thanks for your suggestions. I don't normally read crime fiction, but am willing to give anything a go! I think the only one out of these suggestions that I've read is Labyrinth, so there's plenty to choose from here!
Jodi Picoult, My Sisters Keeper.
This is really thought provoking. In brief about a family who have a "test tube baby" with certain genes to ensure that the it can be can be a doner for thier existing child. It is told from the "new child's" persepective. It is really moving, thought provoking story.
I always know when a book has been amazing when you reach the last page and are disappointed you don't get to carry on reading about the characters!
I'm reading A Quiet Belief in Angels by RJ Elory at the moment. Really good! The author has a lovely prose and makes a pleasant change to a lot of modern authors styles.
Have you tried The Memory Keeper's Daughter by Kim Edwards?
I really enjoyed In Her Shoes recently by Jenifer Weiner (I think I could identify with the sibling relationship!)
Birds without Wings:Louis de Bernieres
The Book Thief :Marcus Zuzak
Shadow of the Wind:Carlos Ruiz Zafon
Alias Grace:Margaret Attwood
The History of Love: Nicole Strauss ( I think)
are all wonderful reads
Not sure if it's your kind of thing but "The boy in the striped Pyjamas" is a great read, and they've just made it into a film so if you enjoy the book, then you can see the movie.
Thanks again for the suggestions. I've just started reading The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton. From the reviews on Amazon, it's meant to be a bit of a page-turner. I've heard of The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas, so might go for that one next!