Your New Year Reading List

[barbara1835]

Don't miss The Unlikely Pilgrimage Of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce.

Several adjectives come to mind to describe it......touching, whimsical, amusing, moving, shrewd, absorbing............

Is anyone else enjoying it?

It is one of those rare books which you read slowly in order to put off finishing it.

B.

[maggiebee]

Sounds like my kind of book, must add it to the list. I'm reading And The Land Lay Still by James Robertson at the moment - taking forever but loving it.

[pastafreak]

Because I first saw this thread this morning,I recocgnised your book when I saw a pristine copy in a charity shop this afternoon......so I bought it!
I'm just finishing The Woman in Black by Susan Hill,and am halfway through An Englishwoman in America,by Isabella Bird (travels in the 1850's)

[bensmum]

I'll add that to my list, thanks for the recommendation.
I've just finished Roma Tearne's "Brixton Beach", I didn't think I'd like it at first but it's a lovely book and I'm so glad I've read it

[barbara1835]

After The Woman In Black, Harold's Pilgrimage is just what you need!

I couldn't bear TWIB and it was some days before I could shake off the gloom. In fact I began to wonder if Susan Hill suffers from depression, to have written such a dark novel, with no lightness or sense of redemption.q

At first I thought Harold's story was another light 'wild goose chase' sort of novel, but as I get further into it there are many deeper levels, gradually unfolding, with light touches here and there which pin-point the serious notes.

What a clever writer Rachel Joyce is.......rather like Jane Gardam.

I believe her second novel is on the way. Good.

I will add James Robertson and Isabella Bird to my list.....thank you.

b.

[barbara1835]

I haven't heard of Roma Tearme....will also seek her out.

B.

[Maydup]

It soounds like a really good read barbara, but is it a cheerful book?

[barbara1835]

Yes it is cheerful in the sense that everything comes right in the end.

At the beginning Harold and his wife are estranged after a family tragedy. His wife is very bitter but when Harold sets off on his long walk, working out his own demons and carrying out his own penance, she gradually comes out of her dark place as well, and tries to help him.

By the end they are in much better frame of mind and they manage to help each other. They achieve redemption.

There are some amusing touches such as the thrill-seekers who jump on the band-wagon as he does his long walk, and the characters are sympathetic.

I hope you enjoy it.

Barbara.