I kicked off 2023 by re-reading books, that’s something I rarely do, but I just wanted to wallow in something that I had previously loved, so I steeped myself in the Tudor books of Hilary Mantel again, it was bliss.
Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel
Bring Up the Bodies by Hilary Mantel
The Mirror and the Light by Hilary Mantel
Then I moved on to new to me reads, most of which I owned but a few were from the library.
The Fortnight in September by R.C. Sheriff – an enjoyable family holiday with likeable people. The children are now young adults, times are changing but the future will be fine.
The Freebooters by Nigel Tranter – a light read with a good sense of location and humour.
The Madness of Crowds by Louise Penny – it’s always a treat to be in Three Pines.
Gather Together in My Name by Maya Angelou – I decided to read her books when I watched a TV documeantary about Robert Burns and her love of his poetry. She seemed to be a lovely person.
Voices of the Dead by Ambrose Parry – more historical fiction but with an Edinburgh setting and featuring the history of medical advancements within the city in a mystery.
The Marriage Portrait by Maggie O’Farrell – historical fiction with a twist.
The Shadows on London by Andrew Taylor – more historical crime but with a London setting. Very atmospheric.
A Flute in Mayferry Street by Eileen Dunlop – this year I’ve read a lot of books by Scottish authors, old and newish. I’ll be reading more by this new to me but old author.
A Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole – a strange book which had me laughing out loud at times.
So there we go, that’s a round dozen books which might not be the best of the books I read over the past year but they are the most memorable.
Robby Burns and his poetry. Great post I’ve just finished reading May Angelou. I prefer Burnsthough.
]Happy 2024
Kim Hatton,
Me too, and I suspect that Maya Angelou would have been the first to say that Burns was in a different class.
Thanks for dropping by and taking the time to comment.
Katrina
I’ve just placed a library hold for The Ashes of London. I love The Fortnight in September. It sounds like you had a good reading year!
Jennifer,
It was a good reading year, most of the books were recommended by other bloggers. I’m not sure if I would have read The Fortnight in September if it hadn’t been for a blog review of it. I hope you enjoy The Ashes of London.
I really enjoyed the Fortnight in September and also read Bring Up the Bodies. Your list has given me several good suggestions including books by Louise Penney. I’ve been meaning to read something written by her for years…maybe this will be the year!
Paula,
I really enjoy most of Louise Penny’s books although I wasn’t so keen on the one which didn’t feature Three Pines. I like the location and the characters too. I hope you aren’t disappointed in them.
I loved The Shadows of London and Voices of the Dead, although they didn’t quite make it onto my list of favourites. I also enjoyed the Wolf Hall trilogy but don’t think I’m ready to re-read it just yet!
Helen,
I’ve read so many good books which have been recommended by you, so thank you for that. I really should join in with a historical fiction reading challenge as I end up reading so many nowadays.