Uh-oh, Gone Girl was so highly recommended that I got it out of the library...enjoying it so far, but at least it's only a library book if I end up hating it too.
Don't normally read thrillers; the last two books I read were Goodnight Mr Tom (a kids book, but I read it on personal recommendation of an adult and really enjoyed it) and Desert Island Discs: 70 years of castaways (also brill, if you like DID/biogs).
Not NK but have you read Wild Swans? Most people love it, but I found the writing style quite trite and irritating (am all too easily irritated though).
You've read Alone In Berlin, yep?
I'm having a bit of a sci-fi moment but not sure you'd go for that.
God, GG was dire, wasn't it Remus? Don't want to give any spoilers away for anyone who's halfway through but Jesus wept, I could've phoned that one in.
I tried Wild Swans a few years ago, but couldn't get on with the style of it.
Have read and loved Alone in Berlin.
Not sure I could do sci-fi...
Had forgotten about Slaughterhouse five, that's been on my meaning to read list for a while. Of course, if I'd actually had a meaning to read list, I wouldn't have had to post this
Some of it is set in WW1 when a man is detailed to the firing squad to execute a deserter and his actions have consequences throughout the following years for him, his children and grandchildren.
It's good, although it's not my favourite by this author. My favourite is The Book of Wishes and Complaints, but that is set in Czechoslovakia under communist rule. Still worth a read if you can find a copy.
Ok, have downloaded Slaughterhouse five, A town called Alice and The Small Book (The Book of Wishes and Complaints sounds great, but not available electronically so will have to order it).
I love David Fiddimore's books. Start with Tuesday's Child - they're set in WW2, the main character is a British RAF radio operator. The books are written from his perspective.
There are about 6 books now I think, started WW2, the last one I read was in the 60s I think.
Here's a good recent thread about WW2 novels I recommend the Elizabeth Jane Howard Cazalet Chronicles, but there's plenty other good stuff to choose from on the thread.
Try Dominion, by CJ Sansom. It's set in post WW2 years - it's a fictionalised account of what might've happened if Britain lost to Germany in 1940 and becomes a dominion of Germany.
It's set mostly in London where there is a growing resistance, led by the elderly Churchill. It's really, really gripping; lots of running from the SS through foggy streets and daring acts of espionage. A real page turner.
I also thought Gone Girl was shite and read to the end, feeling disgusted with myself.
PorkPie, I seem to remember Tethers hating Dominion. I quite liked the first three quarters, but thought the ending was silly. I liked Winter In Madrid more, but Tethers might have hated that too!
Housebound by Winifred Peck is set in Edinburgh during WW2.
It is a tale of a woman who has to take on the tasks of running her home herself, owing to the lack of servants because of the war effort. It is hilarious and poignant, and is very well observed. Also quite a different book, hard to say why exactly, but I would recommend it.
I did read Dominion, and wasn't that impressed, TBH. I found the writing style very 'clunky' (endless descriptions of Frank's rictus grin and 'she smiled, sadly') and there were lots of good plot twist opportunities missed.
Not read Agent Zigzag, Charlotte Gray (but have seen the film), Winter in Madrid, Sky Burial or Housebound.
