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Original poster

Wolf Hall? I need a long, involving, but not too heavy book

68 replies

Takver · 16/03/2012 19:42

Going on a very long train journey at Easter (2 days!) and need a long and good book - suggestions welcome. It has to not be too heavy (to carry, rather than read IYSWIM). Mostly I read non-fiction so any suggestions for that also welcome, history/politics/economics my particular thing but open to ideas . . .

ps, don't suggest a kindle, I don't travel often & don't want another bit of electronic 'stuff'

OP posts:
MegBusset · 16/03/2012 20:25

Wolf Hall is phenomenally good.

I am currently reading the Faber Book of Reportage, from a recommendation on here. It is an excellent read and would be great for a train journey.

Envy of two days' uninterrupted reading time!

sassytheFIRST · 16/03/2012 20:25

I loved Wolf Hall (and some others on this thread, though not JOnathan Strange) - but did have to grit my teeth to get through the first 50 pages or so. You also have to get used to the unusual style of narration. Worth it IMO.

LadyoftheLift · 16/03/2012 20:25

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

DilysPrice · 16/03/2012 20:23

Oh of course there's always A Game Of Thrones.

DilysPrice · 16/03/2012 20:23

I love Wolf Hall, Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell, and on the non-fiction side I think Guns Germs and Steel by Jared Diamond is unbeatable, Steven Jay Gould's Wonderful Life also excellent though not necessarily your area of interest.

Portofino · 16/03/2012 20:22

I loved Wolf Hall. I was was most upset when it stopped.

azazello · 16/03/2012 20:20

Wolf hall is v. Good. I'd also suggest This thing of darkness by Harry Thompson which is about the voyage of the Beagle. It is fantastic.

AllotmentLottie · 16/03/2012 20:16

OK, our bookgroup's top picks are:

Half of a yellow sun, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Small Island, Andrea Levy
The Poisonwood Bible, Barbara Kingsolver

neolara · 16/03/2012 20:14

What about "The Children's Book" - absolutely fab IMO.

Original poster
Takver · 16/03/2012 20:11

What would you suggest, Lottie, in case I'm with you once I've had a look at it?

(I'm buying 2nd hand from abebooks, so happy to get more than one book to look at as I'll always read them in the future & they're v cheap)

OP posts:
Original poster
Takver · 16/03/2012 20:10

Lottie, I think I probably will like it (and hopefully APoGS) - my mum agreed it would probably suit me and she's generally good on what I'll like (I am also going to read the first chapter or so & see what I think!)

OP posts:
AllotmentLottie · 16/03/2012 20:06

Oh G*d, could not stand Wolf Hall! Nor could anyone in our book group.

Original poster
Takver · 16/03/2012 20:05

Place of Greater Safety ordered :)

Any other suggestions welcome though, always good to have an excuse for some new books!

OP posts:
Original poster
Takver · 16/03/2012 19:51

SHJ - A Place of Greater Safety looks fantastic - but why not a train book? (I'll also have some time on holiday to read, of course)

OP posts:
Original poster
Takver · 16/03/2012 19:49

To Spain (Andalucia). That's a good idea, SHJ (and reminds me that I still have Paul Preston's book on the Spanish Civil War to read, though not very cheerful for holiday reading, perhaps before I go).

OP posts:
jkklpu · 16/03/2012 19:48

Wolf Hall is fantastic. Rose Tremain's Music and Silence, set in 17th century Danish court, is also brilliant - I always associate them with one another as I read them back-to-back.

SpringHeeledJack · 16/03/2012 19:46

where are you going? maybe you could tailor your reading to the place, iykwim

[book ponce emoticon]

SpringHeeledJack · 16/03/2012 19:45

if I was going to read a Hilary Mantel Big Book, I would swerve Wolf Hall and read A Place of Greater Safety

actually, thinking about it, on a train I probably wouldn't. I think I probly read it with my mouth wide open Grin

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