Just finished Life After Life - what next?

[CJCregg]

I am feeling a bit bereft. I've just seen that there's a LAL thread, which I'll go onto to talk about the book itself, but wondered if anyone had any suggestions for what to follow it with?

I'm a BIG Kate Atkinson fan and have read all of hers. Probably looking for something vaguely similar - I'm not in the mood for anything funny - or ChickLitty.

Recently read Beautiful Ruins and adored that.

What else is out there?

I'm just finishing off the Women's Prize shortlist (not really intentional, but I quite liked the look of all of them). I've enjoyed every one of them, so maybe worth a try? Where'd you go, Bernadette? was particularly enjoyable.

Have you read any Jonathan Coe, by the way? He's a bit like KA, I think, in the sense that it's literary fiction, but very entertaining and about ordinary, believable people.

Ooh, thanks - I'll try that.

I read Jonathan Coe years ago - What a Carve Up! and The Rotter's Club. Haven't read anything recently but I do like him. Would you recommend anything in particular?

I love KA too, she's probably my favourite author. Somehow I've managed to stave off buying LAL in hardback so can't wait to read it in paperback soon!

Have you read any Rose Tremain? Beautifully written, well-crafted stories with great characters. My personal favourites are Music and Silence and Restoration.

the kate morton one is good
and the lighthouse one with the spaffy cover is good too

also liked where dya go bernadette

the other typist

apple tree yard

secret keeper

OP, The Closed Circle, which is a sequel to The Rotters' Club, is brilliant - ties up all the loose ends. You probably need to reread The Rotters' Club first though. Also The House of Sleep is great.

I'd second Rose Tremain - and have you read any Geraldine Brooks? I've enjoyed all hers but particularly liked The Year of Wonders

Patrick Gale is good. Notes on an exhibition or think it'scalled a Perfectly Good Man are both good reads.

The second-last woman in England by Maggie Joel. Just read it and would highly recommend.

I love KA too.

Just read The 100 Year old Man Who Climbed Out Of A Window and really enjoyed it. In some ways the humour and the way characters rub along with each other reminded me of KA. Great book.

Jonathon Coe...think he did the house of sleep? awesome . Haven't read LAL but I'm off to Google it