Charles Frazier "Thirteen Moons" anyone read it?

[multitasker]

I think Cold Mountain will always be one of my fav books - never mind the feeble attempt at a film. So I wondered if anyone had read his new book, I think its got mixed reviews.

I want to read it - I also really loved Cold Mountain (the book). I thought about getting it for my book club, but the reviews have made me re-think. Some reviews have been very damning.

I think any follow up to an epic like Cold Mountain was going to be a tough one, and the expectations of reviewers were going to be very high. I will probably wait for the paper back.

Yes, that's a good idea. I'd love to hear from anyone who really enjoyed it, though! One review I read said it was brilliant 'in parts'.

Fauve are you reading anything good at the minute? I'm trying to get through Jane Eyre - seems like I've been at it for ages, but it is fab. Have a ton of stuff on the shelf to read, but I'm still skulking around Amazon for bargains.

Yes, I've just read Hannibal Rising by Thomas Harris - it's about the childhood of Hannibal Lecter, the Silence of the Lambs killer. I like Harris a lot, and I was pleased to read a review by Tibor Fischer praising him and the latest book, so my taste for him can't be entirely trashy

If you liked Cold Mountain, I bet you'd like the Forsyte Saga (by John Galsworthy). Ever tried it? I love it. And I'm very keen on George Eliot - Mill on the Floss and Middlemarch especially. Of more modern books, I really rave about Notes on a Scandal, shortly to come out as a film.

I have Mill on the Floss I think, must look into G Elliot. Have I seen Forsythe Saga on tv? I read Notes a while back and was very impressed - aparently Judi Dench is fab in it and Cate Blanchett can do no wrong in my opinion.
I do enjoy history books and dip in and out of some on Irish history when I'm feeling studious.
Do you know I think if its well written, a compelling subject and a good ending theres not much I wouldn't read.

Yes, you will have seen a bit of the Forsyte Saga on TV with Gina McKee as Irene. But do try the books - there are nine, I think, but the first three are the best.

Any other books you really really like - so I can try them?

There are a few that over the years have stuck in my head. Birdsong - Sebastian Faulks, I think I read it 10 years ago but it was one of the first "war" books I'd read and I remember feeling so blown away by his writing. I lent it to someone and didn't get it back so was delighted to pick it up recently in a charity shop.
Atonement - Ian Mc Ewan also very memorable.
I liked The Shadow of the wind although alot on here didn't, ditto The Red Tent. Do you see a pattern here Fauve? historical fiction can be gripping and incredibly moving.
On a lighter note I do like Sarah Waters - Fingersmith had one of the best twists I've never seen coming. Also Tracy Chevalier and Joanne Harris - her latest Gentlemen and Players I would thoroughly recommend - it has a bizarre twist to it too.
I saw that Thomas Harris book in Sainsburys, let me know how it goes.

I liked Birdsong, and I want to read Charlotte Gray; and I loved Fingersmith. I'll have to try Gentlemen and Players. Haven't read Atonement, or any Tracy Chevalier. I've finished Hannibal Rising, and I thought it was terrific - I just wish Thomas Harris would churn out some more novels for me. I liked the first three quarters of Shadow of the Wind, then found the rest disappointing.

Apparently Restless by William Boyd is a literary thriller, so I will probably enjoy that - I've read tons of other William Boyd. I think literary thrillers are my favourite genre.

Fauve, what do you mean by a literary thriller? - something a bit more challenging? intelligent writing and decent plot? that sort of thing...
I'm afraid I get a bit uppity when people buy me books, 9 times out of 10 they are chick lit type drivel which I won't waste my time on.

Ha ha, good question. I think I mean a page turner which is well written, with valid psychological insights into the emotions of the characters. Not drivel. I can't stand Jodi Picoult for example, because the characters are unbelievable, there's no depth, and all the books are formulaic.

Don't remind me about Jodi Picoult - a neighbour had given me "PlainTruth", said it was a great legal thriller. I got more peeved the more I read but was determined to finish it incase it redeemed itself - it didn't. To be fair though she had the workings of a great story but her characters and style were so unbelievable and formulaic - it was one cliche after another!
It's very dull and windy here today so if I can get dd2 entertained I will try and finish Jane Eyre. I've a couple of books by Irish authors I want to read then I might try Mansfield Park.