In today's book parcel ...

   I can't wait to begin this book: Stone's Fall by Iain Pears is the story of John Stone, financier and armaments manufacturer, "a man so wealthy that in the years before World War One he was able to manipulate markets, industries and whole countries... A panoramic novel with a riveting mystery at its heart, Stone's Fall is an intricate and richly satisfying puzzle, completely engaging on many levels, a triumphant return for one of the world's great storytellers". Gosh!
I haven't read any Iain Pears before but this book sounds great, as does this one.

     Next, a novel set in sixteenth century Italy. The Madonna of the Almonds by Marina Fiorato follows the young widow Simonetta who is struggling to preserve her family's estate. "Her endeavours bring her into contact with a young apprentice of da Vinci, and also bear fruit with her discovery of a new liqueur based on the essence of almonds. She encounters rivalry and hostility, as well as the suspicions of the religious ruling elite. Can she maintain her strength of will to overcome such obstacles?"
Marina Fiorato's earlier book, The Glassblower of Murano, was very popular last year, and it looks as though her new one is set to follow that in the 'summer read' category.

     Last (but by no means least) of today's batch has been described as "funny, moving and intensely readable": Lissa Evans' Their Finest Hour and a Half is about the making of a morale-boosting, heart-warming war film in 1940, "preferably one that will appeal to the American market". Work begins on 'Just an Ordinary Wednesday', "an almost-true tale of bravery and rescue at Dunkirk, but since call-up has stripped the film industry of the brightest and best, it's the callow, the jaded and the utterly unsuitable who are making up the numbers."
This one comes highly recommended, and I'll report back on it soon.

Comments

[sandpiper]

"An Instance of the Fingerpost" is an absolute stonking read. Thoroughly recommended. Pears' art-dealer detective, Jonathan Argyll, books are fun, but to me could have been written by a different author! I'm looking forward to reading Stone's Fall; hoping I can get it from the library so I don't have to wait for the PB.

[Danielle]

I've yet to read an Iain Pears book, but he does look good. I do have the Fiorato book, which I'm waiting for the right time to pick up. I'm looking forward to hearing what you have to say about all of them.

[Cornflower]

So far so good with Stone's Fall, but I must investigate the others, " ...Fingerpost" especially!

[Karol/New York City]

You are in for a major reading treat with Stone's Fall. I reserved a copy at my library and started it this past Monday evening and cannot put it down. An Instance of the Fingerpost is also wonderful, but my favorite Iain Pears book is The Dream of Scipio.

[Cornflower]

Thankyou, Karol - looks like lots of treats in store!