Six novels, a biography, a memoir, these are my 'best of 2019':
In a world where the term is overused, David Nott is a true hero; his War Doctor will open your mind and your heart.
Ursula Buchan's biography of her grandfather John is a fine book about a fine man.
Diane Setterfield's Once Upon A River cast a wonderful spell.
The Redeemed concluded Tim Pears's West Country Trilogy - each novel a small masterpiece.
Niall Williams's This Is Happiness will move you to laughter and tears and have you marvelling at its author's way with a story.
Elizabeth Goudge appears twice on my list (for the second time), charming with The Little White Horse and soothing with The Herb of Grace.
Dorothy Dunnett's The Game of Kings was a late highlight: a tour de force with the promise - in the shape of the rest of the series - of great pleasure to come.
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Thank you for stopping by, for taking an interest, and for sharing your thoughts and discoveries. Here's wishing you health, happiness and much good reading in 2020!
Happy New Year! Love to you all!
Posted by: Adele Geras | 31 December 2019 at 10:16 PM
Flying over the Pond in a bit. Bringing an extra bag for the books on my list (hoping to make it to Toppings)...several of them ones you have mentioned. Thank you and Happy New Year.
Posted by: Mary | 01 January 2020 at 01:46 PM
Nice books
Posted by: Asia czytasia | 01 January 2020 at 04:58 PM
I always look forward to your books of the year and here are some lovely treats to come here. I am very much looking forward to Dorothy Dunnett! Happy new year x
Posted by: Deborah Vass | 02 January 2020 at 10:51 PM
Inspired by your enthusiasm, I bought the audio of Once Upon a River today and listened to it while I quilted for a bit. Juliet Stevenson could read the phone book and I'd be hooked, so listening to her read that wonderful writing is a joy. Thank you!
Posted by: Rebecca | 06 January 2020 at 01:07 AM
Discovered Diane Setterfield last year( how did I miss her before? ), loved all three of her books. A few here new to me so looking forward to yet more discoveries. Happy New Year!
Posted by: Fran H-B | 06 January 2020 at 06:35 AM
Those look like great suggestions for me. Another reminder to give Elizabeth Gouge a try, I’ve just started A History of Rain, Niall Williams, on your recommendation, I loved the audio of Once Upon a River and I’m interested in trying Dorothy Dunnett especially as I am coming to the end of Robin Hobb’s Farseer novels, which I also tried on your recommendation a few years ago.
Thanks for all the recommendations, now and over the years, I’ve read some great books I wouldn’t have otherwise found.
Helen
Posted by: Helen | 06 January 2020 at 10:26 PM
I do love the Little White Horse although as an adult I realize how mannered and sentimental it is and as a child I was merely captivated by the storytelling. How lovely that some books evolve with us and are still delightful! I am glad you enjoyed it (could not be more different than GOK, another favorite of mine). I am interested in the bio of John Buchan but perhaps should read some of his books first!
Posted by: Constance | 16 January 2020 at 01:07 PM