Greene on Capri: A Memoir, by Shirley Hazzard
The past really was a different world for some people: this memoir chronicles the Hazzard's friendship with Graeme Greene during prolonged residences in pre-tourist Capri.
The Smell of the Continent: The British Discover Europe, Richard Mullen & James Munson
I haven't finished this one yet.
The Scottish World: A Journey Into the Scottish Diaspora, Billy Kay, 2009
Scots are everywhere.
And the Judges Said...: Essays, James Kelman, 2008
Mostly political. Kelman is definitely not an expat.
The Secret Life of France, Lucy Wadham, 2009
I really meant to blog about this book when I first read it. On one hand, it was a great relief to read a book by a Brit on France that went further than the usual "aren't the tradesmen slow, aren't the locals colourful?" tropes. On the other hand, there was a lot to disagree with, especially the remarks on French sexual politics. Stimulating and intelligent nonetheless.
Mostly political. Kelman is definitely not an expat.
The Secret Life of France, Lucy Wadham, 2009
I really meant to blog about this book when I first read it. On one hand, it was a great relief to read a book by a Brit on France that went further than the usual "aren't the tradesmen slow, aren't the locals colourful?" tropes. On the other hand, there was a lot to disagree with, especially the remarks on French sexual politics. Stimulating and intelligent nonetheless.
The Year Of No Money In Tokyo Wayne Lionel Aponte 2009
I blogged about this book here.
Shakespeare: The World as a Stage (Eminent Lives) Bill Bryson 2008
I like Bryson.
Lettre à D : Histoire d'un amour André Gorz 2009
This was an impulse buy in a bookshop. André Gorz was a French philosopher and his wife was originally from England. This is the story of their lifelong romance. They committed suicide together when she became ill.
I blogged about this book here.
Shakespeare: The World as a Stage (Eminent Lives) Bill Bryson 2008
I like Bryson.
Lettre à D : Histoire d'un amour André Gorz 2009
This was an impulse buy in a bookshop. André Gorz was a French philosopher and his wife was originally from England. This is the story of their lifelong romance. They committed suicide together when she became ill.
A Castle in Spain, Matthew Parris, 2006
I can't remember how this book came into my possession. I don't think I would have chosen to spend money on a book by a Conservative MP. It's actually a wonderful account of his buying an ancient house in Spain (not far from where his parents and siblings had lived for many years) and painstakingly renovating it.
I can't remember how this book came into my possession. I don't think I would have chosen to spend money on a book by a Conservative MP. It's actually a wonderful account of his buying an ancient house in Spain (not far from where his parents and siblings had lived for many years) and painstakingly renovating it.
1 comment:
I enjoy reading your book reviews, Lesley!
Hope to borrow a couple of these soon, first A Castle in Spain.
Mathew Parris is a Conservative MP, yes, but he is also a good journalist who knows how to write. And best of all he justifiably despises T Blair and can explain why. So he is high up on my list!
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