Book Club Current Favourites

I made a decision the other day to read something everyday - even if it was one page - and being mindful has done its trick and despite a lot of travel, a lot of work and a lot of fun, I have managed to read 2 books.

The book starts in 1920s when twins are born to Jewish parents - one twin died but by coincidence a mother dies in childbirth the same evening, after giving birth to a healthy baby boy and  Frieda  takes him to her heart and adopts him.  As youngsters the boys are part of a Saturday club where they share there hopes, dreams and love blossoms. Both brothers fall in love with the same girl and as she blossoms into a beautiful teenager, they dedicate themselves to protecting her.The brothers grow up believing that they are birth twins but as Germany marches into its Nazi terror the family is tested to the limits of endurance. Its Ben Elton's most personal book to date and echoes with the stories of his ancestors. Its not the easiest of books to read because of the terrifying era that the book is set in, but the stories of the boys growing are peppered with humour. This book made me laugh and it made my cry - sometimes at the same time!



I loved The Debutant by Kathleen Tessaro so when I saw her latest book I knew that it would be a winner. The cover is beautiful, the characters enchanting and I was drawn in from the start as the story introduces you to Grace, a newly wed and longing for more out of life than fashion, tea parties and gossip. One day she receives a letter from a French law firm to tell her that she is the sole beneficiary of Eve d'Orsey - but she has never been to France or heard of Eve. From then on the story flits between the 1920s and the 1950s as we follow Eve and Grace's journey to live life on their terms.  Tessaro captures the essence of Paris and I felt myself transported to the streets and buildings that she searches to find out why it is that she should be left the Perfume Collectors secret. The fact that I love perfume just added to my enjoyment of this book. Delicate, mysterious and lingering - the same as I like my perfume!

I have only just started this book but it comes well recommended. Also about an inheritance (is there some wishful thinking on my part here?). The book is set on Arran and the legacy is a house - Elizabeth's story is told through her journal. This is what Kalahari has to say about it...."When Elizabeth Pringle dies she leaves her beloved house 'Holmlea' to a woman she saw over thirty years ago. That young mother, Anna, had put a letter through Elizabeth's door asking to buy the house but Elizabeth never pursued her. But time passed and Anna is now in a home with dementia and it falls to her daughter Martha, the baby in the pram, to come and take up their inheritance. Once on the island Martha meets a brother and sister Niall and Catriona Anderson and a Buddhist monk called Saul, each of whom leads her closer to Elizabeth while revealing their surprising friendships with this old woman. Martha is drawn into Elizabeth's past which is filled with surprising and heart-breaking revelations."
Kirsty Wark is not known here but she is a broadcaster, journalist and presenter of NewNight in the UK.  According to the Daily Mail I am about to be engulfed by a story full of love, memory, households, holidays, happiness and heartache - I cant wait! 

BookClub are enjoying.....Americanah, A Walk across the Sun, The World Versus Alex Woods and if you want a laugh - and who doesn't -  Dear Lumpy (by the author of Dear Lupin) ENJOY!