The summer holidays are a good time for reading a few novels. Someone told me yesterday that they had read 8 in the first week of their holiday. If you like reading novels with a historical flavour to them, I can recommend Falling Angels by Tracey Chevalier (author of Girl with the Pearl Earring). The story centres on the lives of two middle class families in the years following the death of Queen Victoria. The book is a stark reminder of how much has changed within 1 century in the UK - much of it for the better. Imperium by Robert Harris is also worth a read. It tells the story of Cicero's rise to supreme power within the state of Rome. The Romans were obviously very dominant in the biblical world of 1st century AD (Jesus was born during the time of a Roman cencus) so a novel which sheds some light on this era in such a readable way is very worthwhile.
For those who are soon to depart these shores for Peru, I heartily recommend Inca Cola by Matthew Parris, a former conservative MP and one of the best observors and writers around these days. The book charts his account of a visit to Peru during a time of great instability in the late 1980's. Don't panic - Peru is a very different place today! Parris, who has been to Peru many times, has a great feel for the people and the country and he tells his story in a way which will bring a smile to your face, not to mention a few laughs.
DM
No comments:
Post a Comment