In the last several years I have become fascinated with the contemporary English novel. I love reading English dialect and enjoy the descriptions of the English countryside and often of London. I also find the English authors have an authentic voice which appeals to my literary cravings.
In the spring of 2009, I read Little Bee by Chris Cleave, which is set in London and Nigeria. See my blog written on Little Bee here. (You may simply click on “Nan” on the right hand side of our blog page and read my previous blogs by continuing to scroll down.)
In August of 2009, I read what has become one of my all time favorite novels, The Forgotten Garden, written by Kate Morton, whose previous success was House at Riverton. The Forgotten Garden is set in a ancient castle on the cliffs of England, as well as in the castle’s beautiful garden. At last count, I had “hand sold” about 44 copies of The Forgotten Garden to many good Lemuria readers. Many have come back to tell me how much they loved it! You can read more about Forgotten Garden here.
Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand written by Helen Simonson is an English novel of manners. This novel makes its mark. A very proper Englishman serves as the main character who owns a handsome English cottage and garden. Read more about Major Pettigrew here.
Maggie O’Farrell’s The Hand That First Held Mine grabbed my attention immediately. First opening at a family’s home and garden out from London, the novel soon takes the reader to London where the action remains. As a new young mother and her business minded husband learn their way with a new b0rn, a mystery of their pasts starts to emerge which takes the reader on quite a hunt. Read more here.
C by Tom McCarthy is set in England and parts of Germany. This very unique and excellently crafted novel was nominated for last year’s Man Booker Prize. I thought it should have won! Read more here and here.
A very recently published novel, 22 Britannia Road by Amanda Hodgkinson, has become one of my favorites for 2011 so far! I recommend it to those readers who liked The Invisible Bridge and The Glass Room. Set during and after WWII, the last part of 22 Britannia Road takes place just outside of London, and, yes, there is a garden. Read more here.
Come in the store and let us show you these and other English novels. We have an impressive collection of English literary fiction. If you don’t live in or near Jackson, we can always mail the titles above or others. -Nan
Comments are closed.