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Some weeks ago now I came across this challenge and decided that I would not participate. Having read so many good and bad books over the years set in Italy I decided I had, had enough!
This opinion changed recently when I realised that I already had two books lined up that I want to read and review, suitable for the challenge which I needed an excuse to buy. Now I have one. Also while scouring the bookshops in the UK recently I found a title to get me started if I decided to join in after all.
So here I am with thanks to Brighton Blogger of Book After Book for her inspiration for this challenge, which you can find out all about over on her blog in the post. Italy in Books - Reading Challenge 2011
The January post with a list of books that people are reading has already been posted. January Reviews
I have only just started reading my choice for this month which is :-
Last Train From Liguria by Christine Dwyer Hickey
Product Description from Amazon.co.uk
From the bestselling Irish novelist, here comes a sweeping tale of consequences that spans from the 1930s to the 1990s. "Last Train from Liguria" takes us on a journey from claustrophobic Dublin and the tense formality of London, to the heat and bustle of the pre-war Italian Riviera. This is a must-read for fans of books by Rose Tremain and Helen Dunmore. In 1933, Bella Stuart leaves her quiet London life to move to Italy to tutor the child of a beautiful Jewish heiress and an elderly Italian aristocrat. Living at the family's summer home, Bella's reserve softens as she comes to love her young charge, and find friendship with Maestro Edward, his enigmatic music teacher. But as the decade draws to an end and fascism tightens its grip on Europe, the fact that Alec is Jewish places his life in grave danger. Bella and Edward take the boy on a terrifying train journey out of Italy - one they have no reason to believe any of them will survive...
Here's a book for you The Flight of the Falcon by Daphne Du Maurier. I liked this so much I found a copy and bought it. Good luck with this challenge. I am not doing well with the Victorian Challenge.
ReplyDeleteI used to read a lot .. never had a book out of my hand , and always one next to my bed!! I have not read a book since September and I go to the book shops all the time, in the hope of buying some , but nothing has jumped at me , which is MOST unusual..
ReplyDeleteLinda, this book sounds interesting. I have been amazed at all I have learned through various readings of how the Italians cared for their Jewish citizens during the war years. I will look for this book.
ReplyDeleteOh Linda, I'm so glad your back. I've missed your posts.
ReplyDeleteBig hug,
Sarahx
jmisgro@ Thanks I will add it to the list, although I think I may have already read it, memory fails me at present and my book list is not handy! In what way are you having problems with the Victorian challenge? do message me on FB if I can help in any way.
ReplyDeleteAnne@ I cannot imagine not reading and it sounds like until September you were just the same. I wish I was able to inspire you what sort of books do you like? If you want some help kick starting your enthusiasm let me know. For instance have you read Linda Gillard's books?
Patricia@ I am only on page 38 but I think it is going to be a 'good' read. so far I would certainly recommend it to you for the Challenge.
Sarah@ So kind such comments make it all worthwhile :)
I love Rose Tremain's novels, so I will buy this one. Trouble is, I'm already a member of a book club here in England which I have to keep on top of, so I don't know when I will be able to start this one! Our book club read at the moment is Amenable Women by Mavis Cheek. I am really enjoying it, after the last two which none of us have enjoyed at all. Lovely to have you back by the way!
ReplyDeleteI havent read any books set in Italy. Now i have loads of recommendations. thanks !!
ReplyDeleteBedazzaled@ Are you going to join in?
ReplyDeleteThisisme@ Thanks for the welcome back. I have sent you a message about the challenge.
ReplyDeleteGood luck on this challenge. I will be waiting for your review of the Last Train from Liguria. I have the book, picked it up from the library exchange club of a small cruise ship in Egypt 3 months ago, but just haven't gotten around to reading it.
ReplyDeleteBookQuoter@ I will be posting my review on Monday, I did not enjoy it as much as I had hoped!
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