The Pregnant Widow, Martin Amis

Borrowed from Granny.

Story of one man's long hot summer in Italy and its lasting effects on his relationships through the years.

Set in the 70s.  Interesting cast of characters.

A bit wordy for me.

Briefs Encountered, Julian Clary

Read in hardback, in preparation for seeing Julian speak at Wordfest in Cambridge.

Semi-autobiographical story of actor who buys Noel Cowards old house and restores it to its former glory, whilst coping with spooky goings on.

Delightful bit of fluff.

Me Before You, Jojo Moyes

Read on the Kindle. Tackles the sensitive subject of euthanasia for those who are paralysed.

A cut above the average chick lit.

The Tiger's Wife, Tea Obreht

Read for Book Club, Clare's choice.

History, Myth and Present Day intertwined in war-torn former Yugoslavia.

Beautifully written - amazing first novel. Didn't get the emotional engagement I was searching for.

Snowdrops, A.D. Miller

Read on the Kindle, another of the 2011 Booker shortlist.

Written as a confessional to his intended, by a man about to be married. The story of one fateful year in the life of an English lawyer in Moscow, and his corruption by people, criminals and the state.

Certainly readable, but a bit downbeat and depressing.

Waiting for Sunrise, William Boyd

Irritatingly named and hapless hero Lysander Rief, actor, gets himself in a scrape in Vienna in 1913. Owing a debt to the British Government, he is forced to carry out covert missions during the first world war.

Atmospheric thriller, but didn't like it as much as Restless or Ordinary Thunderstorms.