What Are You Reading (Jan 2009 edition)?

Aneca · Post by **Aneca** » Sun January 25th, 2009, 11:01 am

I just started The Marsh King's Daughter by Elizabeth Chadwick.

Vanessa · Post by **Vanessa** » Sun January 25th, 2009, 11:20 am

[quote=""annis""]"Penmarric' was one of those stay-up-all-night reads for me when it first came out in the 1970s. I seem to recall that the chapter headings provide clues about the Plantagenet parallels, though it's been a long time--

"Cashelmara" and "Wheel of Fortine" continue the Plantagenet family parallel theme. <"Cashelmara" is based on the story of Edward I, Edward II, and Edward III, ending as Edward III overthrows his mother's lover and claims the throne as his own. "The Wheel of Fortune" picks up the same story about half way through Edward III's life (he is now Bobby Godwin), and follows the story through the life of his sons Edward The Black Prince (Robert), John (John of Gaunt) and Thomas (Thomas of Woodstock), his grandsons Kester (Richard II) and Harry (Henry IV), and his great grandson Henry V (Hal).>

*EDIT I see that you've already worked this out in your post about Susan Howatch

[/quote]

I never realised that these books were based on the Plantagenets! You learn something new every day. I read Penmarric years ago (loved it) - I think it could be worth a re-read now.

Madeleine · Post by **Madeleine** » Sun January 25th, 2009, 1:23 pm

I never realised they were based on Eleanor etc either! I bought them all fairly recently, and they are now sitting waiting patiently to be read....they are so huge though!

Misfit · Post by **Misfit** » Sun January 25th, 2009, 1:27 pm

[quote=""Madeleine""]I never realised they were based on Eleanor etc either! I bought them all fairly recently, and they are now sitting waiting patiently to be read....they are so huge though![/quote]

I doubt I would have picked up on it unless I'd heard a couple of people talking about it at goodreads. Since I was expecting a book starting in Cornwall late 19C I was "kinda" wondering if we were talking about the same book.....

Don't let the size scare you, Penmarric is going fast, although I just love sinking into big fat family sagas. They just don't write those much anymore.

EC2 · Post by **EC2** » Sun January 25th, 2009, 1:32 pm

I skim-read these Susan Howatches back in my teens/twenties. I quite enjoyed them but probably at about 7 out of 10 level. It was good writing but it didn't seize and engulf me. My aunty (who was seized and engulfed) passed them on to to me to read, but I didn't quite share her passion.

TLee · Post by **TLee** » Sun January 25th, 2009, 4:54 pm

I'm in the midst of Lords of the White Castle by Elizabeth Chadwick and loving it.

Ash · Post by **Ash** » Sun January 25th, 2009, 8:38 pm

Both you and Aneca are reading excellent books!Enjoy! Come on over to the book discussions and add your comments when you finish.

Telynor · Post by **Telynor** » Sun January 25th, 2009, 11:11 pm

I seem to be on a book reading binge lately, and am about a book a day (like vitamins...).

Rosewater & Soda Bread - review up, about 4 stars
A Prisoner of Birth - review up, three stars -- Jeffrey Archer has a big chip on his shoulder
Mademoiselle Boleyn - working on the review, about three and a half stars, wondering to go up or down on this one.

Next -- not sure, possibly Team of Rivals by Doris Goodwin Kearns

lindymc · Post by **lindymc** » Sun January 25th, 2009, 11:13 pm

I'm about 3/4 through Tatiana and Alexander and I'm liking it better than The Bronze Horseman, a pleasant surprise. If it weren't for planning to watch the start of The Last Templar miniseries on TV tonight, I'd probably finish it.

Susan · Post by **Susan** » Mon January 26th, 2009, 1:21 am

Just finished The Needle in the Blood by Sarah Bower and starting Signora da Vinci by Robin Maxwell.