The summer is upon us, work recedes and the luxury of reading time on holiday is ahead. What larks! Here are a few favourites of mine, some read recently, others years ago, which you might like sample while away.
BLOODY FOREIGNERS
By Robert Winder
An absorbing and detailed account of immigration to Britain. Lots of anecdotes as well as analysis. Should help the Christian reader to develop a gospel-hearted approach to immigration and integration.
DIGGING TO AMERICA
By Anne Tyler
Beautiful observation of family life tracked through the adoption of two girls in Baltimore. Understated and compassionate.
A SUITABLE BOY
By Vikram Seth
At 1,474 pages, this will take up space in your suitcase and maybe more than one holiday to complete, but it is a magnificent book. Strands of comedy, romance and tragedy combine in the gripping search for a husband for Lata in the run up to newly independent India’s first election.
NORTH AND SOUTH
By Mrs. Gaskell
I shall be re-reading this in preparation for my move from Chiswick to Huddersfield in a few months! A great story about idealism, pragmatism and wisdom at a time of social upheaval.
THE DREAM LIFE OF SUKHANOV
By Olga Grushin
An art critic’s life unravels in 1980s Moscow. The Observer called this ‘haunting’ — a good description, as we meet the ghosts of Moscow’s Stalinist past. This isn’t a beach read, but will make you think about the choices we all face.
LOSING NELSON
By Barry Unsworth
A very well written book, which deals with obsession and loss of faith. Charles is writing a book on his hero Nelson, but, as his visiting typist starts to question Nelson’s reputation, Charles’s own self identity crumbles.
THREE MEN IN A BOAT
By Jerome K. Jerome
I thought I ought to put an outright comedy in — and this is it, the archetypal summer jaunt book. If you’ve never read it, please give it a try.
Sarah Allen
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