Book suggestions please

[lily]

Our library stocks are much depleted due I think to the awful weather. Couldn't find anything by any of my favourite authors, so any suggestions welcome . I like books that make me think about the characters after I've finished reading, not so keen on whodunnits or sci-fi

[Ivy]

Do you know the stories by Donna Leon? They are set around Commisario Guido Brunetti a Venetian Police Commisario. There is a crime , it will get solved but I absolutely adore the setting and the family and social life that is nearly more important than the actual crime.These novels by American author Donna Leon, who lives in Venice, are hugely popular in Germany but as far as I know not nearly as well known in the rest of the world ( for whatever reason I can not figure out) usually I can't wait until the German translation is on the market and buy the English version as soon as it comes into the shops.

[JG]

I quite fancy trying Barbara Pym, after hearing a recent serialisation on Woman's Hour. Have you read any of hers?

[sandybay]

My OH was a great fan of Barbara Pym. May not be easy to get as she went out of fashion for a few years. Have read Donna Leon and back up what Ivy says.

Two fantastic books which did what you said Lily and made the characters live on outside the book were Vikram Seth's 'The Unsuitable Boy' and Rohan Mistry's ' A Fine Balance'. Both set in India and both brilliant writing as well as good tales.

[lily]

Thank you both. Will jot down names and investigate next time I visit the library. A friend has just lent me The Kite Runner, will get stated on that tonight.

[sandybay]

Just remembered another fantastic one which was also raved about by reviewers.

'Half a Yellow Sun' by Chimamand Adichie. Have to warn you it is very moving in places
but an incredible book.

[lily]

Coincidence or what? I'vre been searching my bookshelves for something for a neighbour when I came across Purple Hibiscus by Ms Adiche.

[sandybay]

Haven't read that one by her [him ?] will add to to my ever growing list of books to order from the library. Glad to know we're on the same wavelength !

[lily]

Yes, I was suprised to see in the forward a ref to her. The name suggests a him to me.