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The Sonnet Lover - Carol Goodman
Poet and Renaissance scholar Rose Asher teaches at a small but ambitious New York college that offers a summer program at La Civetta, a villa outside Florence. The resplendent, reputedly haunted villa is the setting for a film made by Rose's favorite student, who falls to his death immediately after the premier. Did Robin die because he discovered the long-lost work of an unknown Renaissance woman poet? Rose, involved in a secret affair with the suspiciously elusive college president, reluctantly returns to La Civetta, the site of her greatest love, to see if she can discover the truth about Ginevera de Laura. Was she the enigmatic Dark Lady of Shakespeare's sonnets? Did her blood once stain the villa's marble floors?
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First I thought something festive would be nice and my first suggestion is now in W H Smith.
LAST CHRISTMAS by Julia Williams
Catherine Tinsall is dreading christmas. As the 'Happy Homemaker' she is an online sensation, but the reality couldn't be more different. with her marriage in tatters, her children running wild and her mothers forgetfulness, seasonal cheer is running low.
My second book choice is
THE HOUSE OF THE SPIRITS by Isabel Allende
Spanning four generations, Isabel Allende's magnificent family saga is populated by a memorable, often eccentric cast of characters. Together, men and women, spirits, the forces of nature, and of history, converge in an unforgettable, wholly absorbing and brilliantly realised novel that is as richly entertaining as it is a masterpiece of modern literature.
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The Lady and the Poet by Maeve Haran
Ann More, fiery and spirited daughter of the Mores of Losely House in Surrey, and educated by her Grandfather in Latin and Greek, comes to London destined for a life at the court of Queen Elizabeth and an advantageous marriage.
And the she encounters John Donne, the darkly attractive young poet who is secretary to her uncle, the Lord Keeper of the Great Seal. He is unlike any man she has ever met – angry, clever, witty – and in her eyes insufferably arrogant and careless of women. Yet as they are thrown together Donne opens Ann’s eyes to a new world of passion, wit and sensuality.
But John Donne – Catholic by background in an age when it is deadly dangerous, tainted by an alluring hint of scandal – is the kind of man her status conscious father distrusts and despises.
Set against the sumptuousness and intrigues of the dying years of Elizabeth’s reign. The Lady and the Poet tells the passionate story of the forbidden love between one of our most admired poets and a girl who dared to rebel against the conventions of her time.
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Greaders suggestion Dec 09 – Jan 2010 Kissing Gates
The Kissing Gates by Mackenzie Ford
When English soldier Hal strikes up a conversation with German Lieutenant Wlhelm during the ceasefire in no – man’s – land on Christmas Day 1914, he has no idea the impact this chance meeting will have. Wilhelm is in love with an English woman, Sam, and presses a photograph into Hal’s hand – if he survives the war Hal must promise to find Sam and give her this token of affection.
Invalided home while the battle rages on, Hal goes in search of Sam – but the moment he sees her he is in trouble. With Wilhelm’s photograph hidden in his pocket, Hal begins a life – and a love affair – meant for someone else.
A passionate, engrossing page-turner – an epic story of love, the corroding power of secrets, and a man at war with himself.
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Have seen this. Will have to think ... oh dear, my brain hurts.
Tess
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Please make your suggestions (two books) for the next session. Dec 09 to Jan 2010
Review date 12th January.
Putting this up early as I have so much to so. However the vote will not be until Tues/ Weds as the proper date is 1st.
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