Author: Yasmina Khadra

This novel is written by a former officer in the Algerian army. Although it doesn’t give a deep insight into the people of Kabul it was an interesting read. Any story that starts off with the stoning of a prostitute has my attention.

The story follows the lives of two different couple. Mohsen and Zenaida lead a privileged life prior to the Taliban taking control. They now barely survive but are aware they a better off than many. Atiq is employed by the Taliban; he and his wife Musarrat fail to see where his position has helped them. As the story progresses you see how each couple envision their futures.

Goodreads Rating: * * * *

Author: Marilynne Robinson

This initial review came from an older version of my website. No idea of the actual date but the file the review is contained in is dated 2012.

Initial Review: The title came to my attention through an Amazon newsletter. I’d never read the author so thought I would read her first book as a test. The book won a couple of awards, and was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize. I enjoyed the book even though it may be considered a bit dark. I wasn’t certain until the very end whether or not things were going to “turn out okay”, but they did – sort of.

I don’t have much to add to this review. This time through I found the story less intriguing (I really didn’t remember it from the last reading) but the language used was beautiful and I’ll keep it on my shelf for that reason.

Goodreads Rating: * * * *

Author: Marta Perry

I’m not sure where I picked this book up from but I think it might have been from our used book store when it was closing. I expected to learn more about the Amish way of life through the book but there wasn’t much detail in it that I didn’t already know. What was interesting though was seeing how the Amish were fitting into the wider community outside of their own compounds.

Rachel has begun work as a housekeeper in a mansion where her mother previously worked. Rachel gave up on her wedding to Jacob when her mother died and her father convinced her it was her duty to remain at home to take care of him and her brothers. When her father remarries Rachel is expected to move out of her family home. The mansion has become home to her but Jacob has also been hired to do some general labour around the house. The ending is quite predictable.

Goodreads Rating: * * *

Author: Elizabeth George

A few years ago I would have said that Elizabeth George was one of my favourite English authors, right up there with P.D. James. I’ve since discovered that George isn’t actually English but she still remains a favourite author writing novels set in England.

I’ve read many of the Inspector Linley and Barbara Havers stories. I didn’t realize when I picked this book up from our neighbourhood free library that this was the first in the series. Havers had been demoted to a street officer when Linley’s superiors decide she should be given another chance at CID. Prepared to hate Linley due to his aristocratic ancestry and his reputation she is pleasantly surprised to be taken seriously as they set out to determine why a seemingly loving daughter would admit to beheading her father.

As we’ve been following the Endeavour, Morse and Lewis series on TV I thought it was surprising that no one had picked up on the Linley mysteries. Then just the other day I saw that there are six seasons available on Brit Box.

Goodreads Rating: * * * *