Guilty Secrets #2

This time here are two books that everybody in the whole world seems to have read except me. I actually own them both, but they’ve been in the TBR (to be read) mountain for years. Should I promote either?

First is Birdsong by Sebastian Faulks. Up until earlier this year, I’d not read any of his books, but I did succumb to Devil May Care, his James Bond outing which I enjoyed hugely. Birdsong though has always appeared slightly worthy to me – especially since its inclusion on A-level reading lists.

And secondly, another wartime novel, but WWII this time, Captain Corelli’s Mandolin by Louis de Bernieres. I kept meaning to read it, my Mum borrowed and enjoyed it, but then my other half took it on a plane and managed to leave it behind. I’ve now acquired another copy through ReadItSwapIt – a superb book swapping forum I belong to, but I can’t summon up any enthusiasm at the moment – it’s all Nicholas Cage’s fault for doing the film!

Should I read them? Or what would you suggest instead …

0 thoughts on “Guilty Secrets #2

  1. Sarah says:

    I’ve avoided Sebastian Faulks as well, also because his books sounded frightfully earnest! I did read his Pistaches earlier this year and enjoyed it, so maybe i’ll relent and read his serious works one of these days.The movie Captain Corelli’s Mandolin was terrible. I hope you don’t let that or the book’s hype deter you from reading it, as I found it a suprisingly good wartime story told from a dizzying number of viewpoints. It really is worth a read.

  2. Annabel Gaskell says:

    The good news is that I haven’t seen the film either – the prospect of Nic Cage with a bad hair dye job totally put me off. You’ve confirmed what others have told me Sarah so I think I’ll promote Corelli for a sooner read. Agree re Faulks too!

  3. Fluffyblue says:

    I’ve got both books too, but have only read Captain Corelli’s Mandolin. I agree the move was terrible, but the book was really good. I’d actually been to Kephalonia, where the book was set, and the people there were just as the book described them – slightly mad! A word of caution though, I think it took me about 100 pages before I started appreciating it in any depth! I’ve not read Birdsong yet either. I was planning on reading Engleby first as I thought it might be more ‘my thing’ as an introduction to Faulks.

  4. kerry says:

    I’m also going to recommend Captain Corelli’s Mandolin. It’s been one of my favourite books for many years so do pick it up and give it a go. Forget the movie, they also did a terrible movie of Love in the time of Cholera which is another favourite of mine. Birdsong is the only Faulks that I’d recommend, though its been several years since I read it. I’ve also read Engelby (fair) and Charlotte Gray (hated).

      • gaskella says:

        Sorry Kerry – I’ve been updating categories and forgot to turn off the pingbacks, so the post probably came up in your reader as new. Will try harder next time.

        I will read Captain Corelli one day though!

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