I had read Montefiore before and wasn't impressed but this i would recommend. Set in 1940's Russia and concerns a group of innocent teenagers who, as a result of a murder/suicide, are investigated by Stalins secret police. Its an excellent portrayal of the paranoia and distrust that was rife at the time, and i was moved on a few occasions by the plight of the students and their families grief. Stalin really is a nasty character.

I'm really not sure why this book has been so highly rated. Unimaginative story of Irish girl going to live/work in America. I bailed half way through. Central characters astonishingly 2D given that Toibin is usually so good. The story telling was flat, uninspiring, merely a blow by blow account of her day - there seemed to be no emotional investment. Perhaps if i had read to the end it may have improved.

Typical Victorian gothic novel - Edwin disappears on Christmas eve and foul play is suspected. Ive come to the conclusion that i really don't like Dickens. He loves the sound of his own voice but contributes nothing to the narrative. I will stick to Wilkie Collins et al.

A story set in Scotland in the 1860's. Its a memoir written by the accused who carried out a triple murder - including his statement, prison records, character statements etc. Very interesting and compelling, and i would recommend it because of the social history of these communities. A quick read, not particularly literary, and i question why it was shortlisted for the Man Booker prize?

This is a great book but i found it needed absolute commitment to fully understand it. Its focus is on the French Revolution and all the key characters are there (Danton, Desmoulins, Robespierre). And whilst it follows a traditional linear narrative, the key moments, such as the storming of the Bastille etc, are referred to after the event. I would certainly recommend it but its not a beach read.