My plan is to read mostly English literature or Man Booker prize winning novels while I am here.
Balm in Gilead: Journey of a Healer (Radcliffe Biography Series)
Written by Sara Lawrence Lightfoot
Biography of Margaret Morgan Lawrence, written by her daughter. A pioneer of public health and mental health care, she is an African American woman, still alive at 92. She battled her way through sexism and racism to serve people in need. I was deeply touched by her story and MML is my new shero. I loved the mother-daughter aspect of the biography, I thought it added a special layer of interest. I started reading this in the US, so it doesn't fall under my English quest.
Where Angels Fear To Tread
Written by E. M. Forster
What I thought was most interesting about this novel, is that it was written by a 22 year old man. I was impressed by his insights and sensitivity.
Remains of the Day
Written by Kazuo Ishiguro
Winner of Man Booker Prize. This novel blew me away. I loved his description of English countryside versus images from National Geographic.
Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close
Written by Jonathan Safran Foer
A story narrated by a 9 year old boy. Includes the tragedy of 9/11. I enjoyed this story, I liked the voice of the child. Not English, but I picked it up and couldn't put it down.
Chronical in Stone
Written by Ismail Kadare
Winner of the Man Booker International Prize. This book blew me away. It is also narrated by a child. It tells the story of an Albanian town in WWII. I was astounded. His descriptions of natural forces, such as weather, changed me.
Never Let Me Go
Written by Kazuo Ishiguro
Short listed for Man Booker prize. I struggled with this book. A movie is coming out based on this novel. The subject matter is so disturbing, clones raised for the sole purpose of organ transplant. It definitely provoked me, but honestly I was surprised it was considered for the MB prize. I would love to discuss this book with someone who has read it.
The Gathering
Written by Anne Enright
2007 Man Booker Prize winner, a story about a woman dealing with her brother's death. What a talented artist of a writer! I would love to meet her. I have been told another book of hers called Making Babies is wonderful.
Wolf Hall
Written by Hilary Mantel
2009 Man Booker Prize winner and National Book Critics Circle Award, historical fiction, the story of the rise to power of Thomas Cromwell, Henry VIII's right hand man. I now have a big crush on him! TC may be the new Mr. Darcy...This book is large, but it feels like a small winding tale.