R.A.W.: Books

Books · 20. August 2004, 18:10

During my school days I was not a particularly avid reader. The books I read were mostly in the science fiction/fantasy domains. In more recent years I have increased the number and variety of the books I have read. Now that I have a commute to and from work (not a very long commute mind you) I rarely leave home without a book to pass away the minutes on the DART In future I will run a brief review of books I finished reading in RAW

The “livre du jour” is Elizabeth & Mary. I’m about three quarters through this book – expect my review soon. To kick off this series now though, I will write a few lines about the last 4 books that I have read:

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time by Mark Haddon

This is an excellent book written from the perspective of a boy (``Christopher’’) who has aspergers syndrome. The book provides a unique insight into Christopher’s mind – a wholly logical mind where there are no shades of grey.

I highly recommend this book to everyone to read. It’s simple language and style reveals a personality that is hard to imagine.

Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy

Anna Karenina is set in late 19th Century Russia. The central theme of the book is that of marriage, morality and society at that time.

I found the style of writing very different to a modern novel. The pace is slow and measured and the finer details of many of the characters are developed throughout the book, not only those of the main protagonist Anna. Their is also significant discussion of contempary politics and religion which proved to be a fascinating insight into pre-communist Russia.

Another highly recommended book to read although time and energy are required.

David Attenborough: Life on Air by David Attenborough

Having arrived in Heathrow airport at 6am after a long trans Atlantic flight with nothing to read and a 3+ hour wait until my flight home departed, I bought ‘Life on Air’ with my remaining sterling. I’m very glad I did (so are the others to whom I’ve lent the book since then).

Attenborough does not dwell on every tiny detail of his life. Instead he gets straight to the point and stays true to his title starting with how he got his first job with the BBC until the present day. Along the way he tells stories of different projects he participated in as director, producer, presenter and director of BBC2. These stories are sometimes funny, sometimes serious but always fascinating and gripping.

This book is highly recommended to anyone who knows of David Attenborough and the incredible work he has done over the years. For those people who don’t know him you will enjoy this book equally well, and I have no doubt you will be seeking out all of his programmes in the future!

Anthony Blunt – His Lives by Miranda Carter

In contrast to the previous autobiography, this biography of Anthony Blunt, art critic, MI5 operative but best remembered as KGB spy is anything but light. Miranda Carter has produced a remarkable study of Anthony Blunt. Far from a fast paced spy novel concentrating on Anthony Blunt as one of the Cambridge Spies, this biography delves into the full details of Blunts life inside and outside of spying.

Highly recommended for its detail but ensure you have lots of free time to devote to your reading.

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