Sample Saturday is when I wade through the eleventy billion samples I have downloaded on my Kindle. I’m slowly chipping away and deciding whether it’s buy or bye.
Names for the Sea by Sarah Moss
Why I have it: Spotted in Susan’s Six Degrees chain.
Summary: Novelist Sarah Moss’s childhood dream of living in Iceland became a reality in 2009. Her time there included economic collapse, the eruption of Eyjafjallajökull, interesting cuisine, and a bunch of new friends.
I’m thinking: Yes (because I have my own Iceland dreams).
The Friendly Young Ladies by Mary Renault
Why I have it: Spotted in this post (with a winning title) by Madame Bibi.
Summary: Set in 1937, naïve Elsie leaves her parents’ stifling home to seek out her sister, Leo, who had run away years earlier. She finds Leo sharing a houseboat, and a bed, with the beautiful Helen. Cue a scandal.
I’m thinking: Yes (the sample was short but I trust M.Bibi’s judgement).
In Every Moment We Are Still Alive by Tom Malmquist
Why I have it: Spotted on this ‘best of’ list.
Summary: Autobiographical novel about Tom, who has to face the sudden loss of his partner and his father in quick succession while also adjusting to single parenthood.
I’m thinking: Yes, even though it will make me cry.
The Malmquist is wonderful. I very much enjoyed Moss’s book on Iceland too.
Thanks for the link, Kate. Hope you enjoy your time with Ms Moss in Iceland. I also liked the Malmquist, and you will need tissues.
All three of these sound like great reads – thank you for cutting out the need for me to acquire samples, they can go straight on the TBR list! 🙂
How have I not heard of Names for the Sea?! I’m obviously slightly biased as an Iceland-resident but I’m so intrigued by this.
I hope you enjoy The Friendly Young Ladies Kate & thank you for the mention 🙂
The Moss sounds wonderful – definitely going on my list.
I would say yes to all of these I think – particularly the Sarah Moss.
Friendly Young Ladies is great. I came to it a long time after reading Renault’s historical novels and absolutely loved it.
Thanks for letting me know about the Iceland book. It sounds lovely. Arrr!
x The Captain