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.
Invented Lives by Andrea Goldsmith
Why I have it: Theresa’s review.
Summary: In the mid-1980s, Galina Kogan leaves Leningrad for Australia, and is forbidden to return. As a Jew, she’s inherited Russia’s chronic anti-Semitism. As a Soviet citizen, she is unprepared for Australia and its easy-going ways. She is befriended by the Morrows, and learns that their marriage is based on secrets.
I’m thinking: Yes.
Love Notes From a German Building Site by Adrian Duncan
Why I have it: Susan’s review (and also, that title!)
Summary: Paul, a young Irish engineer, follows his girlfriend to Berlin, and begins work on the renovation of a commercial building in Alexanderplatz. Wrestling with a new language, on a site running behind schedule, and with a relationship in flux, he becomes increasingly untethered.
I’m thinking: Yes, I’m a sucker for a Berlin story.
The Other Windsor Girl by Georgie Blalock
Why I have it: Spotted on Julz Reads (and also, how good is the last season of The Crown?!).
Summary: The fascinating, fast-living Princess Margaret and her ‘set’ as seen through the eyes of one of her (fictional) ladies-in-waiting, Vera Strathmore.
I’m thinking: Maybe (think I should read Ma’am Darling first).
I’m not interested in royalty at all but the first two sound great! I’d not heard of the Goldsmith before.
Goldsmith is an Australian author – her books might not have made it to the UK 🙁
An unhesitating yes for the Goldsmith. I love everything she’s written.
Strangely I thought I’d read some of her previous work but looking at her list, I realised I haven’t. I’m getting her confused with another Aus author who also played the piano – Anna Goldworthy.
As you know if you saw my review of the Goldsworthy novel, I would say that Goldsmith is an *infinitely* better novelist.
The Goldsmith sounds so interesting. I’m sure you’d enjoy Love Notes. Quite apart from that Berlin setting, the structure is fascinating. Thanks for the link.
So many Berlin books have crossed my radar lately! (I feel a post brewing).
Oh, yes please!
Other Windsor Girl was a good story but I cataloged the errors here:
https://hopewellslibraryoflife.wordpress.com/2019/11/08/review-the-other-windsor-girl-a-novel-by-georgie-blalock/
Most comprehensive!
I decided against it because the blending of fact and fiction doesn’t really work for me (although that said, I’m reading Rodham at the moment!).
LOL–honestly, you aren’t missing much with The Other Windsor Girl. Rodham I’m still on the fence about. I’ll see after you review it!
I’m currently reading Invented Lives. Someone’s choice for my bookclub and like many book chosen for you by others definitely worth it. . I love stories told from different points of view. Enjoy.
I think it would be an excellent book group choice – I’ll pitch it to my group.
I liked The Other Windsor Girl. My review is here, if you’re interested. http://tcl-bookreviews.com/2019/11/08/some-royalty-blues/
I’ve heard a lot of good things about the Adrian Duncan so I’d say yes to that.