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.
The Third Chopstick by Biff Ward
Why I have it: because of Sue’s review.
Summary: Biff Ward, herself a protester, seeks to understand the Vietnam War from multiple angles.
I’m thinking: Yes.
The Marriage Portrait by Maggie O’Farrell
Why I have it: because a good reading friend raved about it.
Summary: Florence, the 1550s. Lucrezia, third daughter of the grand duke, is comfortable with her obscure place in the palazzo. But when her older sister dies on the eve of her wedding to the ruler of Ferrara, Lucrezia becomes the substitute bride. Still just a girl, Lucrezia must make her way in a troubled court where her arrival is not universally welcomed.
I’m thinking: Yes.
Mouth to Mouth by Antoine Wilson
Why I have it: Reader in my Goodreads feed gave a glowing review.
Summary: In a first-class lounge at JFK airport, our narrator listens as Jeff Cook, a former classmate he only vaguely remembers, shares the uncanny story of his adult life—a life that changed course years before, the moment he resuscitated a drowning man.
I’m thinking: Yes.
Mouth to Mouth is a great read, particularly if you enjoy unreliable narrators.
I am glad The Third chopstick caught your attention and that you are still thinking YES. It’s a personal read but also politically interesting.
Good decision on Marriage Portrait. Not as good as Hamnet but still engrossing
I’ve fallen a bit behind with Maggie O’Farrell but I’ve always found her a good read and this one does sound compelling!
I liked The Marriage Portrait more than Hamnet, but I still prefer O’Farrell’s contemporary novels to her historical ones.
I still haven’t read Hamnet!
I wasn’t fussed but I’m aware that I was very much in the minority.