I am a writer of historical fiction who reads voraciously. This blog is to discuss some of the books I read and issues I have when writing. I read a lot of historical fiction and history so inevitably this blog will have a historical flavour to it.
I am currently writing a novel set during the Great War, so much of my reading is connected with that. I am also in the process of reading my way through a collection of early twentieth century popular light fiction that belonged to my great grandmother.
Update 28th July.
I’m getting towards the end of my great grandmother’s collection, and the titles that are left aren’t as good. However, I have carried on re-reading some of the books my parents had as children. I read them as a child too, and in many cases loved them, although now, as an adult I can appreciate their context.
Update April 2007
In the last six months I have begun reviewing books for the Historical Novels Review, both the print version (traditionally published books) and the online version, which covers POD and subsidy published works. I can’t include these reviews here, but have linked to them where possible.
Only Two Rs 
Hello,
I have been very impressed by your site (the list of reading to date is exceptional if only I could keep pace my life might be easier) and your comments on my own! Thanks for the efforts!
Eoin
You’re welcome!I’ve always read masses of stuff, but only thought to keep a list a few years ago. A lot of it’s research of course. You have some interesting, thought provoking links on your site.
I see that you recently read Sabriel, Lirael and Abhorsen by Garth Nix. There are few books that stay with you long after you have read them but Sabriel and Lirael had that effect on me. I was slightly disappointed with Abhorsen, I thought the pace dragged and that Garth Nix could have made more of the storyline. In balance, Lirael was amazing, so imaginative, I loved the Disreputable Dog. You reminded me that I forgot to put Lirael on my favourite books list! I met Garth Nix at a book signing in Sydney last year, he was such a down-to-earth person and told some great stories.
I thought the Disreputable Dog was inspired too, although I was unsurprised to discover who she was eventually. I loved the idea of a library where you could really die if you weren’t careful. It was a bit reminiscient of Pratchett’s L space though.
I haven’t read any Terry Pratchett yet but he’s on the To Read list. So many books, so little time…
You have inspired me to return to the job of building a site about Rosemary Sutcliff using simple blog methods. But I spend as much time enjoying this and looking at it for ispiration as I do actually doing anything about the Rosenary site.
I have all her diaries, and am minded to post daily random entries related to different years but the day in question
Thanks
Anthony
Wow. What can I say? I’m really glad I’ve inspired you to continue with your work on the blog for Rosemary. When you start posting, do let me have a link, as I’d love to read it.
Hello. Came across your site by accident. I collect early books published by Penguin. While looking up Ian Hay, I found a link to your site,
As an aside, you reviewed the novel, Penhallow, by Georgette Heyer. My wife read the novel and found it not to be up to Heyer’s usual standard.
Recently my wife read a biography of Heyer and it was claimed that the book was written poorly on purpose to get out of a book contract. An aside to this is as Heyer wrote the book she got into the swing and wanteed to revise and improve the novel. She had to be stopped by her husband and reminded that the novel was not to be up to her usual standard.
Regards Kel Boak
Lovely site – I thoroughly enjoyed reading your opinions. Thanks for sharing!
RJ xx
3Rs
Have found your blog when I did a serch for ‘Envious Casca’. ( I could not place where it had come from). Have book marked it and will return to again soon. Thanks for helping out!