I am half way through Olivia Lang's very interesting The Trip to Echo Spring: Why Writers Drink. If you have any interest in the writing of one or all of F. Scott Fitzgerald, Tennessee Williams, John Cheever, Ernest Hemingway, John Berryman or Raymond Carver then there is something in here to interest you. Travelling across the U.S. visiting places associated with these writers she explores their writing and their lives as well as exploring aspects of her own life. Published by Canongate.
Next up is The Extraordinary Journey of the Fakir Who Got Trapped in an Ikea Wardrobe by the French author Romain Puértolas and published by Harvill Secker. The writing of the book is enough to draw your interest. The author details read that he wrote the book "on his mobile phone whilst working as a French border guard". It's been a bestseller in France and is published here in July. Click on the title link for a synopsis.
I've written about Muriel Bolger's story telling before and this summer she has a new novel out. The Pink Pepper Tree published by Hachette Ireland is her fourth novel. Her last novel drew on her extensive experience of the characters on cruise ships. This story introduces us to June and her boyfriend restaurateur Peter. As he prepares for the re-opening of his restaurant, June escapes to Monte Carlo with a girlfriend. Events there however impact on their relationship on her return. Bolger's characters are always very real and it doesn't take long to get involved with the events of the story. Definitely one for the beach.
Sinead Moriarty's novels are frequently number one best sellers. She has hoards of fan's and they will be pleased to see her new novel on the shelves at the end of July. The Secrets Sisters Keep tells the story of the Devlin sisters, Louise, Julie and Sophie.
"Mum-of-four Julie thought that if her family had more money, life would be easier. But now that they have inherited a fortune her problems are only starting.
Lawyer Louise is used to having life go exactly as she wants it to. So accepting that there are some things even she can't control is beyond here.
And former model Sophie can just about cope with getting older - that is until her ex-husband finds a younger model.
All three women think that some battles are best fought alone. maybe they need to think again... "
My final offering is Danielle Steel's First Sight . Due out on the 17th July it ticks all the boxes for a girly read on a sun drenched beach.
"New York. London. Milan. Paris. Fashion week in all four cities. A month of endless interviews, parties, unflagging work and attention to detail.
At the centre of the storm is Timmie O'Neill, whose fashion line is renowned. She has created an international empire that inspires, fills and consumes her life.
In a world where humility and compassion are all too rare, Timmie's humour, kindness, integrity, and creativity are inspirational. Yet as blessed as she feels by her success, she can't escape her devastating childhood secrets and past tragedy.
Always willing to take risks in business, she never risks her heart - until an intriguing Frenchman comes into her life during Paris Fashion Week. There is every reason why they must remain apart. But neither can deny their growing friendship and the electricity that sparks whenever they meet."
