Reviews and Comments

I loved Grendel by John Gardner but Mere Wife is something that has haunted me. One of the best books this year. The author’s translation of Beowulf is incredible too (in audio format).

One of the weirder detective novels I have read. It is published by an academic/scientific publisher because it is a scholarly translation of detective stories written in the 18th century about a historical figure from the 7th century.

Let’s just say that Judge Dee does a lot of unconventional things to solve the cases in relation to other detective stories. And then there is a very good essay at the end of the book explaining how the justice system worked in China at the time the stories are set, and then it at all kind of makes sense.

(anybody who likes weird detective fiction should send me their recommendations in the comments…)

I think I internalized a lot of the interesting stuff when I read this as a young fellow. What was clever to me then is glib now. Most of the stories don’t stand as strong works of fiction if you’re not in it for the clever ideas. But a few do. I will re-read Doctor Brodie’s Report again soon, I think it will be more satisfying…

Started off fiery so I thought and hoped the author would burn down the whole concept of medieval knighthood but then she doused it in water snd made sure no damage was done.

Otherwise it was quite informative and it didn’t overlap too much with Dorsey Armstrong’s Arthurian stuff.

I love that my favorite authority on this subject also played bass with The Bangles.

Oh boy, adding more books, not finishing any… this is a quagmire that may make me fall short of the 100 books this year

Done… suggestions for a palate cleanser?

Feature request to add more stars, five is not enough

Not sure the edgy stuff is worth the effort, even if there is good stuff in here. I will try the next book to confirm this. Blindsight/Echopraxia are a cut above this one.