What I’m Reading Lately – November 2018

Today I’m linking up with Anne Bogel to share what I’ve been reading lately. I’ve recently had a dry spell in my reading but am back at it! The story of my life. But it feels good to curl up on the couch with a book in my hands again. And, of course, to feel the anxiety of never being able to read even a fraction of everything I want to read… right?!

The Clockmaker’s Daughter by Kate Morton

If you know me, you know that Kate Morton is my spirit animal. I follow her on Instagram and get lost in the beautiful walks she takes across England and Australia. She finds the cutest little walkways and the most picturesque doors and dreams about the stories that have unfolded there in the past. And then she writes about them.

The Clockmaker’s Daughter is classic Kate Morton – a picturesque landscape meets the most amazing cast of characters, multiple time lines, and a family secret. Usually the characters are bookish and/or artistic and everything about the novels make me want to curl up with a steaming cup of coffee, sell my house, and move to London to write.

Transcription by Kate Atkinson

I’ve adored Kate Atkinson since undergrad. Emotionally Weird was my introduction to her and I just couldn’t get enough! I was delighted to see Transcription on the shelves at the public library and literally yelped (the librarians love to see me coming).

During the war, Juliet transcribes for a unit within MI5 that spies on Hitler sympathizers within England. When the war ends, she works for BBC as a producer for a children’s show, but never really escapes her MI5 life. The novel’s timeline jumps between the two cogently, carefully unfolding a tragedy from the war. Juliet is the funniest character that I’ve read in a while and is at the ready with quips and sarcasm. I’ve laughed out loud quite a few times!

The Madwoman Upstairs by Catherine Lowell

This features another funny protagonist, Samantha Whipple. A descendant of the Bronte’s and homeschooled by her eccentric father, she’s found her way to Oxford University and lives in a tower. That’s all I need to know to be interested (even though I’m not a fan of the Brontes)!

But at Oxord, she’s tutored by a foul tempered professor and they butt heads at every turn. She eventually receives her inheritance from her father who died in a fire and is sent on a literary treasure hunt. I can’t wait to read more of this one!

I’m struck by how all three of these authors are named Kate or Catherine, how funny! Anyway, have you read any of these? Have you read any good WWII fiction lately (my favorite and I’m always looking for suggestions)? What have you been reading lately??

Please note that the links in this post are affiliate links. If you happen to purchase the book after clicking on the link, I will get a small return. Thank you in advance!