I enjoyed Phillip Lewis' debut novel of the Appalachian town of Buckram. The reverence with which he portrays the family of his protagonist Henry Aster is realistic and gives the novel its background tone. Lewis' use of lyrical language add to this feeling.

The author shows how Henry Sr. is not truly part of this world in his choices of a house that does not belong to the town's landscape. Its forbidding presence and the family's tastes belonging to another way of living foreign to the mountains way of life. The classical music, the emphasis on great literature, the father's constant drinking show the father's wish not to really engage in
a real life. This greatly confuses his children and affects their approach to how to get on in life.
Henry Jr.'s stumbling approach leads him to reenact some of his father's life. He ultimately returns to Old Buckram to return to his roots or to resolve the mystery of his life? The future we do not know.

Tatiana de Rosnay has given the reader a reverential tale of the life of Daphne du Maurier. The book although well researched reads as a novel or historical fiction.
We learn of du Maurier's privileged life as a child and as an adult
her relationships with her family and friends seem to be unreal as the relationships of the characters in her many novels.

The book was an enjoyable read but not what I expected of a biography. It seemed gossipy at times. Endlessly telling of her travels seeking new exotic setting and characters for strange and intriguing stories.

Daphne du Maurier was an accomplished and prolific author. I was glad to know some of her history, but I'm left feeling I don't know the real person I was seeking.
Instead I found a kind of romance heroine written by a fan.

I am a avid reader of historical fiction. I found Victoria by Daisy Goodwin to be a most engaging read. The book brought to life the mid-19th century customs and politics in a most lively and entertaining way. The reader becomes acquainted with the naïve 18 year old Victoria as she ascends the English throne where she will reign as Queen for many years. The book gives insights into her relationships and difficulties with her mother, her Prime Minister and her future husband Prince Albert.

We are witness to the growth of a young shy girl into a strong and steady ruler. These narratives give the book its lively fresh qualitythat holds the readers interest. Victoria leaves the reader longing to know the rest of the story. A good quality for a book. I look forward to the upcoming Masterpiece Drama.