Books wot you have given up on 'cos they are shit.

[I'm at work]

Unless your parents' marriage broke up when you were young, in which case it's rather better than that.

Mine have been married 50yrs and I found the book great - gets right inside the little lads head.

 

[Schmetterling]

professor unrat is on my reading list for the forthcoming month, i've always had a soft spot for heinrich mann although i've never read anything by him. his berlin life seemed quite cool though.

I really like Klaus and Thomas Mann. I find Heinrich a little too biting and unneccesarily so. Klaus and Thomas are also really good at examining and exposing the petty bourgeoisie - and nasty little parvenues - but Heinrich seemed to have a lot more hatred for it.
I once read Buddenbrooks, followed immediately by Felix Krull. And stone me if they didn't both use the same situation of the upstart, who is to join the family in marriage, who embarrasses himself by shouting to the maid for the custard.
I am reading a collection of short stories by Thomas Mann (fantastic bound copy for 10 Euro) but finding that hard going. A little bit depressing. Hope there a few more upbeat ones in there too.

I am becoming interested in John Irving's writing. Has anyone read Until I find you?