Long books

Blossoming

I love Donna Tartt’s books. A friend recommended them to me a few years ago. Definitely not too long ?

I think just the opposite, well written and at times boring, all her books need serious editing IMHO especially The Goldfinch.

Sorry * Sue Donim* x posts.

I guess the world would be a very boring place if we all had the same tastes. The friend who recommended The Goldfinch to me is an architect, living in Boston, with whom I share many interests. We both love the way she evokes a sense of place.

Are there any books you particularly like lemongrove and SueDonim? I’m always on the lookout for recommendations.

We had a good laugh at our book group about this. One of our members was often overwhelmed at how long some books were! We giggle now that some of her favourites have been the longer ones!

I struggled with The Goldfinch and think it needed a good editing - about 300 pages worth!

However I loved A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving.

I think for me as long as the plot is moving along, or if it is a saga, the different parts add to the whole. I enjoyed Sarum by Edward Rutherford, for instance.

Blossoming

I guess the world would be a very boring place if we all had the same tastes. The friend who recommended The Goldfinch to me is an architect, living in Boston, with whom I share many interests. We both love the way she evokes a sense of place.

Are there any books you particularly like lemongrove and SueDonim? I’m always on the lookout for recommendations.

I too have an architect friend living in Boston ! Strange.

I agree about Donna Tart lemongrove I think her books need serious editing as well.

I love audio books. My eyes get to tired after a couple of pages. I listening to mine most days. Currently listening to one called Knitting. An unusal story but very enjoyable. I listen whilst doing my knitting or if there is noting i fancy on the TV. I have to be careful if i am tired though as sometimes the soothing sound of being read too can make me doze off then i have to try and go back to a section i recognise to find out where i was!!!

Oh well, I guess the GN Book Forum is just another place where I don’t fit in, byeeee

Blossoming

I guess the world would be a very boring place if we all had the same tastes. The friend who recommended The Goldfinch to me is an architect, living in Boston, with whom I share many interests. We both love the way she evokes a sense of place.

Are there any books you particularly like lemongrove and SueDonim? I’m always on the lookout for recommendations.

Did you mean long books or any books? I mentioned The Son by Philipp Meyer. The Cazalet saga by Elizabeth Jane Howard consists of five quite long books. If you want long non-fiction, then a biography of Florence Nightingale by Mark Bostridge went on and on (she was a v busy woman)! Also, Pandemic 1918 by Catherine Arnold is a long read.

I love long books. Authors include Ken Follet and Edward Rutherford. Historical novels are my favourite. They are especially good on long plane journeys and very lazy holidays.

Georgette Heyerdahl was a favourite when I was in my teens, plus Victoria Holt and Susan Howatch.

Does anyone have any recommendations?

Not a case of fitting in Blossoming we are never all going to agree on things like books and films that's what makes it interesting. I find Dickens quite tedious with his long descriptions but others find this one of his strengths.

Nothing wrong in having different views to other posters either on books or any other subject on GN.
I have loved the Wolf Hall trilogy by Hilary Mantel Blossoming and just about any book by Kate Atkinson.
My new discovery is Diane Setterfield, particularly ‘Once Upon A River’.
A favourite book is Winter In Madrid by C J Sansom, although am not keen on his historical detective books.
The Shell Seekers ( a long book) by Rosamunde Pilcher is a good read.

Reading got me through lockdown 1 and also this one. I love a long book but I struggle with the weight of some books. In bed my hand gets numb from the carpal tunnel, I have to stuck to a slim volume but otherwise if I like a book I don't care how long it is. I have read some of your recommendations and will follow them up. Never read Donna Tarry, that's one to look for. Btw my kindle cannot change its font.

I meant Donna Tarry,

My spellchecker will not allow me to type Donna T A R R T as a word. Sorry.

A few years ago, a friend complained she couldn't read a lengthy hardback she'd been given as she couldn't physically hold it for long. I saw the book as a 2nd hand paperback for £1.50, bought it, and told her to cut it in half. We did both laugh when I asked her if she was enjoying it, as after 100 pages, she decided she didn't like it. The hardback was sent to the charity shop.

I was given the complete set of 8 Outlander books by Diana Gabaldon. Just hoping the books will hold my attention the way the series has. Just starting to turn the corner from a nasty dose of covid so hopefully will be up to concentrating soon.

sayse I think you have married Georgette Heyer to Thor Heyerdahl!

I love the story of Les Misersbles. The dramatisation excellent, the abridged book excellent......but oh the unabridged book-how hard it is to read. 1400 pages of small print. I've got to page 200 or so 3 times and then given up. Think I'll try again!!!

A book that bores you is always too long. A book that you love is never too long. In fact you can regret coming to the end of it.

Spot on Chaitriona, if you’re really enjoying a book, whatever the length, it’s almost a shame to finish it.

I can’t say the same about films though (remember the cinema?) I find no matter how much I’ve enjoyed it, it always seems at least 20 minutes too long. I’ve love to be a film editor!

I love Charles Dickens and even with the lengthy descriptions I have never been bored for a moment. I have written a book, just finished it, and it is less than 75000 words long. Just can't increase it! The other one I am writing, set in the first WW, demands so much research that I can't see myself finishing it. It could be a long book... if ever...The only recent books I have read are the Fifty Shades by E L James. Could do with a complete rewrite and edit. But hey! - she sells!

I’m just starting on a 1,300 pager! I like something to get my teeth into

Long or short if I'm enjoying it, it is never long enough

Some books are long, some are short. Some are even middling length . . . If they're really good, doesn't matter if they're long, does it??