Books you have enjoyed by authors that gave failed to garner the recognition that some higher profile authors receive.

I have really enjoyed all of A A Dhand's books about Bradford police detective Harry Virdee, a progressive British Sikh who struggles with his cultural identity and family loyalties. The author draws on his own experience of being brought up in a corner shop in Bradford and marrying someone of a different faith. The books are real page turners, and he doesn't shy away from controversial issues such as the abuse of young girls by grooming gangs.

I've heard that one of his books is lined up for a TV series though, so perhaps he will soon be gaining the recognition I think he deserves.

‘First Light’ by Geoffrey Wellum, a Spitfire pilot in the Battle of Britain and beyond, captures the absolute essence of flying in combat, as any fighter pilot who has read it will agree. Similarly, ‘With The Jocks’ by Peter White, a platoon commander in the Kings Own Scottish Borderers during the intense fighting through Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany in 1944/5, does the same for the infantryman. Both based on the diaries they kept at the time, and originally written for their families rather than for publication - they deserve to be widely read.

Agree with grandMatties choices and would add Dorothy Whipple and Rose Macauley.

TerriBull

A few pages into Anthony Doerr's new 662 page novel Cloud Cuckoo Land and thought you'd like this page grab.