Hilary Mantel's Wolf Hall... now I just need a beach holiday to read it

By Vicki Kellaway on Sep 22, 09 04:15 PM in New Releases

It's always nice to receive a present - particularly one you're not expecting.

But when the boyfriend bought me a copy of Hilary Mantel's Wolf Hall recently I have to say I gave a small, inward groan.

Yes, I've heard it's fabulous. Yes, I am extremely fond of the Tudor dynasty - what with my A-Level in history and my box set of the HBO series.

But... have you seen the size of it?

When on earth am I going to have time to give it the attention it deserves?

I know I've been rambling on about my holiday to India in November (must get that visa sorted) but it's far too big for me to carry around in my rucksac, even if it is a shame to waste such a long plane journey.

No, this one needs a beach holiday. Hmmmm.

Instead, I started the Book of Lost Things by John Connolly. It's another one of those strangely absorbing fantasy tales - think Lion, Witch, Wardrobe.

I was becoming quite sucked into the book at the point where the young pyjama-clad boy disappeared through a tear in the fabric of his reality and wandered straight into the path of nasty half-man wolf beast WHEN...

I realised I had better get cracking on this month's Book Club book (meeting on Thursday) if I was to avoid being shunned and banned from indulging in the ritualistic consumption of cheese, wine, chocolate and more cheese.

So, I cast The Book of Lost Things aside to start Tuesdays With Morrie (another Mitch Albom effort) and so far, it's really very good.

Should be able to return to wolf beasts and other mythical creatures in the next few days. As for Wolf Hall... who knows, the next surprise gift I receive might just be that week in the sun...

In the meantime, I'll be living in hope and you'll no doubt be enjoying Booker fever. This article in the Telegraph is well worth a read.