“The Hidden Life of Trees” by Peter Wohlleben

It took me several years to finish this book, and I couldn’t quite figure out why it was apparently such a popular international bestseller. On the other hand, it did give me great respect for trees as living/feeling beings. As usual, I don’t remember most of the facts, but I do remember the feeling.

“The Alhambra” by Washington Irving

I read this book by Washington Irving after hearing it mentioned during my tour of the Alhambra and I quite liked it.  I took a photo of the plaque saying he had been there.

I found Irving to be quite modern in his sensibilities and writing, and I very much enjoyed his descriptions of life in the Alhambra. He enhanced my understanding of the culture by including tales of older times, when Muslims were still a presence in Spain. These tales included buried gold, wicked wizards, greedy wives, wicked politicians etc etc.

Irving made the Alhambra come alive in all its historical glory, and so it is not at all surprising that this book was a key factor in bringing about the restoration of that important structure. Just imagine. When Irving lived there, he could just casually stroll about the place, enjoying its fountains, relaxing in the gardens, taking in the views from various towers, and mingling with its various inhabitants, some of whom had been there for generations. Now the place is absolutely teeming with tourists.

“The Impossible Fortune” by Richard Osman

 I’m probably growing tired of the Thursday Murder Club books. Or perhaps, this title was a weak one in the series. Instead of focussing on the relationship strengths of the earlier books, it introduced new characters, including Joanna’s husband, and Tia, a young juvenile delinquent but with brains and a heart of gold, and Suzy and Kendrick who were Ron’s daughter and grandson etc etc. I enjoyed the earlier books partially because of the ever widening circle of interesting characters, but this particular book has gone too far, introducing new characters at the expense of the old.