I loved Mary Stewart books. Her best were those she wrote about the Arthurian legend and Merlin in particular, The Crystal Cave, The Hollow Hills, The Last Enchantment, and The Wicked Day.
I recently read “The Crystal Cave” and then afterwards I listened to “The Hollow Hills” on Audible. I VERY much enjoyed it! The narrator was so good, I didn’t want it to end! I’ve read all of Mary Stewart’s books (thanks to my mom for having them) except the Arthurian ones, which I’m reading now. “The Last Enchantment” is next.
I love Mary Stewart, but I prefer her non-Arthurian ones. My favorites are the ones set in or near Greece. This Rough Magic, The Moon spinners, and My Brother Michael are all favorites.
As a former English professor, I'm always excited to hear about great reads.by authors new to me. I must recommend that you read the short 2002 novel (around 200 pages) Beasts by Joyce Carol Oates. Talk about unputdownable! Takes place at a women's college in 1975. Our young heroine takes a creative writing course with a hip professor who critiques his students' work in class workshop format. As the semester continues on, she discovers he might not be what he seems. Then she meets his wife, who also works at the college. . . Hypnotic, dreamlike, and surreal (with an ending I never saw coming!), I'd love to get your take on this novel. Glad I found your channel! New sub 👍
Thank you for these great suggestions of mostly new-to-me authors and books! My additions are Water for Elephants but Canadian-American author Sara Gruen. I read the book first and loved it so much, I have never been able to watch the movie. Also, The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson is a skillfully written historical non-fiction book that interweaves the story of the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair with the story of a serial killer active in Chicago during the same time period.
So fascinating that you start with Mary Stewart and that so many comments respond to this author. I was fortunate enough to read only one of her books in my 20’s and I remember it today at 70 as a deliciously suspenseful read and a book long lost to me now that I have always wanted to read again because I would like to duplicate that experience. What a treat to come upon your video. OMG I had to come back and add this as an edit because i made my first comments on the heals of your announcing the first book on your list as a Mary Stewart book and when i finished and went back to the video you mentioned her book “Madame Will You Talk” as a favourite and that is the one book I read all those years ago. - I’m now officially on the hunt!!
You have chosen some of my favourite authors. They stand the test of time. I remember Susan Howatch’s “Casselmara”, the first book of hers I ever read. Just wonderful. I think I have read every one of her books.
My older sister liked Mary Stewart so I read them. Very evocative. She was so good at painting pictures with words. I was always impressed with her writing style.
I still have a copy of “The Walking Stick”. Winston Graham is amazing. He also wrote the Poldark novels which I spent one summer reading one after the other in the series.
That copy of Mary Stewart took me way way back..my mother had a lot of her books and I devoured them all as soon as I was old enough. They were also extremely atmospheric, you could feel the heat and dust of the locations.
This was very enjoyable. I like to be reminded that, in addition to books currently being published, many good books have been written in decades past. Thank you so much.
I remember buying and reading Wideacre when it was first published. I too was in my 20s. It was unlike any book I had ever read before. It was riveting at the time.
I remember reading that book a long time ago and really devouring it. Haven't picked it up since. It's been ages. Funny enough. There's another book with the same title I read much later that I enjoyed, The Other Side of Midnight by Simone St. James, published in 2015. Not at all similar but just as enjoyable.
I'm 72 now and in my twenties I could not put down any book by Jean Plaidy. She wrote book versions of what today we would call "docu-dramas". Her books were extremely well researched historically, and they brought history to life. I don't think her books have ever been out of print. I read everything she ever wrote and I think I might revisit them. The other author I could not put down in my youth was Dennis Wheatley. I have tried to re-read those and some have not worn well.
I loved her books too! From Wikipedia: Eleanor Alice Hibbert (née Burford; 1 September 1906 - 18 January 1993) was an English writer of historical romances. She was a prolific writer who published several books a year in different literary genres, each genre under a different pen name: Jean Plaidy for fictionalized history of European royalty and the three volumes of her history of the Spanish Inquisition, Victoria Holt for gothic romances, and Philippa Carr for a multi-generational family saga. She also wrote light romances, crime novels, murder mysteries and thrillers under pseudonyms Eleanor Burford, Elbur Ford, Kathleen Kellow, Anna Percival, and Ellalice Tate.
I ADORE MARY STEWART! I was also in my 20s when I discovered her and collected and read ALL of hers, sharing with my elderly aunt. I read "Thornyhold" quite often, and I thought the Merlin books were genius! When I hear of a good book, especially perhaps a slightly dated one, it's like God's in His Heaven, all's right with the world.
I love Mary Stewart books and Susan Howatch books as well. I own about 50 of those books if you put them together. I am in the process of rereading them again. For me these books don't get old. Glad you are talking about these old authors.
I’ve read almost all Of Philippe Gregory’s books except the wildacre trilogy. I had them on my shelf and decided to pick wildacre up and read it after seeing you talk about it. It has a lot of bad reviews on Goodreads so I’m hoping it’s not as bad as some reviews.
Well, that episode just bumped up my World of Books wish list hehehe😅 I have read a lot of Susan Howach, all the church ones, her shorter early novels and Cashelmara and Penmarric ( even lived in a house called Penmarric once as well!). You I might like to try A Ship made of Paper by Scott Spencer and Real Life by Brandon Taylor - both American and very compelling.
Hi, I loved Mary Stewart books and also Winston Graham! These are some great ones! Have you read any Victoria Holt books? Those were really popular back in the day too. 😊
Thanks for your recommendations! Books I couldn't put down were Donna Tartt's "The Secret History" and Patricia Highsmith's "The Talented Mr Ripley". Also, Vera Brittain's "Testament of Youth".
When you mentioned Mary Stewart, I thought that she wrote My Brother Michael, which I read a few years ago and loved, and, of course she has. I highly recommend it, and it also takes place in Greece.
Funny, when you were talking about an author whose books you couldn't put down in the 60's, the first person I thought of was Mary Stewart. I have always loved her books especially the Ivy Tree and the Moon Spinners. Loved this video, well done!
I hate that word. I know it's acceptable these days. . . I just don't know HOW. But then, I also hate the word "relatable." "Relatable" SHOULD mean something that one can RELATE, like a joke whose punchline one doesn't forget. That's not the same as relating TO something.
I find your channel/videos so refreshing - it's nice to hear perspective on some really good older books out there. I too read Wideacre, and think I enjoyed the 2nd and 3rd in that series better than the 1st; ( read this so long ago now ) but it was what started me on reading everything of Philippa Gregory's that I can!! I was so excited to hear you speak of Susan Howatch - Cashelmara and Penmarric are my ultimate favorites of hers ( I still have a few on my shelves to read, Glittering Images being one ) I've read The Dark Shore, Call in the Night and The Shrouded Walls. I have a collection of Mary Stewart's books - that I really need to start. Have you read the Morland Dynasty by Cynthia Harrod-Eagles? I am always recommending that series - as well Into the Wilderness ( series ) by Sarah Donati. thanks for the Tilly appearance!!
Thank you. I did read the sequel to Wideacre - the Favoured Child - but I didn't find it quite as intriguing as the first one, and I never got round to the third in the series. I've read Howatch's Penmarric too, which is really good. I am sure I have read Cynthia Harrod-Eagles, but I'm not sure which one. I must have another look for her books.🙂
I haven't read Mary Stewart for many years. I always enjoyed what I read, I was just able ti get Wildacre for free on Audible. Looking forward to reading it. A couple books that I was unable to put down were the Nightingale by Kristin Hannah and Pillars of The Earth by Ken Follett. Two of my all time favorites. Hello to Tillie.
I really enjoyed Susan Howarch 20-some years ago. Recently, I checked library to see if still had, alas. I read the three you have. A Question of Integrity, I'd not heard of. I must check thrift shops
Thank you for this! I love your book recommendation videos. I had a real passion for Mary Stewart in my teens but haven't read her for ages. I wonder what I'd think of her books now.
Oh yes, Mary Stewart wrote some very captivating books! One of hers that I've read a few times is the highly intriguing 'Thornyhold'. I have a nice vintage hardback of 'Madam Will You Talk?' , that I've yet to read, but think I might do that this summer. I find Patricia Wentworth stories to be un-put-downable, and also books by John Buchan and Sax Rohmer, which are rather exciting!
What a trip down memory lane. I read several Mary Stewart books in the 60s, but I still listen to the 3 volume Arthurian Saga on Audible. I read the Poldark chronicles when I lived in England in the 80's, but wasn't aware of hi other writing. I have read lots of Patricia Highsmith, but don't remember Those Who Walk Away. Susan Howatch is a familiar name, but I never read her. I hav read tons of Philippa Gregory, but just checked and I have 3 volumes of Wideacre in my library that somehow I never listened to! THANKS.
Think I've read most of these authors. I know what you mean about outgrowing autbors. I definitely remember reading quite a lot of Mary Stewart including This Rough Magic, My Brother Michael and Airs Above the Ground. Also loved the Poldark novels and Patricia Highsmith. Haven't read any Phillipa Gregory. As far as incest goes I did have an unhealthy obsession with the Flowers In The Attic books which I outgrew after about number three. What a great video!
I recently read Vera Brittain's "Testament of Youth". This is a wonderful book about an English nurse set in WWI. Both my wife and I devoured it. I highly recommend it.
just found your channel- I keep hearing Mary Stewart recommended on other channels off and on so looked and my library has the one you showed so I put it on hold! I've found that books I devoured in my 20s and 30s didn't hold the test of time - the 'romance' books - I swear re-reading some of my faves I could only think 'this is r*pe' - temperamental men... makes me wonder what in the world?! others thankfully have held up LOL!
I truly enjoyed your talk. The first book I couldn’t put down was “Where are the Children” by Mary Higgins Clark. Started it before bed finished it at sun rise.
Read those in my 20s, both so long ago and yet...not so much. Some others that you all might enjoy: the Ngaio Marsh mysteries, particular favorite of mine was Clutch of Constables; the Night Falls on the City trilogy; I too like Pamuk, particularly Red which is set in early Ottoman times and the effect of differing religions on painters but charming and engaging; anything by Alan Furst.
You brought back memories of an author that I read in my twenties…introduced by my mom who was an avid reader. Have you read any by Victoria Holt? I loved her mysteries… Bride of Pendorric being one that stands out. I wonder if I would still like it as much now. I have to say the last book I could not put down was Fairy Tale by Stephen King.Never read any of his scary books before but this one drew me in and I loved it….it is just an amazing adventure, fantasy with tidbits of wisdom and it made me feel so many emotions. May be the only book I read by him but so glad I did. Tfs! ❤
Thanks - yes, I've read Victoria Holt, writing as Jean Plaidy - I think it was one of the first historical novels I ever read, and I did enjoy it! The Stephen King book sounds right up my street - I'll look out for that.
Mary Stewart is an all- time favourite, also Victoria Holt, Catherine Gaskin, and Colleen McCullough. Follett's Kingsbridge series is great, I've recently bought the fifth book. Morris West, Desmond Bagley, Hammond Innes, Geoffrey Jenkins - and of course the incomparable Georgette Heyer! Sara Paretsky, Jeffrey Deaver, Louise Penny, Mary Higgins Clark - I am so grateful to them and so many others for hours of pleasure!
I have read a few of these but I’m going back to them. Douglas Kennedy is a favourite but as you say he puts his characters through the mill. Thank you for the list
I'm loving all of your videos and your wonderful reviews!! Mary Stewart was a favorite back in the 60s and 70s. I need to try Graham and Howatch. I tried one of the Tudor series by Gregory, but DNFd it because I was becoming attached to Catherine and I knew she would be killed. Thank you for great recommendations!!
I read Mary Stewart's books about King Arthur (like The Crystal Cave) when I was in high school and loved them. A lot later, i read This Rough Magic - I think, this time, what I liked best were the quotes at the beginning of each chapter. I had read 3 or 4 Shakespeare plays in class that semester (yeah, I'm old enough that we had semesters) and the quotes plus the story were enchanting.
I loved the Crystal Cave series too. Yes, I love the way she puts quotes at the beginning of each chapter - I think she does that in her other books too.
I just found your channel and love this video! I had never heard of Douglas Kennedy but will certainly be on the hunt for his books now. I recently read The Moon Spinners by Mary Stewart. I remember going to see the movie as a child. I read a lot of Susan Howatch years ago but not the series you mentioned. I look forward to more videos.
My mother loved Mary Stewart; I may have read a few of them in my 20s. I also read and really enjoyed Susan Howitch’s books. I was very sad to hear of C.J. Sansom’s passing in your video. I’ve read 3 of his Shardlake series (I do own all 7). Thank you for a wonderful video!
Hello! Thank you very much for your books suggestions. I love to hear you from Spain. Maybe would be a great idea to think about a book club. I'm sure you will be a nice coordinator. 😊😃
Thank you for reminding me about Mary Stewart. I went straight to my bookshelf to find the unread books of hers. I loved Thorneyhold which lead me to pick up others I came across in Thrift shops. I'm well into the Moon-Spinners with four more awaiting, including This Rough Magic. 🙂
Douglas Kennedy is an author I’ve never heard of. A Special Relationship is on Kindle today for 99cents. Had to get it! I really enjoy suspense, and am looking forward to reading it.
I read the first seven books of the Poldark series way back in the 1970s when I was a teen and the series was adapted and being aired on PBS in the United States. Absolutely devoured those books. I'll look up his other work, although I'm more of a romance reader.
Thank you Rosamunde! Recently my mother-in-law reminded me about Mary Stewart- I was delighted to see you start with her - her control of suspense is amazing. I have read another title by Patricia Highsmith and, while I usually bookmark and return several times to a book, with her writing, I could not! She seems to build and build tension, uncertainties around characters and then a pursuit of some sort ends in breathtaking discovery. Thanks for your recommendation of Highsmith. I will be on the look out for Winston Graham's book, "The Walking Stick" too. I haven't yet read any of his books and I'm intrigued.📚💐
Thank you so much! I get so excited to get recommendations on books and authors. It’s always worth a try. I love murder mysteries, thrillers, and suspense, and especially ones set in London. I’m off to find these books…thanks again!
Susan Howatch is in a class of her own. So few people seem to speak about her. I would take her books on my desert island. She deserves more recognition.
I'm so glad I found you. These are books that I read way back when. If you love Susan Howatch, The Wheel of Fortune is a must read. I have gotten into a rut and only read paranormal romance or fantasy; you know, vampires and monsters and romance. I've been wanting to get back in the mainstream so I enoy seeing what you have read. I also love Rosamund Pilcher, especially The Shell Seekers and Victoria Holt. Victoria Holt is an all time favorite and I wonder if you have read her? I'm looking for your suggestion now that I haven't read.
Thank you! I don't think I've read The Wheel of Fortune, so I'll certainly look out for that. I love Rosamund Pilcher too - and I've only read Victoria Holt writing as Jean Plaidy.
I have been enjoying your videos for quite some time now, so, I have signed up to your newsletter and received a free PDF of your book called 'Out Of Time' which I'm looking forward to reading some this evening. Thank you.
As someone currently struggling with menopause concentration there are books I've read and enjoyed the last year that have taken me months to plough through the exceptions are psychological thrillers and one writer in particular Peter Swanson as he does great short and punchy chapters. I read his first book A kind worth killing years ago and it's based initially on the premise of Strangers on a train (i love PH ) his more recent ones I managed to read within a few days which is rare for me now. And despite not being a fan of romance last summer a book I needed to finish quickly was Curtis Sittenfelds Eligible a modern update of Pride and Prejudice great fun
@@Greencava11 I get that! Thank goodness for the editing app which cuts out all the 'ums' and 'ahs' and long silences as I struggle to find the right word!
Thank you so much for your video. I agree with your list of unputdownlables. I read most of Mary Stuewart, Philippa Gregory and Patricia Highsmith books and love them. I also read and enjoyed very much “A Special relationship” by Douglas Kennedy . I didn’t know about Winston Graham thriller, so I am now going to add this to my TBR. My favourite genre is psychological thrillers, Ruth Rendell is one of my favourite authors. Any suggestions?
I haven't read any of these books and I have actually never heard about them. Thank you very much for the recommendations! I really need an unputdownable book right now.
Brilliant list. Some very familiar names there. The book I could not put down in the 1970s, and in fact read in the office hidden under a file, was Rosemary's Baby. Just had to find out what happened!
I cannot tell you how happy it made me to hear someone talk about Mary Stewart. I have long loved her books dearly. I recently re-read a couple of her books and I plan to read more. Just now, I am reading the Amelia Peabody mysteries by Elizabeth Peters, and I don’t want to ever put them down. The Crocodile on the Sandbank (first in the series) is in my mental list of “favorite books.” I have never been an audio book person, but, due to some issues with migraines lately, I’ve had to change my stance on this. The “Amelia” books are narrated by Barbara Rosenblat. She brings the book to dazzling life, even greater than my imagination. That says a great deal. Glad to have found your channel. 😊
I love Mary Stewart! Especially here Merlin books, they are my go to reads when I need a visit with an old friend ❤ her book The Moon Spinners was made into a Disney movie. Great recommendations thank you!
I haven‘t read any of your recommended books yet but I‘m tempted to. I have read Mary Stewart‘s books Madam Will You Talk and Nine Coaches Waiting though. I‘m also very interested in books by Douglas Kennedy. My current unputdownable read is The Whalebone Theatre by Joanna Quinn. Oh and I just remembered that I have read books by Patricia Highsmith - many years ago… 📚😊
Thank you for another wonderful list of books and a special appearance from Tilly. I've only got a couple more books to read in Philippa Gregory's Plantagenet and Tudor series so last week I picked up Wideacre but was put off by the reviews about incest. I ended up buying The Wise Woman instead. However, after your wonderful video I think I might give Wideacre a go. ☺
Hi Rosamunde! Thanks for more great books to put on my TBR list. Ive heard of all the writers but the American Douglas Kennedy! 🤷♀️ Susan Howatch is not too familiar to me; my parents may have read some of hers in the 70s. 😊
What does Tilly like to read? She is so cute. My brother and I devoured the Susan Howatch books in the 1980's ...all the while living in my grandfathers vicarage!!
Great video. Loved hearing about new authors (especially ones I missed along the way) put Douglas Kennedy on my list for a soon read. I too love Highsmith though I'd not heard of the one you mentioned. My can't put down author is Michael Connelly. Thanks again
