Recent reading

[luzula]

Lent by Jo Walton (2019)
I enjoyed this a lot, and stayed up past my bedtime to finish it! It is historical fantasy with worldbuilding based on Christianity, set in Renaissance Italy. I would have enjoyed it just as historical fiction, but when the fantasy elements kicked in, I was delighted. I had no idea where it was going, so the twist took me by surprise. I guess I shouldn't say anymore in case I spoil anyone else’s reading experience, but talk to me in comments if you want. I was a little bit frustrated at the ending, not that it hadn't been set up well, but that I just wanted to see more of how it played out. But I guess I can see why she did it that way.

What If? by Randall Munroe (2014)
Fun science entertainment, like a cross between xkcd and reading a popular science book.

Comments

[chestnut_pod]

I'm very excited for Lent, as well. Walton is either a home-run hit or a complete miss for me, and I would love it if this one could be another hit.

[luzula]

Oh, which ones have been misses for you?

[chestnut_pod]

I really disliked the Thessaly books, though admittedly I did read all of them. Did not like the allegory utopia, the distant tone, the patchy and often samey characterization, or the sudden switch of genre at the end of book two.

[luzula]

I have appreciated, more or less, all her books! I like how different they often are, and I guess I just find her writing very readable. Which doesn't mean I always agree with everything, of course.