Confabulations, John Berger

I was expecting this to be a academic or heavy going, in actual fact it is a complete delight. A collection of thoughts and musings where Berger chats his way through experiences and ideas. Universal themes and somehow mystical, makes you think of the connectedness of things and people/s.

Ethan Frome, Edith Wharton

Desperate and lonely novel set in a bleak New England winter. Ethan Frome is trapped on his failing land with a spiteful and bitter wife and Mattie, the wife's cousin, whom Frome adores.

The Glass-Blowers, Daphne Du Maurier

Sophie Duval, nee Busson, takes us through the recent history of her family, against the backdrop of the French Revolution. It's a cinematic close family drama, based on Du Maurier's own french heritage.
The continuity of family characters is well drawn, with traits popping up through generations. Sophie herself is a reliable, moderate narrator who, the reader can see, turns out to be so similar to the mother she loved and admired.
It feels modern in its description of the radical politics of the time, how people were swayed by hearsay and rumour, how fear and discontent drives radical ideas and how quickly the 'right/good' side changes.
It can feel a little contrived at times and the 'mystery' partly expected from Du Maurier is revealed at the beginning, with the novel going back to fill in the gaps. Clearly a personal novel for Du Maurier, though for sure not one of her best it's an enjoyable read.

Peter Mayle, A Year in Provence

I flew through this, it's incredibly readable,I've always loved reading about people who have moved abroad. There is no particular narrative, it is what is says on the tin; Mayle describes a year in Provence, shortly after he and his wife bought a house near the Luberon. Mayle tells us of the locals, the perils and delights of the locals, the weather and most importantly the food, wine and olive oil. There also seem to be a lot of similarities with Catalunya, which made it relatable.

Tenth of December, George Saunders

Completely beautifully written short stories, full, surprising and often futuristic or surreal. Enjoyably pointing out failings and cruelties in personalities and societies. Very American.

Daisy Jones & The Six, Taylor Jenkins Reid

Very satisfying and bewitching book, telling the story of a fictional band's rise and hit album. It is written like a transcript of a documentary film and is very cinematic. It has all the obvious story lines of a rock and roll band, but it does manage to cut under the usual tropes and tell a few heartfelt love stories. 

Caesar's Last Breath, Sam Kean

Kean gets across his passion for the science of gasses and their story of discovery throughout history. Super interesting, great balance between human, relatable anecdotes, facts and numbers (which make very little sense to me). It's one that cries out to be re-read so I can remember more of it.