Tour of the 20th century with the immensely appealing and modest hero, WWII RAF pilot Teddy Todd. The effects of war on his parents, siblings, and his own children and grandchildren. Worthy "companion volume" to Life After Life, with a poignant punchline hinting at a completely different tale.

"...no family could afford to assuage its own hunger and insult the dead. Jesus! Everybody knew that being dead could put you in a terrible mood!"

Loving this book already

Quick read for a Mitchell book. It helps to have read The Bone Clocks already. Love the way a few of the same characters pop up in all his disparate books.

Essential introduction to the incomparable Mahabharata. Well-chosen episodes from the epic along with commentary from the author on Indian mythology and philosophy. The author's illustrations are wonderful contemporary visions of ancient takes.

Another charmer from Shah chronicling his journeys through Morocco's physical and cultural landscapes. In this one, he's looking for his heart's own story. (Interesting to know he's the son of Idries Shah, who charmed me years ago with the tales of Nasruddin the Mullah.)

Took me by surprise. Picked it up in a Tangier bookstore, desperate for something to read and thinking it would be a bodice-ripper but oh well, needed any book! Very well done his-fic. The reign of the infamous Moulay, seen from a eunuch's eyes. Action from Meknès to 17th century London.

Fabulous. Stories within bawdy stories. Clever women and (sometimes) clueless men. Shimmering web of tales. The book ended too soon, my only complaint.

Unusual read about Moroccan immigrants trying to cross illegally into Spain and their fates. Particularly interesting to me as i was in Morocco at the time. Wonderful and warm people and beautiful country, but with economic challenges that are well portrayed.

Utterly charming tale of an Afghani-Brit's purchase and renovation of the ruined former residence of a caliph who ruled in Casablanca. Dealing with djinns, an unscrupulous architect, recalcitrant workers, Shah gradually learns to live with the rhythm and realities of Moroccan life.

A tough listen, but worth it. Fascinating and heartbreaking to imagine saying to my white son what Coates says to his black one. For seeing the world from another point of view, highly recommended.