Steve, I've never been a Palin programme fan. I'm sure he's an awfully nice fella and all that, but the format became just a bit too samey. However, Donna Leon and all things Venetian are always a hit. I agree with you about his domestic life being interesting, especially as we're constantly being told he married above his class. I'd like the relationship with his in-laws to be explored more, as I'm sure it's quite sophisticated and tricky. As for the food writing - I love it! It's always interesting to know what he's had for dinner, but that poor wife of his must spend hours in the kitchen. June _____ From: ebooktalk-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:ebooktalk-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Steven Bingham Sent: 24 June 2013 17:47 To: ebooktalk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx Subject: [ebooktalk] RECENTLY READ Hi I have just finished Around the World in 80 Days by Michael Palin. The first thing that horrified me about the book was that it was written in 1988. 25 years ago and it seemed like I only watched it yesterday. Having finished the book my reaction was that it was a complete waste of time. It gave a snapshot of the world as it was in 1988, it wasn't a particularly interesting travel book - it spent more time talking about making connections than it did about the places visited. What was interesting in hindsight was the impact of Britain and the british around the world. Everyone was talking about Princess Dianna and everyone remembered Margaret Thatcher. And that was about it. Paling did read it very well and managed to keep my interest. I have also just finished The Girl of His Dreams one of Donna Leon's Inspector Brunetti tales. I really enjoy these. I particularly like the way his family life is brought into the stories. A friend says they're all about food but I like that thread of domesticity. Somehow it adds to the completeness of the stories and the characters. I have just started Year of Wonders and what looks to be a rivoting history entitled 1776 - Britain and America at war. It is by David McCollough apparently one of the US's most important and accessible historians. I have become very interested in the American War of Indepenence since following the Heritage Trail around Boston, Massachusettes in 2011. Steve _____ No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 2012.0.2242 / Virus Database: 3199/5935 - Release Date: 06/23/13