Dissolution

This month we read Dissolution bu C.J. Sansom.  It is the first of a mystery series with Matthew Shardlake as the prime detective.  The series is set during the reign of King Henry the VIII.  Anne Boleyn has been beheaded and Jane Seymour has just died.  Cromwell is reaching the height of his corruption, dissolving the monastic structure in England.  Profits are used to fill his coffers.   Matthew Shardlake has been sent to a monastery to solve the mystery of one of Cromwell's men who has been beheaded.  As Tim said, "It is a novel with time and place."  Having just read Wolf Hall, the book club members have perhaps had a bit too much of Cromwell, but nonetheless, it was a light read-perfect for the holidays!

Next month, I took my 100th book prerogative to  read Every Man Dies Alone by Hans Fallada. The novel was written in 24 days and published in 1947.  Translation into English was completed in 2009.  My good friend, Tom promises that the book is good and will bring good discussion.  A bit put off by the 544 pages, we are forging forward for the next meeting January  18th at Fred's house with Cindy's as backup.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/01/books/review/Schillinger-t.html?pagewanted=all