Today’s book in my Advent Calendar is The Return by Victoria Hislop. Ms Hislop is a very popular author of historical novels, or novels set in two time periods. I read her book The Island many years ago and I don’t remember much about it except that I did finish it but I wasn’t a huge fan. I now have the opportunity to try again with her writing and I will review this book when I do read it, although that may be some time in the future.
This book is set against events which happen in the 1930s in Spain under Franco’s regime and what happens in the contemporary world when a young woman travels to Spain and uncovers details of her family’s past. I haven’t read a lot about the Spanish Civil War and the advent of fascism in Spain so this could be interesting and give me some insights into this period. The author is well regarded for her research so I can’t assume that the history will be dodgy which is good as this happens sometimes with historical novels that I read.
This is a long novel but the copy I have been sent is in very good condition and I shall definitely read it.
The book came with a cardboard bookmark in the shape of a reading log where you can record books read and your personal star rating. It only has room for twenty books so it isn’t something appropriate for a whole year but I may may use it for a specific challenge next year. It’s a nice thing and there is the facility to colour in some line drawings of books on the reverse side.
Anne Is Reading 