I Am I Am I Am (4.5/5)
The Marriage Portrait (5/5)
Hamnet (5/5) -- read in 2022
This Must Be the Place (2/5)
The Hand That First Held Mind (3.5/5)
The Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox (5/5) - read in 2022
The Distance Between Us (4/5)
My Lover's Lover (4/5)
After You'd Gone (4/5)
In late 2024, I decided to spend 2025 reading all of Maggie O'Farrell's books. I had already read The Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox, and Hamnet, and I wasn't inclined to re-read those despite my love for both novels. I began with O'Farrell's debut and worked my way through the stacks, finishing with The Marriage Portrait, which I also loved. There were a few duds in the mix, but overall, I can say that I'm a fan. I do believe her historical novels are more enjoyable than the contemporary works, but I'll continue to read whatever she publishes. Her memoir is exceptional, as well.
Have you read an author's entire collection? In addition to this personal reading challenge, I spent all of 2025 reading Elizabeth Strout's books. I'll share those details in my next post.
This listing with ratings shows that even within one author, there is such variety and appeal to individual readers!
ReplyDeleteHelen, and it's not like her earliest books weren't as good as her later ones! I enjoyed her first four, but the next three were just "ok," if that.
DeleteYes, I've read several authors' entire collection, but as you know, those would tend to be mystery writers for me. Glad you got to do this. Are you going to try another author this year?
ReplyDeleteKay, I've read Susan Hill and Deborah Crombie's entire mystery series, and I'd love to try another mystery author. I should get back to Elly Griffiths... I have a few of Sharon Bolton and Rhys Bowen's books (from my mom). Time to do some "taste testing" and see how I like those author's works.
DeleteThis was certainly a good choice of an author for a year for you! I've read and enjoyed three of her books.
ReplyDeleteIt was a fun challenge, Deb. There were a few duds, but I stuck with them since I was determined to be an O'Farrell "completist." :)
DeleteThat Esme Lennox book was a heart breaker. You did great for 2025 with your author pick and you read all of Strout as well. Which author do you think you think you'll focus on this year?
ReplyDeleteIt's cool you have read all her books, kudos. I have only read Hamnet ... but I liked it quite a bit. I'll likely read her new novel this summer ... it's a historical one.
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