The Mortgaged Heart (Carson McCullers)

Carson McCullers
The Mortgaged Heart

Extremely enjoyable and interesting collection of short stories including some very early ones, essays and musings on writing, and poems. With some introduction and commentary by Carson's sister. The stories show the path to her novels and are a great read on their own. Try as I might I just cannot get to grips with poetry and that's the only bits I skipped. Interesting insights into Carson's life too.

The Man in the Red Coat (Julian Barnes)

Julian Barnes
The Man in the Red Coat

A book I wouldn't have chosen but we happened to have it. A tale centred on a 19th century doctor and socialite, Pozzi, who is "the man" taking in his life and others in his circle who were the artistic and aristocratic elite of the day. Some interesting anecdotes but I did wonder why I was reading it as not interested in the characters or their lives. I guess it was because it is very readable. Having said that doesn't make me want to read anything else by Barnes.