A BURNT-OUT CASE - Graham Greene

Rarely you ever feel uplifted with joy after reading Greene, but you do marvel at the incredible writing.

 

AUTOPSY FOR AN EMPIRE - Dmitri Volkogonov

 

Simply outstanding.

Seven mini biographies written by a man who was part of the machine.  The combination of these seven , all who fairly limited intellects  (Andropov, the cleverest but his refusal to let go of Leninism made him as hopeless as the real dullards) , lead Russia down a path of suffering and hardship for seven decades.

I can't recommend it enough if you have any interest in politics or history.

HEROES- Paul Johnson

 

A remarkable collection of essays from ancient to modern times, of people the author has deemed heroes for his own reasons .

The most interesting for me was Mae West, what an amazing woman.

A HISTORY OF THE WORLD IN 10 1/2 CHAPTERS - Julian Barnes

 

Very funny, laugh out loud in places, more a connected series of short stories than a novel but great entertainment

BEFORE MIDNIGHT- Rex Stout

 

IN CHARACTER - John Mortimer

 

A compelling collection of interviews

FOOTSTEPS OF THE HAWKE- Andrew Vachss

 

Another in the "Burke" series. Quality crime.

THE BERLIN WALL - Frederick Taylor

A book full of real life Bond villain's.  Fascinating read ,  the suffering this failed ideology caused is staggering.

One of my books of the year.