Foucault’s Pendulum is a bit like a non-shit version of Dan Brown. Conspiracy theory mixed with philosophy and pop culture. Hugely entertaining.

A pioneering literary novel, As I Lay Dying is told from the point of view of 15 different protagonists. It tells the story of a dysfunctional family trying to bury their mother. Not the most uplifting reading ever. But beautifully constructed and very moving.

A book about middle class expat alcoholics of the Lost Generation. And the (revolting) practice of bullfighting. I have had this novel in my in-pile for ages and reading If Hemingway Wrote Javascript last month spurred me on to read it. Hemingway’s style is sparse and defined as much by what he leaves out — emotions, fancy long words — as what he includes.