Beatrice and Virgil by Yann Martel

Because of "Pi," I bought this book in hardcover the day it came out. When the panning began, I moved it to the bottom of the stack. Until last month, when I decided to skim it or sell it. Then I read it in one sitting.

I found a brilliant, daring, cunningly imagined, and beautifully written novel. Not always easy, not always pretty, had to skip some searing descriptions near the end, but an absolute tour de force, with echoes of "Waiting for Godot."  Will read it again with my book group next month.

Our Kind of Traitor by John le Carré

No Smiley, no Karla, not the old gang, but boy, this guy can still write a damn good book. Seamless transitions between places, times, characters, and he never lets you get lost. My life was hectic at the holidays, but once I started turning the pages, it was hard to stop. Terrific & edgy.

The spy-masters seemed quite different from the Cold Warriors of old and the bureaucracy much worse. Terrorism? Budget cuts? Whatever, go for the ride. Still wondering about the climax and the title -- two great ambiguities. Enjoy!

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