Statistics-2016

Statistics for 2016

   
   Since I retired I have read between 60 and 75 books a year.  In 2016, I read 63 books, ending the year with "The Scarlet Pimpernel".
  I quite enjoyed this book about the French Revolution, when the starving French peasants overthrew the monarchy.
  The Scarlet Pimpernel, an Englishman, enlisted 19 other men to aid him in rescuing innocent Frenchmen from the guillotine. 
   Even his wife did not know his identity, and unknowingly put his life at risk.  But that Scarlet Pimpernel was crafty!  His exploits were fun to read.

   The writing is marvellous, although overly sentimental at times. Great description of the times- clothing, landscape, lifestyles.  Very interesting!
   The author was Emma Orczy (1865-1947).  She lived in Hungary, then Brussels, then Paris and finally London.