The Stars' Tennis Balls

The Stars' Tennis Balls, Stephen Fry

Dementedly good, but demented.

Le Retrait

Le Retrait, Frédéric Moitel

When it starts, it feels anchored in something, as if the words were a continuation of what you were living, even though you've never heard those words before. There's that precision to it all the way through, which is guiding although it takes you through alien thoughts, alien houses and alien sex.

That precision gives the book a stunning beauty, in its form and in its narrative. It is depressing, yes, often maddening, but it is something you can look at for a long time.

The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets' Nest

The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets' Nest, Stieg Larsson, tr. Reg Keeland

Very good.

The Girl Who Played with Fire

The Girl Who Played with Fire, Stieg Larsson, tr. Reg Keeland

Very good.

The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo

The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, Stieg Larsson, tr. Reg Keeland

Very good.