My basic rule of thumb here is that all these books would be themed for beaut.ie by having something to do with the general world of beauty or cosmetics in their title. Oh also, and I have to have read them! So here are my beaut.ie themed book choices, and all are available from Play, and postage free - suggest yours in a comment.
Perfume by Patrick Suskind
Set in France, this fab book expertly brings to life the olfactory realities of Paris in the 18th century, complete with evocative descriptions of all its many stenches, plus serial killing and the intricacies of the perfume trade. Not things that you'd generally imagine would make a good story when combined, but it's a must read.
The Line of Beauty by Alan Hollinghurst
The title refers to a Henry James quote (with whom the gay character in this book is obsessed), and it also refers to the many lines of cocaine he snorts as he rubs shoulders with the movers and shakers of Thatcher's cabinet. Set in London in the 80's, it tries to evoke the yuppie glamor and excess of the period, but in reality it's a bit of a chore to wade through, although the friend I borrowed it off loved it.
Black Beauty by Anna Sewell
Who's takin' the horse to France? This is a must-read childhood classic.
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On Beauty by Zadie Smith
Zadie Smith's pretty disappointing 3rd novel. Starts off wonderfully well, lags a bit in the middle, looses the plot completely towards the end. Read the equally appropriately titled White Teeth instead, where Smith handles the subject matter with far greater assurance and the result is a warm, funny and believable book.
That They May Face the Rising Sun by John McGahern
Ok, I'm stretching it now. I think this is one of my favourite John McGahern books, it's a lovely gentle read. As he's aged the anger evident in his older books seems to have quelled. It's basically a narrative of a quiet life set in rural Ireland and the prose is just gorgeous.
Cal by Bernard McLaverty
Yeah, I've stretched it beyond all recognition now. Though if we add an -orie onto the end of the title it becomes completely suitable! This is one of the stars of the 'troubles literature' and while it can be a bit harrowing, it's an unputdownable love story.
