I don’t read as much as I would like, but most recently I loved reading Memoirs of a Geisha, Shantaram and A Thousand Splendid Suns.
Can someone recommend a book that will captivate me like those did?
I quite enjoyed Life of Pi. Ishmael is worth a look as well, imho.
Oh, and I’ve heard good things about Wild Swans, but it’s not really my cup of tea.
I strongly recommend The Quincunx by Charles Palliser. Helluva book.
Pillars of the Earth?
Second Pillars of the Earth.
If you don’t mind your plot rambling and occasionally seeming to be non-existent then I heavily recommend Quicksilver by Neal Stephenson, one of my all time fave books.
I you like asian style setting you might want to try Shogun (bit long though) or Across the Nightingale floor by Lian Hearn.
I just finished Three Cups of Tea and it was excellent. It adds a great perspective to the war on terror, IMO. Although it really is not overtly political. And I mention is because I just finished it and because the author of “Splendid Suns” is from the Middle East.
The English Passengers, by Matthew Kneale.
Thanks for your suggestions - they look good.
I’d already read Life of Pi, and really enjoyed it, but will be trying the others.