41. Ian McKewan – Saturday Night
I first got to like Ian when he produced his first couple of books of short stories. They were very dark and macabre and had a mesmerising quality because the writing was so good. Since then he has produced a string of great books. I think he is one of the best writers around.
42.George Orwell – Keep the Aspidistra Flying
I’ve been rereading a lot of books I read a long time ago. Some stand up and some don’t. This book had quite an impression on me when I were a lad. I was pleased to find that it still had that magic.
43. Julian Barnes – The Sense of an Ending
I think of Julian of one of the new bunch of young writers. He isn’t. He’s really old and established. But his writing seems new and I had fun discovering his books.
44. John Fowles – The Collector
This was the first book I read of John’s. It was the story of a butterfly collector who took to kidnap and imprisonment. It’s a tale that has been repeated in real life a few times. He captured the atmosphere so well.
45. Stephen King – The Stand
I enjoy Stephen’s work. It is always really readable. He drags you along through incredible scenes with the way he makes the words flow and the power of the story. He is a master of writing the page turner. I can never put him down.