Gore Vidal, Burr, Norman Stone, Hungary: A Short History, Kate Fox, Watching the English, Vladimir Nabokov, Pale Fire, John Lanchester, The Wall

I didn't appreciate that 'Burr' was a novel rather than a biography, and the first in a grand series of novels by Gore Vidal charting American History. It's been on my shelves for years, and I wish I'd read it before seeing Hamilton to give a bit more context to another fascinating character. Norman Stone's history of Hungary only surprised me when Stone indulged himself by inserting his own political opinions into the text - How Thatcher saved Britain and the first positive assessment of Viktor Orban I've seen. Not sure what it is about some English historians that make them think it is ok to broadbrush and make sweeping unsupported statements. Much like that one. 'Watching the English' was the 3rd time I've read what has become a comfort read. It's no longer revelatory, but a reassuring reminder of our idiosyncrasies and foibles. 'The Wall' I devoured in a day, a dystopian novel set in a walled Britain following a collapse of global civilisation following an unspecific 'Change'.  IRL, Libby and I were off at a week long cub jamboree last week, she coped better than I expected, and I'm secretly sad that she has now slipped back into calling me 'Dad' rather than 'Baloo'