[Sundae]

I think pretty much every Atkinson book has made me cry.
If Case Histories is the one with Blue Mouse (not a spoiler) then that was probably the one I cried at the most. Love and self worth and all that shit (also not a spoiler!)

I've loved her whole ouevre, but the one that comes back to me again and again in terms of phrasing and ideas is her first - Behind the Scenes at the Museum. Many of her books are about mothers and daughters, but this one spoke to me the most. But I admit it wins by a thin hair.

I have posted about her a couple of times. Perhaps slightly incoherently. And perhaps praising the English tone of her writing - which ensnares me and I'm glad isn't an obstacle to an American reader.

While you're all open & susceptible can I suggest Esther Freud (esp Hideous Kinky and The Wilds) and Jasper Fforde (esp The Eyre Affair). The former for crystal clear writing about childhood and its completely ordinary pain. The latter for puns and grins and literary pleasure. Again, both very English and both absolutely delightful.

I have finished playing fairy-bookmother now and am off to read some gay pron.