I mentioned that I am an anglophile and had watched The King's Speech many, many times. I knew it was a true story but now I have written proof. The other book is a French historical novel. The writer is one I have never heard of and his work is exactly what I like. I will probably have to order the rest of his works from AmazonUK. Thanks Santa PS. In case you are wondering about the colourful bookmark, the ties I buy are all for taller men so I cut off a piece of the narrow end and staple the cut end closed. Then I have an idiosyncratic but colourful place keeper.