Non Fiction November 2019 Wrap-Up

The Non Fiction November 2019 challenge was to read more non fiction than I usually would in a month and I definitely succeeded. However it did come as a bit of a shock when I realised that each of the books I read for the challenge had the word dead or death in the title. Whoops! Here's how my reading went for the challenge.

Necropolis: London and Its Dead by Catharine Arnold ⭐⭐⭐
The author tackles the fascinating history of London burials from pre-historic and medieval times to the present day and if you enjoy history, anthropology, urban development, changing attitudes to death and mourning or learning about the macabre, this is for you. A personal message from the author on Twitter was a nice touch after I published the review.

The Royal Art of Poison: Fatal Cosmetics, Deadly Medicines and Murder Most Foul by Eleanor Herman ⭐⭐⭐⭐

This covers all of the toxic poisons contained in cosmetics and the disastrous medicines used by doctors and well-meaning apothecaries in history. It examines a collection of famous figures from history and their deaths, with modern reviews and theories on whether they were poisoned. The book concludes with the poison hall of fame; an ingenious list containing the quickest poison, the most painful poison and so on. A terrific read!

Death on the Derwent - Sue Neill-Fraser's Story by Robin Bowles ⭐⭐⭐
The author looks into the disappearance of Bob Chappell in January 2009 and the subsequent trial and incarceration of his partner Sue Neill-Fraser. It is widely held Neill-Fraser is innocent of Bob's murder and after reading the book my opinion hasn't changed.

Summary
As it turned out, all three books were by female authors, one of which is Australian. History, science and death were the dominant topics with one Australian true crime.

I also started listening to the audiobook of The Arsonist: A Mind on Fire by Chloe Hooper but didn't finish it in time to qualify for the challenge.

How did you go? Did you read any non fiction this month? I really enjoyed the experience and I look forward to participating again next year. Thanks to A Book Olive for organising.

Carpe Librum!