It's rarely books that would be of very wide appeal, I fear. The recent books in French that I've read were monographs on (often local) historical subjects most people find boring (the few novels I've read recently were the books in English, and it's been mostly re reading John Irving). I don't read much contemporary French literature, especially not what falls into the "grand roman français" category that usually irritate me. Vonarburg I like, but I haven't read much spec fic in the last months (not at all, unless I forget something).

I might briefly review the book of Venetian history I'm currently reading as I find it pretty good (it's a very good read but I'll wait to reach the end to form a more informed opinion on it as an history book) and I suspect it might appeal to Tom who liked the Norwich.