The Strange Library - Haruki Murakami

A longish short story about some strange recesses and hidden horrors in a library.  Another strange Murakami story - sometimes it almost feels as if he just writes whatever comes into his head.

The Elephant Vanishes - Haruki Murakami

A collection of short stories, all of them weird in a Murakami way.  Mixed bag - some I found interesting, some not so much.

The Constant Gardener - John Le Carré

Typical Le Carré - compelling plot, great characters, and at the same time an exploration of a contemporary issue.  The issue this time is 3rd world development, especially in Africa, and also unscrupulous activity by big pharma, hand in hand with local and international elites.  He explores how shady business practices, bribery and complicity on the part of local and foreign governments allows shocking, at times lethal, practices to continue.  Around the edges you also sense how big corporations, large mafia and top end government and political figures always somehow manage to land on their feet with each others assistance, and the rest of us be damned.  Through one of the main characters, he also explores how indifference, keeping one's head down, and misplaced loyalty make so many lesser figures complicit in this kind of immoral and illegal activity.

The Islamic Enlightenment - Christopher de Bellaigue

An interesting look at modernizers and enlightenment figures in Muslim societies from the 1800's on.  He first looks at early figures country by country, and then in the 20th c., switches to a broader perspective as figures and movements become international in influence.  As you read about these figures, you get a sense of how the religious conservatives have fought this movement for the past two centuries.  You also get a sense of how the West's duplicity, naked pursuit of self-interest, and blatant hypocrisy in the region has played into the hands of the conservative religious leaders, discrediting ideas and movements that have any association with the West and the Enlightenment tradition.
A bit too much detail at times, but it is easy to skim over some sections.

Klingsor's Last Summer - Hermann Hesse

Inspired to reread this after stumbling on a plaque about Hesse's favourite walk in Gubbio, Italy.  One of Hesse's less intellectual works, more riotous, sensual (in an intellectual kind of way).  I like the artist character, and can trace the influence of his approach, even if it is at time a bit over-wrought.  Makes me want to reread some more after all these years.

1Q84 - Haruki Murakami

A complex storyline, but more coherent than the last book I read by Murakami.  Essentially a mystery / detective fiction on many levels.  The characters cross and are woven together in a clever way.  Incorporates some scie. fi., some ESP.  Long, but it holds your interest.  Everything is just a bit off, a bit odd - in a good way.

Firewall - Henning Mankell

Detective fiction again.  Storyline keeps you going but the writing is a bit blunt.