The "Gap" series by Donaldson, Stephen... :-) Basically it's space opera - save humans from aliens and from a megalomaniac corporation-owner. But you really wouldn't believe the complexity of it. Donaldson is guilty of overwriting in places, but it survives that.

I haven't done much solid reading recently. If Cold Mountain is worth it, might ask for that for Xmas.

My top recommendation for character studies (and you can snigger all you want) is Guns of Navarone. It is to books what Clint Eastwood is to acting - so absolutely stripped-down that you might not see it happening.

Graham.