Caroline's 2021 Reading Hammock (part 3)

By Auguste Macke

Read in 2021



Fiction

A Saint in Swindon (Alice Jolly) (01/01/21) ****
Summerwater (Sarah Moss) (03/01/2021) ****
The Sleeping Beauty (Elizabeth Taylor) (07/01/21) ***1/2
Nightwoods (Charles Frazier) (13/01/21) ****
The Story of the Night (Colm Tóibín) (23/01/21) ***1/2
Restoration (Olaf Olafsson) (28/01/21) ****
Moon Tiger Penelope Lively (31/01/21) (reread) ***1/2
Love and Other Thought Experiments (Sophie Ward) (08/02/21) ****
The Road to Lichfield (Penelope Lively (15/02/21) **** (Reread)
The Green Road (Anne Enright) (25/02/21) ****
Nick (Michael Farris Smith) (06/03/21) ****
Bride of Pendorric (Victoria Holt) (15/03/21) ***
The Uncommon Reader (Alan Bennett) (17/03/21) (reread) ***
You Will Be Safe Here (Damian Barr) (27/03/21) ****
Gratitude (Delphine de Vigan) (18/04/21) ***1/2
The Signature of All Things (Elizabeth Gilbert) (03/05/2021) ****1/2
The Porpoise (Mark Haddon) (12/05/21) ***1/2
The Lamplighters (Emma Stonex) (16/05/21) ***1/2
The Vanishing Half (Brit Bennett) (28/05/21) *****
The Guest Book (Sarah Blake) (05/06/21) *****
The Liar's Dictionary (Eley Williams) (10/06/21) ***1/2
The Last Bookshop in London (Madeline Martin) (27/06/21) ***1/2
The Copenhagen Trilogy: Childhood; Youth; Dependency (Tove Ditlevsen) (09/07/21) ****
Crampton Hodnet (Barbara Pym) (15/07/21) ***
Light Perpetual (Francis Spufford) (21/07/21) ****
How Much of these Hills is Gold (C Pam Zhang) (27/07/21) ****
Three Rooms (Jo Hamya) (29/07/21) ****
Migrations (Charlotte McConaghy) (02/08/21) ****1/2
Transcendent Kingdom (Yaa Gyasi) (08/08/21) ****
Klara and the Sun (Kazuo Ishiguro) (13/08/21) ****1/2
Winter Flowers (Angélique Villeneuve (29/08/21) *****
All the Light We Cannot See (Anthony Doerr) (08/09/21) ****1/2
The Ghost Clause (Howard Norman) (13/09/21) ***
A Town Called Solace (Mary Lawson) (16/09/21) ****
The Inseparables (Simone de Beauvoir, trans Lauren Elkin) (20/09/21) ****
Beautiful World Where Are You (Sally Rooney) (22/09/21) ****1/2
The Magician (Colm Tóibín) (05/10/21) ****1/2
Bewilderment (Richard Powers) (11/10/21) *****
The Performance (Claire Thomas) (15/10/21) ***1/2
The Man Who Died Twice (Richard Osman) (18/10/21) ***1/2
The Keeper of Lost Things (Ruth Hogan) (23/10/21) ***
Matrix (Lauren Groff) (02/11/21) ****
The Maiden Dinosaur (Janet McNeill) (06/11/21) ****1/2

Non-Fiction

You Can Heal Your Life (Louise Hay) (17/01/21) ****
Begin Again: James Baldwin's America and his urgent lessons for today (Eddie S Glaude jnr) (05/02/21) *****
Quite (Claudia Winkelman) (11/02/21) ***1/2
handiwork (Sara Baume) (17/02/21) ****
Frostquake: The frozen winter of 1962 and how Britain emerged a different country (Juliet Nicholson) (23/02/21) ****
On Seamus Heaney (R F Foster) (11/03/21) ****1/2
Silence: Harnessing the restorative power of silence in a noisy world (Joanna Nylund) (16/03/2021) ****
Intimations: Six Essays (Zadie Smith) (04/04/21) ****
Two-Way Mirror: The Life of Elizabeth Barrett Browning (Fiona Sampson) (07/04/21) ****
The Hare With Amber Eyes (Edmund de Wasl) (08/05/21) ****1/2
Letters to Camondo (Edmund de Waal) (10/95/21) ***1/2
How to Live. What to do: In Search of Ourselves in Life and Literature (Josh Cohen) (14/05/21) ****1/2
Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear (Elizabeth Gilbert) (21/05/21) ****1/2
A Well-Read Woman (Kate Stewart) (30/05/21) ****1/2
The Wild Silence (Raynor Winn) (01/06/21) ****
Fully Human (Steve Biddulph) (13/06/21) ***1/2
The Adventures of Miss Barbara Pym (Paula Byrne) (20/06/21) ****1/2
Notes on Grief (Chimamanda Ngosi Adichie) (20/06/21) ****1/2
Being Heumann (Judy Heumann) (24/06/21) ****1/2
Vincent's Books (Mariella Guzzoni) (26/06/21) ****1/2
Things I have Withheld (Kei Miller) (25/07/21) (essays) ****1/2
Tom Stoppard: A Life (Hermione Lee) (23/08/21) ****1/2
A Year of Living Simply (Kate Humble) (28/08/21) ****
Four Thousand Weeks: Time and How to Use It (Oliver Burkman) (31/08/21) *****
The Tick of Two Clocks (Joan Bakewell) (10/09/21) ***1/2
No. 91/92: notes on a Parisian Commute (Lauren Elkin) ****1/2
The Wine Lover's Daughter (Anne Fadiman) (04/11/21) ****

Poetry

The Seven Ages (Louise Glück) (13/02/21) ****1/2
The Wild Iris (Louise Glück) (16/02/21) ****
Helium (Rudy Francisco) (22/02/21) ****
How to Love The World (Various, ed James Crews) (04/04/21) ****
Healing the Divide: Poems of Kindness and Connection (ed James Crews) (17/04/21) ****

Total read: 76

Female: 49
Male: 21
Non-binary:
Various: 2
Fiction: 43
Non-Fiction: 26
Poetry: 4

Reread: 3

UK: 32
US: 22
Iceland/US: 1
Ireland/NI: 4
Finland: 1
France: 3
Tasmania: 1
Nigerian-American: 1
Italy: 1
Danish: 3
Jamaican/British: 1
Asian/American: 1
Australia: 2
Gambian-American: 1
Japanese/British: 1
French/American: 1

55. Migrations (Charlotte McConaghy) (02/08/21) ****1/2



Set slightly in the future where the majority of wildlife has become extinct, Franny wants to follow what may be the last migration of the arctic tern.

As we follow her on her journey, we duck back into her past as we discover what forms her desire to follow the migration, and learn the secrets of her life.

Full of wonderfully complicated characters.

There is mystery and pain and the contradictions of being human.

Happy new thread, Caroline.

>1 Caroline_McElwee: What a lovely painting.

>3 Caroline_McElwee: Already on my list, your review makes me want to read it even more.

Happy new thread.
>3 Caroline_McElwee: That sounds intriguing. Might have to add it to the list.

One of my absolute favourite places to visit on the internet - happy new thread, Caroline.

I love the art in your topper, Caroline, especially >2 Caroline_McElwee:!

Migrations sounds wonderful.

Happy new thread.

Happy new one!

Beautiful toppers. Happy new thread!

Thanks >4 FAMeulstee: >5 Helenliz: >6 PaulCranswick: > >8 drneutron: >9 mdoris: Anita, Helen, Paul, Beth, Jim and Mary. Good to see you all peaking around the door.

56. Transcendent Kingdom (Yaa Gyasi) (08/08/21) ****



A novel that is bigger than it's 250 pages. The narrator, Gifty, leads us through her family life, which explains her student choices as a scientist. She wants to solve a very personal problem. Science, philosophy and psychology help provide some tools.

It took me a while to get into for a number of reasons. It's very different from her wonderful debut novel. Not that I like formula, but it held me up initially. It benefited from longer bites of reading time, despite short chapters. I rarely read novels that address drug addiction, and am squeamish and conflicted about medical testing on animals.

Ultimately it was an interesting read, and I will continue to look forward to her new books.

Happy New thread, Caroline! Love that topper. And hooray for Migrations! Looking forward to her new one, which comes out soon.

>11 Caroline_McElwee: Hi Caroline. I love your description of Transcendent Kingdom, "bigger that its 250 pages." I loved the novel. I liked it even more than Homegoing. I think in part because I like Gifty and was happy to follow her on her journey.

>12 msf59: Hi yon traveller. Yes, i really liked Migrations Mark.

>13 BLBera: It's interesting how things hit us Beth, and advance expectations can have a big impact on that. I thought the structure of the novel worked well, and did like Gifty.

I also do have a problem with books that cover generations, like Homegoing, with pretty brief chapters about each person. I am often left wanting more of one person and less of another and sometimes find it hard to care very much about people with such brief mentions.

57 Klara and the Sun (Kazuo Ishiguro) (13/08/21) ****1/2



I finally got back to this fine novel (having set it aside to read RL book group books then got distracted). I remembered exactly where I was, and soon became engrossed again.

Klara is an artificial friend (AF) who we meet as she waits in the store to be chosen. We see the world through her eyes, and her varying position in the shop. I loved the observations. One day a young girl peers at her through the window, and Klara hopes she will come in and choose her, but she doesn't enter the store. When several weeks later she returns, and persuades her mother that Klara is the right AF for her, AF and teenager Josie go home together, despite there now being a more superior model of AF available.

As we watch Klara build her knowledge of human life, we learn that Josie's separated parents have reasons of their own for bringing an AF into the family.

Some complex and interesting ethical ideas are explored.

I watched two movies over the past couple of days, streaming the German film 'I'm Your Man', which shares some themes with Klara and the Sun (it only got 2*s in The Guardian, but I thought it engaging and rate it 3*s).

Then today went to the cinema to see an excellent spy film based on a true story:



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qeo8qs9xohM

Happy new thread!! I have Transcendant Kingdom in my nighttable TBR pile, so I hope to get to it soon, especially after the encouraging comments here. And I am also a fan of Klara and the Sun. It was a great book discussion book for me. Enjoy the weekend.

I'm another fan of Klara and the Sun. I thought the way he described her point of view was genius.

I'm glad that you enjoyed Klara and the Sun, Caroline. I'll probably read it next month.

>18 Berly: I hope you enjoy Transcendent Kingdom when you get there Kim.

>19 BLBera: He has such a good ear Beth, I agree. I was fascinated by the whole concept, while at the same time saddened that it might be necessary. Is it easier to have an AF because there is no reason to make an effort at friendship. We see plenty of examples of weak capacity to socialise because of over use of technology.

Josie eventually lets Klara go, pretty much like she would let an old phone go, when her life becomes more normal.

We have a very recent case of a young man here (aged 22) who may have killed 5 people for this very reason. He couldn't get a girlfriend. Felt women were too personally challenging, was looking to 'incel' groups, young men mostly who blame women for their involuntary celebacy, and are hence very misogenistic. Does this all evolve out of gaming, digital 'friends' (I'm not talking about LT or like friendships, but collecting friends on Facebook for example), and no real social skills for real friends etc.

>20 kidzdoc: Hi Darryl, not sure how I missed you. It was a good read.

>22 Caroline_McElwee: No worries, Caroline! I do the same thing far too often.

I think the lack of incivility also is related to this, Caroline. It's so easy to ignore people's feelings -- and humanity -- if one interacts with people primarily online.

Happy newish thread, Caroline. I've seen Transcendent Kingdom around but it was your write up that put it on my library hold list.

>24 BLBera: I agree Beth. I hate reading of the trolling that goes on. People thinking they are untouchable so they can say what they like without being called out on it.

>25 Familyhistorian: I hope you enjoy it Meg.

>16 Caroline_McElwee: I was heartened by your review, Caroline. Although I have always admired Ishiguro I just am a little uninspired by the synopsis of his latest novel so your endorsement assuages my concerns a bit.

Have a lovely weekend.

Hi Paul, good to see you about.

I have read Ishiguro's early work, but not the later until this. I would say it is light touch with some serious underpinning. Not sure it should win the Booker though.

Happy Saturday, Caroline! Hooray for Klara and the Sun! I really liked it too. My SIL is currently reading and enjoying it, on my recommendation.

I forgot that I had not made my award for book recommendations for July yet, Caroline and it has to go to you.

A sort of accumulation really but we will say it is for Light Perpetual by Francis Spufford.

PM me your address and I'll send you a book, I'll have fun choosing for you, as a prize.

How lovely Paul.

I think you will like that.

Hey Caroline. Interested to notice in charts that for me you're the person I share most books with on LT. Clearly you've fabulous taste :)

>32 AlisonY: As do you Alison :-)

58. Tom Stoppard: A Life (Hermione Lee) (23/08/21) ****1/2



I've been seeing and reading Tom Stoppard's work for 40 years now. Had he been an actor, I would have cast him as Oscar Wilde, and Wilde is one of his own obsessions to.

Stoppard is an autodidact, and enjoys sinking himself into a wide variety of subjects (science/philosophy/International affairs and much else). He imbibes from the page voraciously, and then a convergence of things nudge an idea to the surface and a play begins to form. His plays are about ideas, but they are also about people. Few are obviously autobiographical, but there are always elements of himself in some of the characters.

His most recent play, Leopoldstadt is perhaps the most autobiographical, as it evolves out of learning about his Jewish heritage, very belatedly. He was born in Czechoslovakia, left by the age of two, arriving in England via short periods in Singapore (not remembered) and India, at the age of 8. He is a very English man (though oddly retains a slight Czech accent). His mother didn't want to burden him and his brother with his dark Jewish history, and felt they would fit in more without it. He learned the truth about 20 years ago, from a cousin just before his mother's death.

This was a tome of nearly 900 pages, and in reality, could have lost 300 without injury. It is very detailed. I found much fascinating, including how he doesn't believe in a 'definitive text', and although doesn't like others tinkering, tinkers extensively himself, sometimes taking suggestions from the actors and directors he works with. A second edition text extensively changed is likely to be published six weeks after the opening night. He is very hands on with productions around the world.

Personally he is charming, loyal, stubborn, sometimes self-contained. A serial monogamist, married three times (the third in his 80s), with two other decade long relationships. All of whom he has remained friends with. He is father of four sons (including actor Ed Stoppard) and has many grandchildren.

Friendship and family are very important to him. Among his more famous friends are/were Vaclav Havel, Mick Jagger, Harold Pinter, Antonia Fraser. He wiggles the surname of his PA of 40+ years into every play.

He also loves one of my favourite haunts, the Chelsea Physic Garden where every other year he throws a big party for 600+ friends, family and colleagues.

I saw him once leaving the London Library, where he was President until a few years ago, my joining membership letter is signed by him.

My favourite of his plays is Arcadia.

>34 Caroline_McElwee: Great review, Caroline. A new bit of learning for me.

>11 Caroline_McElwee: Hi! I have unfortunately been mostly MIA on LT since starting my Turkish class, but I'm trying to catch up at least a little. Glad to see you found Transcendent Kingdom worthwhile. Re: your spoiler I often read books about drug addiction so I didn't have a problem with that, but I definitely don't enjoy thinking about medical testing on animals. I feel like when I see things about it though the scientists are like Gifty, they have a somewhat compartmentalized relationship with the subjects - there is the science, and there is the acknowledgement of the subjects as beings. Whether or not that's true for the majority of scientists, it made it easier for me to read about in this book.

>35 AlisonY: Thanks Alison.

>36 ursula: It's interesting how we all have different if complimentary reading habits Ursula.

By Rembrandt. National Gallery, London.

I think this is the most tender portrait by an artist of his lover. Any challenges?

>38 Caroline_McElwee: Renoir's lover and later wife, Aline Charigot, was introduced into his famous painting, "Luncheon of the Boating Party" and would eventually be his muse for later work. I wonder if Renoir imagines himself as the dog being petted by Aline in the picture:

>39 PaulCranswick:- I read and LOVED the book by the late American author, Susan Vreeland, about Renoir and this picture. The book was titled after the painting itself, Luncheon of the Boating Party. Vreeland wrote about art and artists, as historical fiction and I have read and loved almost every book she has written. This one had the added delight of having a whole section of colour prints. Every time I see this painting, it almost vibrates with life, for me.

I actually started listening to this as an audiobook but the narrator was so awful, with the worst French accent (for names) I have ever heard. I never finished the first disc, and went immediately back to the hard copy I had already bought, because of the prints.

Tom Stoppard is a genius. I've only read and seen a couple of things by him, but this work sounds amazing, if too long.

59. A Year of Living Simply (Kate Humble) (28/08/21) ****



I really enjoyed this book which brings together all the people Humble met who for one reason or another have chosen to step off the expected routes, and created more meaningful lives. There are some extraordinary ordinary people between these personal pages.

As she points out, 'simple' doesn't necessarily mean easy, but it tends to mean fruitful, deep in some way that much of our lives are not. Satisfying. Purposeful.

Not your conventional self-help book, but inspiring. And has a few scrummy looking simple recipes too.

****

60. Winter Flowers (Angélique Villeneuve (29/08/21) *****



One of those beautifully written short novels that are bigger than the sum of their pages.

Jeanne, a home piece-worker of silk flowers, lives in Paris with her young daughter, a life of poverty in cramped surroundings during WWI. She is waiting for the return of her husband Toussaint. After a long period without word, he writes to her from a military hospital to tell her where he is, but not to come. Six months later he returns home.

Not a word out of place. You feel everything.

Highly recommended.

I’ve only seen a few things by Stoppard, but I can see why Arcadia is your favorite, Caroline. It really is brilliant.

>39 PaulCranswick: We had a print of that painting in the hall of my childhood home Paul, I think I chose it, those vibrant colours.

>40 jessibud2: I like Vreeland's work Shelley. Girl in Hyacinth Blue is a favourite, short stories.

>41 BLBera: And I had it in hardback Beth. But certainly if theatre is your thing it is a very worthwhile read. I will certainly be dipping again, especially the detailed chapters of individual plays.

>43 NanaCC: I think I saw the second cast of the first production of Arcadia Colleen. I'd see it again in a heartbeat. Not sure which version my play-script is.

>44 Caroline_McElwee: - Caroline, I am generally not a fan of short stories but I also loved that one. She has another one of short stories that I was surprised at how much I loved, as well: Life Studies. It is a bit different in style but really excellent. There are only 2 of all her titles I have not yet read, The Passion of Artemesia and What Love Sees and I own both of them.

Winter Flowers sounds great, Caroline. And I love the cover!

I checked to see if my library has Winter Flowers but they don't. May have to splurge on this one!

Hi, Caroline. I am enjoying the artwork you are posting. Are you reading any poetry that you can recommend.

I'm sure I read Girl in Hyacinth Blue and The Passion of Artemisia, somewhere between 15 and 20 years ago. Sadly they were both from the library and are now out of print and public libraries will have discarded their copies years ago. I have two of Susan Vreeland's other books - one I bought on holiday in the US (so probably 15-20 years ago again) and one a more recent Kindle bargain.

>46 BLBera: >47 jessibud2: I heard from an American friend that it isn't yet available in the US and Canada. I'll try and find out when it might be Beth and Shelley.

>48 msf59: I have Kei Miller's volume 'A Light Song of Light' on the go Mark, here he is reading one of my favourites, 'The Law Concerning Mermaids':

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZUeOfuxZIs4

>49 elkiedee: There are a few reasonably priced copies of Girl in Hyacinth Blue on Amazon marketplace Luci, or if you want to avoid Amazon I think some of the sellers have sites of their own.

Thanks Caroline, I have a copy. I subscribe to Peirene Press and just got that one in the mail.

>51 BLBera: Yay.

61. Four Thousand Weeks: Time and How to Use It (Oliver Burkman) (31/08/21) *****



The average human lifespan is absurdly, terrifyingly, insultingly short. But that isn't a reason for unremitting despair, or for living in an anxiety-fuelled panic about making the most of your limited time. It's a cause for relief. You get to give up on something that was always impossible - the quest to become an optimised, infinitely capable, emotionally invincible, fully independent person you're officially supposed to be. Then you get to roll up your sleeves and start work on what's gloriously possible instead.

This final paragraph says more about the contents than I could.

A self confessed one time 'productivity geek', explores how we face away from our finite lives by driving ourselves towards levels of impossible productivity, giving the illusion of an infinite lifespan, and avoiding our vulnerability and lack of control in the real world, which he suggests facing and accepting will be more beneficial to us than the lives we often lead.

The irritation is the title. There are actually 4160 weeks to the life of an 80 year old, but that is too convoluted a title clearly, so he says 'nearly 80 years' at the start, then 80 thereafter!

I'm not sure how I missed your thread for a month Caroline, apologies. My just desserts are to find at least three books I want to read (and a bonus film!)

And I love that painting topper. Have your seen it in RL too?

>54 charl08: No, I haven't seen that one in RL Charlotte, it was a new find for me.

Glad I have added to your reading list.

>17 Caroline_McElwee: Thanks for mentioning this one: I watched it last night. I loved the cityscape: was trying to spot bits I recognised.
I did think it was kind of bizarre how well Dan Stevens managed to play a robot!

>53 Caroline_McElwee: Was this one worth a read, Caroline? These kind of books always interest me, but mostly tend to fall short of my expectations (perhaps I have unrealistic expectations of nirvana).

>56 charl08: Glad you enjoyed it Charlotte. I agree re DanS.

>57 AlisonY: I was very engaged with it Alison. And certainly want to dip back into it.

Nice visit to Chelsea Physic Garden in London with a friend today. Lots of blooms this time. Earlier in the year we had just missed everything.

>59 Caroline_McElwee:. That looks beautiful, Caroline. That’s one Debbi and I want to get to.

>59 Caroline_McElwee: Lovely! I went quite some time ago, such a lovely little surprise.

>59 Caroline_McElwee: Wow. Looks stunning.

>59 Caroline_McElwee: How lovely, Caroline.
The dahlia in the middle is so beautiful!

>60 jnwelch: I look forward to joining you there Joe. It's such a lovely haven in a busy city.

>61 Helenliz: And it was even better without the planes going over, it is under a flight path Helen.

>62 charl08: You have to get the timing right to get the colour Charlotte. But even when there isn't much in bloom, it is very peaceful.

>63 FAMeulstee: It is a stunner Anita.

>59 Caroline_McElwee: Some beautiful flowers!

>59 Caroline_McElwee: Thanks for sharing, beautiful flowers!

>59 Caroline_McElwee: So beautiful! I must go there again.

I thought of you at the Bank Holiday weekend, as I visited Charleston for the first time! Unfortunately I misunderstood the booking website and only booked for the exhibition, not the house, but we still enjoyed it. We visited the church at Berwick which was decorated by Vanessa, Duncan and Julian which was just glorious.

>59 Caroline_McElwee: - So pretty! You really captured the lighting well, Caroline.

>65 drneutron: >66 mdoris: >67 Sakerfalcon: >68 jessibud2: Thanks Jim, Mary, Claire and Shelley.

>67 Sakerfalcon: what a shame you didn't get into the house Claire, but glad you had a nice day all the same. You have a treat ahead of you with a revisit.

>59 Caroline_McElwee: Beautiful! There's an arboretum here I'd like to get to, but I should do some research on the best times of year to visit it.

>70 ursula: It is Ursula. I have a favourite bench by a small pond with dragonflies all around this time of year.

62. All the Light We Cannot See (Anthony Doerr) (08/09/21) ****1/2



Set mostly just before and during the second world war, shifting between years we follow the stories of a blind French girl Marie Laure LeBlanc and a young German boy Werner Pfennig, and those closest too them, on different sides of the conflict.

Beautifully crafted and highly recommended.

63. The Tick of Two Clocks (Joan Bakewell) ***1/2



The fourth of Bakewell's memoirs. I read the first and have the middle two on the shelf, but this was read easily as a stand-alone about her final move in old age (87).

There is a brief summary of life via the story of the house she lived in for 53 years, on the cusp of downsizing.

She is thoughtful of and acknowledges that financially she is in a much better position than most to be able to arrange for her perfect solution to how she will be able to live in her remaining years. Like many of us, I'm so far from having that level of choice, but I did enjoy her journey.

As a journalist, commentator, campaigner, one time lover of Harold Pinter, she has been in the background for most of my life as an example of the changing possibilities of women's lives.

>50 Caroline_McElwee: I love "The Law Concerning Mermaids". I had not heard of Miller. Is this collection the best place to start with him?

Happy Friday, Caroline. I hope you have a nice R & R weekend planned.

>72 Caroline_McElwee: I quite enjoyed his book About Grace many, many moons ago, but then All The Light We Cannot See seemed to really polarise people so I gave it a miss. You're making me wonder now....

>59 Caroline_McElwee: What lovely photos, Caroline.

I also loved All the Light We Cannot See; I'm looking forward to his new book. The Bakewell memoir also sounds great, too many good books here!

>72 Caroline_McElwee: I’ve had All the Light We Cannot See on my wishlist for ages. I know I’d enjoy it if I just pick it up.

>74 msf59: As this volume is the first of two on my shelves, I can't yet answer that Mark. I'll get back to you.

I certainly recommend his essays mentioned on my last thread.

>75 AlisonY: Those polarisations are interesting and frustrating aren't they Alison. I think you might like it.

>76 BLBera: Thank you re the photos Beth.

>77 NanaCC: It has very short chapters Colleen, though most have quite a lot of depth. I found it quite a fast read, and images have stayed with me.

I really enjoyed the biopic 'Respect' about Aretha Franklin's life. Her music was in the background of my teenage years, and my 20s especially. I hadn't realised how much drama there was in her life (the film goes up to the 70s, and the beginning of her recovery from alcoholism). Superb performances.

>3 Caroline_McElwee: Migrations was a 5-star read for me. Now I'm reading Once There Were Wolves and it may be heading for the same rating. Her writing is so beautiful, so painful, so tragic.

>79 Caroline_McElwee: We saw that a couple weeks ago and very much enjoyed it. I also learned about her life and enjoyed the soundtrack of course!

64. The Ghost Clause (Howard Norman) (13/09/21) ***



A young couple (Muriel and Zach) move into a house soon after their wedding, bought from a recently widowed woman (Lorca). The main narrator is the ghost of Lorca's husband Simon, who resides in his old house observing the lives of Muriel and Zachery, and reflecting back on his own marriage, and setting off the motion sensor in the library when he is in there.

The marriages being observed get muddled. Simon and Lorca's feels more real, so you could really do without the second IMO.

There is a missing child Zach is trying to find, as he is a private detective.

And there are of literary quotes (which normally I'd love, but ...).

Oh, and there is a cat, and a couple of academic friends.

I was so disappointed in this novel, as I've loved two of his earlier novels, but this one was trying too hard and didn't work except in odd areas. Twice it was almost a DNF.

I'm currently spending a few days in Totnes, Devon



The young orangutang is my new friend, by Matt Buckley.

I didn't buy that glorious ammonite, but what a stunner.

The Booker shortlist

I've read both Galgut and Powers before. Looking forward to Richard Powers' new one which will land n my mat next week.

The nominees in full:

Anuk Arudpragasam - A Passage North. In his second novel, the Sri Lankan author explores the lasting effects of the trauma and violence of his country's civil war, and a past love affair. "We felt that he was taking on with great seriousness this question of, how can you grasp the present, while also trying to make sense of the past?" said judge Horatia Harrod.

Damon Galgut - The Promise. The South African writer's ninth novel follows a white family over the decades from the Apartheid era. "The ultimate question that the novel asks is, is justice - true justice - possible in this world?" Obioma said. "If it is, then what might that look like?"

Patricia Lockwood - No One Is Talking About This. This is the first novel by the American poet and memoirist. It follows a woman catapulted to social media fame, told using what Booker judge Rowan Williams described as the "unpromising medium of online prattle". When reality impinges on this online existence, it ends up being a story "with intense, emotional energy and truthfulness", he said.

Nadifa Mohamed - The Fortune Men. Mohamed was born in Somaliland and raised in Britain, and her book is set in the docks of post-war Cardiff Bay. It fictionalises the story of Mahmood Mattan, a real Somali sailor who was wrongly accused of murder. "This is a story about the past that has great significance for the present," said judging chair Maya Jasanoff.

Richard Powers - Bewilderment. The US author won the Pulitzer for his last novel The Overstory. Here, a widowed astrobiologist turns to experimental treatments to help his nine-year-old son with additional needs - and take him to other planets. It is "a clarion call for us all to wake up and realise what our minds might be truly capable of if we were less obedient to the status quo," judge Natascha McElhone said.

Maggie Shipstead - Great Circle. Another American author, Shipstead's third novel intertwines the stories of a daring post-war female pilot and a 21st century Hollywood actress who is trying to rescue her reputation by making a film about her. It "speaks to ever-present questions about freedom and constraints, particularly in women's lives", Jasanoff said.

From The Guardian

Nice summary of this year's Booker Prize shortlist, Caroline. I've only read two of the Booker Dozen so far, but both of them made the shortlist, and deservedly so, IMO: The Fortune Men by Nadifa Mohamed, and The Promise by Damon Galgut. I'll write reviews of both books in the next day or two.

I'll start reading A Passage North by Anuk Arudpragasam tonight, and I should have no problem finishing the shortlist by the prize ceremony on 3 November. I plan to finish the longlist by year's end.

Lovely photos Caroline.
I'm not as keen as you to pick up the next Richard Powers. The Overstory was *so* long!
I have the Galgut on the shelf, need to pick it up again. I've not felt I had the "headspace" for it these past weeks.

>84 kidzdoc: I snatched the summary from The Guardian Darryl, will credit it. I'm probably only going to get the Powers in before the winner is announced. It's years since I aimed to read the whole shortlist b4 the announcemment.

>85 charl08: I loved Overstory Charlotte, but agree there could have been a bit of trimming about 2/3rds through. His The Time of Our Singing is a favourite of mine.

>82 Caroline_McElwee: Nice Devon photos. Are they yours?

Happy Wednesday, Caroline. I plan on reading at least 3 of those Booker titles. The two that I have read, didn't make the cut.

>87 msf59: Yes, my photo's Mark. More up later.

More of Totnes. I just couldn't resist the VVG Yellow House shawl.

Enjoying Maggie Nelson's On Freedom: Four Songs of Care and Constraint, and Mary Lawson's A Town Called Solace. Planning a big bite out of those tonight.

There seems to be an event or competition locally, there are papier mâché animals in some of the gardens.

Caught up with an old friend for lunch who is holidaying nearby.

>83 Caroline_McElwee: I've not read this Galgut, but have really enjoyed 2 out of 3 of his previous novels that I've read.

>83 Caroline_McElwee: I'm happy some books have been doing double duty on these lists, it means I've often read one, haha. In this case, it's No One Is Talking about This. I guess I'll see what else I can get from the library's ebooks catalog in the near future.

>89 Caroline_McElwee: I love the lion! I don't think I've visited Totnes but it looks absolutely lovely. And an independent bookshop - perfect!

I just finished A town called Solace and really enjoyed it.

I am loving the photos, Caroline. Also, your layout for them. I recognized the van Gogh just didn't realize it was a shawl until you mentioned it. :-)

>82 Caroline_McElwee: >89 Caroline_McElwee: Love all the pictures, Caroline, I hope the young orangutang feels at home with you :-)

>90 AlisonY: I have read In a Strange Room Alison, which I liked, but didn't think it quite earned the reviews it received.

>91 ursula: Doing double duty helps, especially when some of the prizes are running at the same time Ursula.

>92 Sakerfalcon: There are a number of papier mâché animals in front gardens Claire, quirky and cheerful, here are some more pics:



>93 jessibud2: I seem to find something Vincent related almost everywhere I go now Shelley.

>94 FAMeulstee: Thanks Anita. I love primates, and have several small sculptures of them.

The last photos of Totnes, I return home tomorrow.



I love the near black hollyhocks. I spent most of the afternoon by the river.

I recently saw a garden that had black hollyhocks planted next to pinks ones. Very striking. If I can find black ones at my local nursery next year, I want to give them a try in my little garden.

I enjoyed Totnes. I like the castle, a perfect ring on top of a hill.

>97 jessibud2: Hollyhocks make me smile Shelley.

>98 Helenliz: Yes Helen. I saw it from several viewpoints, but forgot to get up close when I was nearly at the top of the hill.

You are an artist, Caroline. I love your photos. Too bad about The Ghost Clause; the premise sounds interesting.

I've read No One Is Talking about This and Great Circle. Of all the longlist books that I've read, I thought Klara and the Sun was the best one, but I am not good at predicting winners.

>100 BLBera: Thank you Beth. I've always enjoyed taking photographs, making photo journals. I got prints of the collages I made last year and put them in albums, covering 10 years of travels.

65. A Town Called Solace (Mary Lawson) (16/09/21) ****



I enjoyed following along with Clara, Liam and Elizabeth. This novel about children who have not always had the most positive early childhoods, and how others have sometimes provided what was missing, or had things missing in their lives provided by the children of others. The theme of trust, especially between adult and child. Something that can truly shape who an adult becomes.

I have to say I was curious to know what the adult Liam's relationships might have been with his two pairs of adult twin sisters, they don't get a mention in his adult life.

>96 Caroline_McElwee: I really like the frames that you put these in. Is there an app or software you use?

>103 Oberon: Thanks Erik, I use PhotoGrid, but I'm pretty sure there are others. Really easy to use.

>102 Caroline_McElwee: Interesting comment behind the spoiler tags, Caro. I agree, it was strange that Liam's relationship with his family was not explored

>105 lauralkeet: Sometimes it is as interesting to see what is not said, but it might have opened up other aspects of who Liam was.

66. No. 91/92: notes on a Parisian Commute (Lauren Elkin) ****1/2



Inspired by George Perec's An Attempt at Exhausting a Place in Paris, which Elkin was teaching in Paris, this little diamond of a book about daily commuting on the city buses is in one sense hum-drum, or 'infra-ordinary', yet captures aspects of life that having been noted, leave you pause for thought.

Pertinent to any city, it captured a Paris I am familiar with, having ridden the buses there myself.

Happy Saturday, Caroline. I like your Totnes photos. Sounds and looks like you had a nice trip. I will be reading A Town Called Solace as soon as I get it from the library.

I've liked the other Mary Lawson books I've read, so I am looking forward to A Town Called Solace.

>107 Caroline_McElwee: This one sounds good as well.

Hi Caroline. I loved A Town Called Solace. I feel like I'll remember the characters for a very long time, including Moses the cat.

>107 Caroline_McElwee: As a daily bus and light rail commuter during my decade of living in Seattle, this looks wonderful! Adding it to the wish list.

>108 msf59: Thanks Mark. Holiday's go all too quickly. You will enjoy the Lawson.

>109 BLBera: I think you will like it Beth.

>110 EBT1002: I agree Ellen. I also think that for me the atmosphere in the Lawson was quite muted, which made it more powerful in some ways.

67. The Inseparables (Simone de Beauvoir, trans Lauren Elkin) (20/09/21) ****



Written when she was 48, but not published in her lifetime, this is a short semi-autobiographical novel about female friendship, and about the expectations of the lives of women in its era. Drawn on a more intimate stage than most of her novels, ie more personal and less political, it still speaks to the work over her lifetime.

I suggest leaving the introduction til after reading the novel as it is really a summary. The book has an afterword by de Beauvoir's adopted daughter, photos and a couple of letters at the end.

ETA: https://www.theguardian.com/books/2021/oct/03/simone-de-beauvoir-inseparables-sy...

>112 Caroline_McElwee: Tempting, Caroline.

Re the Lawson My sense was that he lumped the sisters in with his mother: that they followed her lead in treating him terribly, and so he didn't try to reclaim a relationship with them. But thinking about it now, I do wonder about that, given how much those sibling relationships (can) change in adulthood. And as Ellen said, the cat was a wonderfully memorable character!

>113 charl08: It was better than I expected Charlotte. 'Lost' novels aren't a guarantee of quality, but this worked for me, and will take me back to some of her other novels, most of which I read in my 20s. Aeons ago :-)

As always there is great reading here, Caroline with the added bonus of lovely photos of Totnes.

Have a wonderful weekend. xx

>115 PaulCranswick: Lovely to see you pop your head around the door Paul.

I have been in Shropshire with my sister for the weekend (returning home tomorrow afternoon). Yesterday we were at the Victorian Village Blists Hill, about 10 minutes drive from where my sister lives. Previously it was a colliery.

>117 Caroline_McElwee: Such wonderful pictures. Thanks for sharing.

We spent the day in Shrewsbury, about 30 mins by car from Em's. The first collage is along the River Severn (lots of willows), and in Dingle park. The bust is of the first British tv gardener, Percy Thrower, who I remember as a kid, and who I think was head gardener at the Dingle when he gave up tv, and that's his little house above the park.



The second collage is the town with its Tudor houses, windy little alleys and cut throughs, and that stunning tree.



Bottom right, my sister's lovely roast, with homemade nut roast, yum.

>118 mdoris: Thanks Mary, i hope you enjoy todays set.

Thank you for sharing your photos, Caroline. You have a wonderful eye.

Such beautiful photos, Caroline! Looks like you had a lovely visit. Does your sister live far from you?

Please tell us what a nut roast is and how you make it.

Mary, Nut roast was one of the first meals created for vegetarians, to replace meat.

If you aren't able to read the image, let me know and I'll type it out.

My sister and I have been vegetarians most of our adult lives, but this is still an old favourite to go with a roast, or cold in a picnic.

Oops, doing things a bit out of order today.

>121 labfs39: Thank you Lisa, glad you enjoyed them.

>122 jessibud2: Thanks Shelley. I live in London, and my sister in Shropshire, about 4.5 hours away, when the transport works. I get there mostly by train.

Home now, and one more day of annual leave before back to work.

>124 Caroline_McElwee: Ooh, thanks for posting that. This looks right up my alley!

>124 Caroline_McElwee: Thanks for posting the recipe Caroline!

>119 Caroline_McElwee: I'm not sure that I have ever been to Shropshire, Caroline, but it does look very scenic.

>124 Caroline_McElwee: I'm not vegetarian but need to eat more healthily and heartily and will ask Hani to have a go at that one.

Thanks for sharing your photos, Caroline. It sounds like a lovely weekend.

Lovely pictures, Caroline, I like the way you present them.
The old houses with small streets, flowers, street art, and the horse in the fist collage.

>126 PawsforThought: >127 mdoris: >128 PaulCranswick: I hope you enjoy it if you try it Paws, Mary and Paul.

>128 PaulCranswick: >129 BLBera: >130 FAMeulstee: Paul, Beth and Anita, Shropshire is wonderfully lush and full of interesting places to visit. Most in under an hour's drive from where my sister lives.

>117 Caroline_McElwee: >119 Caroline_McElwee: Love the photos, Caroline. Looks like a wonderful visit.

>132 msf59: Thanks Mark, it was lovely, went too quickly of course. I try to get there twice a year if I can.

>117 Caroline_McElwee: I haven’t been to Blist’s hill for years, but I remember really enjoying it. I’m a sucker for that sort of thing.

I wrote a poem for work's Black History Month exhibition:

Jimmy

I was young, when someone
shared their passion. A passion
that became mine too. For the words
of James Baldwin. Jimmy.
For his placement of words.
Fiction. Essay. For his amazing
toothy smile. For who he was
and what he believed we
humans could be capable
of, if only we loved.
If only we loved
the differences, and saw
the similarities. Our shared
humanity. He had the fire.

Black and gay, in a place and
time that did not welcome
him, he flew away like a bird
making other places his home.
Sometimes he returned to his place of origin
to witness. Changes for the worse
changes for the better.

I didn't need to meet him
to know him. I have his words.
His love.


Images from www.

>134 SandDune: I was really enjoyable Rhian, and still some bits to see. We were there for about 5 hours.

>135 Caroline_McElwee: - Lovely, Caroline. Words and pics.

Have you got to The Three Mothers yet?

>135 Caroline_McElwee: Such a lovely tribute, Caroline. Thank you for sharing.

>137 jessibud2: Thanks Shelley. No, not got to The Three Mothers yet. I hope to this year.

>138 labfs39: Thank you Lisa.

68. Beautiful World, Where are You (23/09/21) ****1/2



Another fine novel from Rooney (I read the first, and watched the perfectly pitched BBC dramatisation of the second).

I especially liked the long emails between Alice and Eileen, both intimate and expansive.

Friendships and relationships are certainly Rooney's gift. Acute observation about the joys, the bumps and the failures, and about how some things can be overcome and others not. She is also so good with quieter characters.

I look forward to the new Rooney, Caroline.

Me too! I'm in queue at the library; hopefully I'll be able to read it this month.

I went to see the latest Bond movie this morning, No Time to Die. It was good, but not as good as his first two IMO. I did smile at the row of four ladies in their 80s, glad they were looking forward to their eye candy still. I loved DCs pre-Bond films, so looking forward to what comes next.

Sacks was the subject of the biographical film about his life, in its last few months (he died in 2015). He is one of those people I would have loved to have met. The world is a better place for his having been in it.

I saw that documentary when it first came out. He is also a fave of mine. I have read several by him and own quite a few.

>119 Caroline_McElwee: Thank you for sharing these stunning images!

>143 Caroline_McElwee: What do you think of Daniel Craig in his role of James Bond?

>135 Caroline_McElwee: I read a lot of James Baldwin's works. He was so incredibly talented.

>145 jessibud2: It opened here yesterday Shelley. It was very moving. I loved his biography, and have read a couple of his books twice.

>146 Whisper1: >147 Whisper1: >148 Whisper1: Glad you like the photos Linda.

Yes, I like Daniel Craig's Bond, but it is time for him to hand over the reins. Lots of potential Bonds. I'd quite like Idris Elba, or maybe Tom Hardy. The female characters are getting stronger. Maybe it's time for a woman as a lead baddy.

Baldwin is one of the writers I couldn't live without Linda. I still have maybe two novels I haven't read, the later ones. The others have all been reread more than once.

>144 Caroline_McElwee: I first saw Oliver Sachs in A glorious accident, a Dutch TV-series with six important thinkers at the time (1993). Although I wanted to read his books ever since, I still have not done so. Thanks for the reminder.

>140 Caroline_McElwee: A library ebook reservation of the new Sally Rooney astonished me by showing up a few days ago. I suspect that I may end up letting it go and borrowing it again though. I wasn't sure what the fuss about her was when I read her first novel, but I loved Normal People and the TV version was quite a highlight of first lockdown. I also enjoyed listening to a library ebook of two short stories, Mr Salary and Colour and Light and would like to get them to read in print. She's also interesting for who turns out to be reading her books - I've been surprised by some of them.

>135 Caroline_McElwee: Thank you for that, Caroline. On point as always.

I am a fan too of Baldwin my favourite novel read thus far of his being Another Country.

>143 Caroline_McElwee: I'm a fan of Craig as Bond and I think he is the best Bond to date just about shading Mr. Connery.

I am torn slightly on the next Bond although I do feel that a female lead would be a step too far - Jane Bond?

Hani supports Tom Ellis (Lucifer and Miranda) but I think Henry Cavill would be good in the role. Your possibles are good ones too.

>150 FAMeulstee: You won't be disappointed Anita.

>151 elkiedee: I read it in a couple of days Luci. I liked it more than the first, although you might say there is still to much attention, and I suspect she might agree.

>152 PaulCranswick: Hmm, Tom Ellis' mainly comedic roles would be difficult to overcome I feel. Not really familiar with Henry Cavill's work Paul. I think keeping Bond growing older is a good thing, otherwise the character doesn't get a chance to mature, and the storylines become restrictive. He won't always need to be the one doing most of the fast and furious stuff. Maybe he could become M one day, who better to control the 00's.

I'm afraid Connery fell off my list of interesting people when it became public knowledge he hit his wife.

20 Classics by writers of colour, chosen by writers of colour.

https://www.theguardian.com/books/2021/oct/03/akala-bernardine-evaristo-ben-okri...

I have heard of most of the choosers, and read some of them, but not heard of many of the choices and authors, so maybe a project to read these 20 books over the next 2-3 years.

>135 Caroline_McElwee: This is a beautiful poem, Carolina, a perfect tribute to one of our literary heroes. Excellent job. I did not realize you wrote poetry.

>153 Caroline_McElwee: No reason that Bond needs to keep travelling in the exact same direction, Caroline. It is an interpretive role for someone to make of it as they will. Many very flawed personalities and frankly awful people have been wonderful actors. Connery played Bond well - probably too well!

>154 Caroline_McElwee: I will keep note of that, Caroline as it looks like a decent challenge. I have a few of the books on the shelves already.

>154 Caroline_McElwee: Wow, Caroline - that is an interesting list. I've only read one! I haven't heard of some of the writers. You're right, a project for the next few years.

I'm also an Oliver Sacks fan.

>154 Caroline_McElwee: I've only read one of the recommended books: The Nakano Thrift Shop by Hiromi Kawakami, chosen by Bryan Washington. I really liked it and have another book by Kawakami on my wish list. My review is here.

>140 Caroline_McElwee: I changed my view on Talk to groups rather than starred and just realised I've missed a load of chat on here.

I was commenting yesterday on someone's thread on CR that I avoid Rooney as I feel she's _targeting the general life woes of 20/30 year olds and as I've passed that stage it feels irrelevant to me and not appealing. Am I missing out, though?

Thanks for the link to the Sacks documentary as well. I'll look out for that.

>155 msf59: I've not written much in recent years Mark, but I had a handful of pieces published in small poetry magazines a while back. I started writing about age 8, though the first poem I still have somewhere was written aged 14.

>156 PaulCranswick: I will probably choose one to read this year Paul.

>157 BLBera: I love finding a list with so many new to me writers Beth.

>158 labfs39: Tricky to know Alison, I'm way past the age group of her main characters, but she has got something IMO. I'll continue to watch for her work.

>154 Caroline_McElwee: Great list! I may join you in the project. Thanks for the list, Caroline.

ETA: I checked my local library system and it has exactly one of the books on the list, the one I have already read, The Joys of Motherhood by Buchi Emecheta. I will have to see if I can track down the others.

>160 Caroline_McElwee: I have three on the shelves :

Nakano Thrift Shop by Hiromi Kawakami
Search Sweet Country by Kojo Laing
Night Theatre by Vikram Paralkar

I would gladly join you for a shared read of any of these before the year end, Caroline.

>149 Caroline_McElwee: I agree, perhaps it is time for a female Bond. Still, I very much like Daniel Craig as Bond. I will go to the movies to see his latest movie.

Is there a James Baldwin book you think is best, ie one that you would recommend I read first?

>163 Whisper1: Not sure I quite agree with that, Linda. I do think that at least some recognisance of the creators intention is maintained. I'm all for bringing James Bond into the 21st Century but I am not in favour of transitioning James Bond into Jane Bond.

As Caroline said write more great roles for women and perhaps the arch-villain should be a ruthless woman.

>154 Caroline_McElwee: I've got a couple of these on the shelf, but apart from the Emecheta don't think I have read anything by the named authors.

I am very tempted to buy the new penguin classic edition of Second class citizen. Such a lovely cover.

>161 alcottacre: I'm not sure which one I will start with Stasia. Good to see you about again. (But see below now)

>162 PaulCranswick: ... but you have narrowed down the list for this year Paul, let's go for Nakano Thrift Shop for November.

>163 Whisper1: Maybe Giovanni's Room for the novel, and The Fire Next Time for the essays Linda.

>165 charl08: ooh yes, nice cover Charlotte.

69. The Magician (Colm Tóibín) (05/10/21) ****1/2



Tóibín on good form. A fine fictionalisation of the life and times of Thomas Mann. Starting out more intimate then expanding to incorporate the lives of himself and his extended family during complex and devastating times.

I had no idea he had so many children. What a household it appears to have been.

Although I knew of 'the Mann brothers', I have never read any of Heinrich's work, nor seen it on the shelves, so I want to follow that up, this novel suggests they were very different writers, and Thomas the most celebrated.

I have read four of Thomas's novels, at least. Still to climb The Magic Mountain.

I was surprised how young Thomas was when he wrote Buddenbrooks, such a wide ranging piece for a 20 something.

>166 Caroline_McElwee: Nakano Thrift Shop is now on order. I hope to have it by November. My local library had exactly 1 of the books on the list, so I am going to have to order them if I want to read them - and the first book on the list, I found out nothing about whatsoever, so that may be an issue.

>167 Caroline_McElwee: I have not read that one, but I will definitely have to seek it out! Thanks for the review, Caroline.

>167 Caroline_McElwee: Sounds good, Caroline, the Dutch translation will be published next month.
I know a little more about Thomas, Heinrich, Katia, Erika, Klaus, Golo, Monika, Elisabeth, and Michael from other books about the Mann family. Books by Thomas, Heinrich, and Klaus are on the shelves. So I am looking forward to see what Tóibín created.

I've ordered Night Haunts from the Guardian list. I wanted to order some of the others too, but not been able to find copies (or at least, at prices I was willing to pay for a second hand book!). Maybe this list will see some reprinting from publishers (fingers crossed).

>167 Caroline_McElwee: This has been getting rave reviews in the press, which is making me very tempted to read it sooner rather than later.

I've only read Death in Venice but I found it hard going I'm terms of keeping my attention. Too much repetitive psycho-babble wore me down by the end of the book. I do wonder if his books are different, as I've always fancied trying The Magic Mountain or Buddenbrooks.

Caroline, I received When We Ruled by Robin Walker from the Guardian list in today. It looks like a textbook!

>112 Caroline_McElwee: I did my dissertation on women's friendships. The Inseparables would have been a great work to have included in my reading list.

>167 Caroline_McElwee: Mark just sent me this one so I'll be reading it soon.

>154 Caroline_McElwee: Great list, great link. Thanks for sharing!

>154 Caroline_McElwee: That's a great list of overlooked books by BAME authors, Caroline; thanks for sharing it! I haven't read and don't own any of those books, but I look forward to your take on them.

>168 alcottacre: The Nakano Thrift Shop is now in the pile waiting to be read in November Stasia. Hope your library comes through in time.

>169 FAMeulstee: I don't think you will be disappointed Anita. Once it got into it's stride I read it in long bites.

>170 charl08: It's great when a list has that impact Charlotte, fingers X'd.

>171 AlisonY: it is years since I read Death in Venice Alison, maybe time for a reread. I'll always have tge film in my head though now.

>172 alcottacre: Wow, I think the piece might have mentioned that Stasia.

>173 EBT1002: One never know's what the quality of an unpublished novel in the writers life-time might be Ellen, so I lowered my expectations, but this os a little gem I think.

Hope you enjoy the Tóibín.

>174 kidzdoc: Pleasure Darryl. I love finding lists with books I haven't heard of on.

I went to National Theatre for my first play in 20 months. That's a first, such a long dearth. I read for a couple of hours as I was there well early, then people watched. The play was 2 hours 40, but didn't feel it.







I went to see Larry Kramer's 'The Normal Heart'. It's a fine play, and excellent performances from all, including Ben Daniels and Liz Carr. I saw it's first London Performance 35 years ago (I can't believe that) with Martin Sheen in the lead, at the Royal Court. It was obviously more shocking then, and I think one of, if not the first play about HIV/AIDs.

London now feels almost pre-pandemic, far fewer masks. but from the bus coming home there were hordes of 20 somethings queuing to get into the clubs and bars, no social distancing or masks.

I didn't feel unsafe in the theatre. Interestingly it was at the National that I saw my last pre-pandemic play, and the first since.

Congratulations on seeing your first post-pandemic play, Caroline! My last pre-pandemic play was also at the National Theatre, I believe, when Rhian and I saw Faith, Hope and Charity there in early September 2019.

Hooray for theater, Caroline! It looks fairly full.

Excellent! I think I need to adapt my attitude on COVID in coming months. I look at your theatre pic and it fills me with anxiety, the thought of the people in the row behind you breathing on your head for three hours. But I know I can't stay a hermit forever. Glad your first theatre outing was to a good production.

>177 kidzdoc: I was lucky in that Christmas 2019 I treated myself to 5 theatre tickets which went through Jan/Feb, so I'd got a bit of a theatre binge below my belt by lockdown, but it was so good to be back in an auditorium Darryl.

>178 BLBera: I'd say it was 3/4 full Beth, I took the photo about 10 mins before the show started.

>179 AlisonY: I think everyone has to take it at their own pace Alison. I have been using a bus once a week for several months, going to the cinema a couple of times a month for three months, eating in restaurants once or twice a month, and agreed with myself that even after buying the ticket that I could not go if I wasn't ready.

I also felt that the majority of people who would go to the theatre are pretty sensible people. There is no talking during a performance, reducing the chance of 'spray', and as it turned out I didn't feel at risk.

Although being double jabbed doesn't guarantee not getting Covid, I feel it goes a long way to protecting me.

I am actually making my first visit to the office on Wednesday, in 20 months. I'm more twitchy about going to the bar for my bosses leaving do after than I was for the theatre.

70. Bewilderment (Richard Powers) (11/10/21) *****



A beautiful novel about wonder and loss. Theo is an astrophysicist raising his young son after the death of his wife. His son Robin has behavioural problems, because of that loss, but also has some savant qualities. The novel is about a wonderful relationship between father and son, and about a young boy discovering the planet and the multiverse, and the pain of its destruction.

Powers is a big brain with a soft voice, literally and metaphysically. But in this novel, as in Overstory, a voice you won't forget.

Love the cover design by Glenn O'Neill too.

I love this cover.

>181 Caroline_McElwee: But is it as long as The Overstory?

(And yes, gorgeous cover)

>181 Caroline_McElwee: - The cover reminds me, in style, of the cover of Late Migrations by Margaret Renkl.

>176 Caroline_McElwee: I am also eagerly looking forward to a return to live theater. Wonderful that you got a chance to go.

Nice review of Bewilderment too. I came to Overstory late but loved it when I got to it so I have been looking at picking up Bewilderment and appreciate the thoughts on it.

>181 Caroline_McElwee: I loved The Overstory so I will definitely be looking out for Bewilderment.

Congratulations on going to live theatre again!

>182 BLBera: It is perfect for the book Beth.

>183 charl08: Half the length Charlotte, and powerful in a different way perhaps.

>184 jessibud2: You are right Shelley. I enjoyed those essays.

>185 Oberon: Being in the theatre again was like a big sigh of relief Erik. I'm looking for something else to see before year end.

You won't be disappointed in Bewilderment, which after The Overstory is quite something to be able to say.

>186 alcottacre: Thanks Stasia, it was great to get back into an auditorium.

Enjoy Bewilderment.

I just started Bewilderment and it is lovely so far.

>166 Caroline_McElwee: It is a date!

>176 Caroline_McElwee: Green tinged gills from your Malaysian based pal - how I miss the theatre!

>181 Caroline_McElwee: I think that the judges have their work cut out this year, Caroline as I have seen reviews almost universally full of praise for five of the six shortlisted books.

>188 BLBera: Glad you are enjoying it Beth.

>189 PaulCranswick: It was so good being in the theatre Paul. It can't be beat. Streaming plays is a poor second, so I've avoided it.

I'm keeping the November read to hand.

Caroline, I received my copy of The Nakano Thrift Shop today so I am ready to read along with you and Paul come November. I am very much looking forward to it!

>191 alcottacre: I enjoyed The Nakano Thrift Shop. I look forward to what you all make of it.

>192 labfs39: I hope we enjoy it too, Lisa!

>192 labfs39: I have seen so many positive reviews of it, Lisa, so I am hopeful. I don't always get along with Japanese literature but I am always positive!

>191 alcottacre: >192 labfs39: >193 alcottacre: I'm pitching it for weak 2 in November, though we dont all need to read at exactly the same time, happy for your comments to go on my thread.

>194 PaulCranswick: Interesting re not always getting n with Japanese writing Paul. I've not read a lot, but it probably would come out on a par with other nations. I've always been fascinated by Japan.

Happy Monday Caroline

Fall inches it's way to my part of Pennsylvania. The air is nippy and the wind blows a bit more than softly.

Hi, Caroline. Oh, we miss going to the National Theatre. Next year.

I'm glad Bewilderment worked so well for you. Me, too. And I'm another fan of The Nakano Thrift Shop. Right now I'm reading Anthony Doerr's new one, Cloud Cuckoo Land. Wasn't All the light We Cannot See great?

Lovely poem about Jimmy Baldwin up there.

>196 Whisper1: Lovely to see you drop by Linda.

>197 jnwelch: Thanks re poem Joe.

It was so good to be in the theatre. I should post my doodle of the theatre. Look forward to joining you there hopefully next year.

I'll watch for your comments on the new Doerr novel.

71. The Performance (Claire Thomas (15/10/21) ***1/2



Set against the backdrop of a production of Beckett’s Happy Days, with Winnie’s meanderings intercutting the thoughts of Margot (70s) – a professor whose husband is suffering with dementia, and whose illness has made him more aggressive. A theatre usher, Summer (20s), who’s tattooist girlfriend April is trying to reach her parents who’s home is under threat of a wild fire, and Ivy (40s), a woman who inherited great wealth she is putting to philanthropic purposes, buffet and overlap.

In a sense the ages of women, alongside aspects relating to the state of the world.

Certainly deserves another read, not least after reading Happy Days, which it has been some long while since I have seen.


72. The Man Who Died Twice (Richard Osman} (18/10/21) ***1/2



The second in Osman’s ‘The Thursday Murder Club’ cycle. I whizzed along for the first two thirds, reacquainting myself with its eccentric characters, but ultimately felt that Osman had become like his main protagonist, Elizabeth, a little too clever for his own good. There is, like the first volume, plenty to grin about, but I can’t quite put my finger on what it is that left me feeling not totally satisfied.

My IPad doodle of the National Theatre, done for an icebreaker at work. I was chuffed 3 folk guessed it.

>195 Caroline_McElwee: Week 2 it is then, Caroline. Thanks!

>199 Caroline_McElwee: I have Thursday Murder Club set aside to read in November if all goes well.

>201 alcottacre: Great Stasia. Look forward to it.

>200 Caroline_McElwee: - Lovely! You are an artist, too!

>72 Caroline_McElwee:, Caroline, Is this book about a man who escaped th Nazi camps multiple times? When I was at the library yesterday, someone was highly recommending it. Everyone has different tastes in books.

It is a beautiful fall day here in NE Pennsylvania!

>203 jessibud2: No, just an occasional doodler Shelley, but glad you liked it.

>204 Whisper1: No, I it's not that one Linda. It's mostly about a blind girl, whose father takes her to the countryside to get her away from Paris, they end up in the house of an uncle. The father ends up in a camp. The story of the blind girl intersects with a young boy who is a Nazi.

There are some quite magical aspects to the novel, as the father works for a museum, and is a craftsman. It's not like any other WWII novel you will have read Linda.

Oh, I like that National Theatre doodle, Caroline. Cloud Cuckoo Land is good, if fractured, so far. I'm waiting to see how he pulls it all together.

i plan to read The Man Who Died twice soon. I'm glad you enjoyed it, even if finding it a bit too clever in parts.

>199 Caroline_McElwee: I read The Thursday Murder Club but while it was good it wasn't good enough to make me go and pick up the sequel. Sounds like a good decision.

I think Cloud Cuckoo Land might be my next subscription book, my teaser mail asked if I'd read anything by Anthony Doerr. I have, but only The Shell collector. So that'll be interesting.

>206 jnwelch: Thanks re the doodle Joe. I'll look out for your final report on the Doerr.

>207 Helenliz: I will probably give the third a go Helen, but I'll wait for the paperback.

Went to see the quirky Wes Anderson movie 'The French Dispatch', what's it about, who knows, but it was fun.

Happy Saturday, Caroline. It looks like I have not stopped by in awhile. Bad Mark. Glad to hear you loved The Magician. I felt the same way about it. I have a library copy of Bewilderment and will start it soon. I have heard nothing but raves. I am a big Wes Anderson fan but his latest is getting lukewarm reviews here. Glad to see that you enjoyed it.

>210 msf59: There are some great bits Mark. Maybe it is a bit uneven, but it's worth seeing for the good bits. The friend I went with made a really astute comment, that it must be incredibly hard to come up with so much quirky humour and metaphor. Easier to write more realistic stories, I think she is right.

>200 Caroline_McElwee: I love your doodle, Caroline.

>199 Caroline_McElwee: It sounds like you were lukewarm about The Performance. I hadn't thought about the ages of women being represented by the characters - great observations.

>212 BLBera: A bit luke warm Beth, though i feel it will need another read to squeeze out some more. I will read 'Happy Days' next year, and maybe reread after.

I've never read or seen "Happy Days." I wonder if my view of the novel would change? Something to think about...

73. The Keeper of Lost Things (Ruth Hogan) (23/10/21) ***



A bit conflicted about this novel. It is lighter fair than I would normally choose (reading for real BG), though deals with some serious issues. For me some of the humour was a bit cheesy.

An interesting idea re the keeper of lost things, and I did like Anthony's stories, or the stories he 'felt/intuited'.

>215 Caroline_McElwee: I'm afraid the title puts me in mind of Bagpuss. Emily had a shop...

>216 Helenliz: Funny how we can be affected by titles and covers Helen. I was a teen when Bagpuss came along, so it passed me by.

>214 BLBera: It would be interesting to find out Beth.

I know there are a few Sarah Moss fans here, so posting this interview.

https://www.theguardian.com/books/2021/oct/29/sarah-moss-the-rhetoric-during-loc...

>195 Caroline_McElwee: Are we still on schedule for the second week of November for The Nakano Thrift Shop?

>215 Caroline_McElwee: I have that one on my shelves to read. Sounds like it will not be a keeper for me. I hope your next read is better for you!

Happy Friday, Caroline!

>220 alcottacre: I'm ok with the 2nd week. Caroline?

>219 Caroline_McElwee: That's an excellent article. The Fell won't be available in the US until March, but I am really looking forward to it.

>220 alcottacre: Yes Stasia, 2nd week in Nov.

You are right, Keeper is leaving the building.

>221 PaulCranswick: Excellent Paul.

>222 lauralkeet: Me too Laura. Her novels are also a pleasure for being readable in a couple of long sittings usually too.

>221 PaulCranswick: >223 Caroline_McElwee: Sounds like a plan then! I am looking forward to it.

>219 Caroline_McElwee: Thanks for sharing the interview, Caroline. I can't wait to read her new one.

Just stopping by to say hello, Caroline. (I'm also updating my reading stats!)

>224 alcottacre: I'll probably start it next Wednesday Stasia.

>225 BLBera: I suspect I'll read it soon after it lands Beth.

>226 PaulCranswick: Paul, waving as you pass through.

74. Matrix (Lauren Groff) (02/11/21) ****



Expelled by Queen Eleanor and dispatched to a near derelict convent, Marie climbs the ranks to become Abbess and takes the convent with her making it one of the most powerful. Set in the 11th Century, the story of a woman whose power grows despite the obstacles she must overcome.

75. The Wine Lover's Daughter (Anne Fadiman) (04/11/21) ****



Despite the title, this is mostly a biography about a beloved father, Clifton Fadiman, his foibles, insecurities, genius, but mostly about his passion for wine.

There are a couple of chapters at the end about Anne's own inability to share her father's passion, and her need to find a scientific reason for this lack. These chapters in a way seemed quite painful, as she appeared to desperately need an excuse for her not sharing her father's taste.

I had hoped there would be more about their shared literary passion than there was.

>227 Caroline_McElwee: OK, i will start it on Wednesday as well.

>228 Caroline_McElwee: I already have Matrix in the BlackHole, so I do not need to add it there. Too bad about The Wine Lover's Daughter as I love Fadiman's Ex Libris. I think I too would be disappointed about the lack of "shared literary passion," so I am giving that one a pass.

Happy Friday, Caroline!

>228 Caroline_McElwee: Congratulations on reaching 75, Caroline!

Congrats on the 75.

I normally like books about nunneries, given the bonus of an unusually high number of female characters. However, I am a bit hesitant because I didn't get very far with her previous book.

Happy Saturday, Caroline! Congrats on hitting #75! Glad to see another fan of Matrix. I am in a long line at the library for that one. I should have jumped on it sooner.

>229 alcottacre: Great Stasia.

>230 FAMeulstee: >231 charl08: >232 msf59: Thanks Anita, Charlotte and Mark.

By Tom Gauld

Made me smile.

>234 Caroline_McElwee: Made me smile too.

Happy weekend, Caroline!

>234 Caroline_McElwee: I think I had better send that one on to my bookclub! We are still zooming and long to get together in person!

>234 Caroline_McElwee: Lol. I love it!

>234 Caroline_McElwee: Have done at least 3 of those, more than once possibly 4 (not finishing, not starting, and reading the wrong book by the correct author (James Baldwin and Virginia Woolf). In that context, think I've also attended for the group or the people in it.

>234 Caroline_McElwee: Excellent! I've filled a number of those slots. Most successful book clubs seem to end up as drinking groups with a side order of book.

>234 Caroline_McElwee: Yes, lovely thing. Although one of my lunchtime ones we don't drink and I've still managed to forget big chunks of what I meant to remember!

>235 alcottacre: >236 mdoris: >237 labfs39: >238 elkiedee: >239 Helenliz: >240 charl08: haha, Gauld definitely hit the spot there hehe.

>234 Caroline_McElwee: Love it! Gauld is the best!

>242 msf59: He is Mark.

Happy Sunday, Caroline! I hope you have a wonderful day!

76. The Maiden Dinosaur (Janet McNeill) (06/11/21) ****1/2



Sarah and her group of friends have now reached middle age, and we watch them being themselves at this milestone in life, friends, but all very different. The main focus is Sarah, and her relationship to the others and their men, and to the choices she has made. We also see Sarah in relation to her pupils.

The house she grew up in and inherited has been divided up so some of her friends and others are living in parts of it, and it is weighted with memory of the life lived there when her parents were alive. The sense of place in many respects is in Sarah's mind, rather than the Northern Ireland where it is set in the late 1950s.

A new to me writer, thanks to AlisonY's recent review. I will be reading more.

>245 Caroline_McElwee: Too bad my local library does not have a copy of that one. Thanks for the review and recommendation, Caroline.

>244 alcottacre: >246 alcottacre: Shame your library doesn't have it Stasia.

I hope you are having a good Sunday.

>247 Caroline_McElwee: So far, so good. Thanks, Caroline.

>245 Caroline_McElwee: Glad you enjoyed it, Caroline. It's miserable when you recommend a book on LT and then other people hate it!

Congrats for zipping past the goal!

>249 AlisonY: Well as I've said elsewhere, if we all liked the same books, there would be no need for the variety or reviews. I try not to cry too much when someone doesn't like a book I love Alison.

>250 drneutron: Thanks Jim.