Apologies for the extended absence but my parents have been visiting for the past two weeks, mostly oohing and aahing over Mademoiselle Petitvore. But I have been reading A TON and have a lovely stack of books to start writing about, namely:
The Country of Pointed Firs by Sarah Orne Jewett – Richly detailed sketches, of both character and setting, of Maine
The Sandcastle by Iris Murdoch – Whoever told me that Murdoch was a lot like Nadine Gordimer got this exactly right and I’m really looking forward to delving into more of Murdoch’s writing. The experience of reading The Sandcastle felt very similar to reading Gordimer.
Burnt Shadows by Kamila Shamsie – Quite possibly the best book I’ve read so far in 2009
The Conversations at Curlow Creek by David Malouf – A new author for me, this was a dense and beautifully written book. A thoughtful book. And Malouf has an interesting style, which took me a little bit to get used to but once I did I really enjoyed.
Crow Lake by Mary Lawson – Very good, clean writing and an interesting story about family loss and how our perceptions of others come most often from something within our selves. I might have appreciated this one more if I hadn’t just finished Burnt Shadows and The Conversations at Curlow Creek.
At the moment I am working through Francisco Goldman’s The Divine Husband (my Guatemala book for my Central American reading project, a very interesting book with lots of tangential stories and densely packed detail) and Hilda and Pearl by Alice Mattison (set in McCarthy era Brooklyn, not sure how attached I am to this book yet).
Not only am I looking forward to writing about all these books, but I can’t wait to catch up on all my favorite book blogs and what people have been reading.
15 responses so far ↓
nicole // October 28, 2009 at 8:50 pm |
Looking forward to it–especially as best book so far in 2009 is quite a feat. If only my quiet two weeks had been spent getting through a nice pile like this!
Lilian Nattel // October 28, 2009 at 11:14 pm |
I’m really looking forward to hearing more! I love the way you read so much. I like Gordimer btw, will have to give Murdoch a go.
Evie // October 29, 2009 at 12:06 am |
Fantastic to see you’ve discovered David Malouf. He is not only one of Australia’s most important writers, he is also one of our most loved.
ds // October 29, 2009 at 12:55 am |
I am sure that Mademoiselle Petitvore thrived on all of the oohing and aahing! Look forward to your thoughts on all of these, but especially of Ms. Murdoch, who’s a favorite; The Sandcastle is an unknown quantity, though. Enjoy!
Mel U // October 29, 2009 at 2:14 am |
Some very interesting sounding books here-I read a number of Murdoch novels, maybe 40 or so years ago-I quite enjoyed them-I must read a Nadine Gordimer soon-
Guilherme // October 29, 2009 at 8:03 am |
Iris Murdoch, here I come!
Hearing you claim any book you read is the best of anything automatically puts it on my list; one more author to the pile…
I wonder if you’ve read anything by Aleksandar Hemon? I haven’t quite finished “Love And Obstacles”, yet will say it’s one of the most refreshing works I’ve ever come across. Definitely worthy of your time…
Biblibio // October 29, 2009 at 12:15 pm |
Not much to say (seeing as I’ve read none of the mentioned books, nor have I heard of them) but I do find it interesting that you think the reason you weren’t as impressed with “Crow Lake” was because it immediately followed two great books. Maybe for all its technical excellence, it’s not that good a book? I’ve noticed recently that there are a lot of books that should be really great (good writing, interesting story, etc.) but just aren’t. Of course, I could be completely wrong and off-base, making this whole paragraph pointless and stupid. Hmm…
I need to read both Gordimer and Murdoch. Now I’m wondering which to start with. Book research time it is!
Sarah // October 29, 2009 at 1:54 pm |
I’m glad to hear you’ve discovered David Malouf as he’s a great favourite of mine who I think is sadly unread outside of Australia.
I’ve read mixed reviews of Burnt Shadows and will be interested to find out why you liked it so mcuh.
Dorothy W. // October 29, 2009 at 2:06 pm |
I’m looking forward to all your reviews! I’m especially curious what you think of Murdoch and Jewett, as those are the ones I’m most familiar with, and I’m looking forward to learning about the others. I’m glad the visit with your parents went well and you got the chance to read so much.
verbivore // October 29, 2009 at 3:19 pm |
Nicole – Nursing time is proving to be a wonderful reading time – all those quiet hours have got me literally getting through book after book. Lovely!
Lilian – This was my very first Murdoch, which I was a little wary to try since someone told me she was like Gordimer. It should have worked in the opposite direction (makkng me want to read Murdoch right away) but Gordimer is my absolutely favorite author and I was worried how I would react.
Evie – Thank you for the comment! I am delighted to discover Malouf and have another of his books waiting for me on the shelf.
DS – I’m not sure The Sandcastle is representative of Murdoch, but I certainly enjoyed it. Which is your favorite?
Mel – I really enjoyed The Sandcastle and am looking for other Murdoch novels now, which ones did you like in particular? And I can highly recommend Gordimer, she is my favorite.
Guilherme – No, I have never read Hemon, but will look for him right away. Thanks for the suggestion!
Biblibio – I like your comment about Crow Lake. I should be more specific when I say I didn’t love something
In this case, there was something in the narration that kept taking me out of the story and calling attention to itself, but I will write up a proper reaction!
Sarah – I will be reading another Malouf soon, really enjoyed it. I agree it is a shame he isn’t better known outside of Australia.
Dorothy – Have you read other Iris Murdoch novels? I’m curious about where I should head next with her stuff.
Stefanie // October 29, 2009 at 4:32 pm |
I loved Country of the Pointed Firs, can’t wait to read your thoughts on it. I’ve read Murdoch’s The Sea, the Sea and really liked it so I want to read more of her books.
litlove // October 30, 2009 at 7:02 pm |
What a wonderful selection of books and I’m looking forward to hearing what you have to say about all of them. So glad you had a lovely visit!
Steph // October 30, 2009 at 10:28 pm |
For once I’ve actually read one of the books you mention – Crow Lake! I thought the sparse writing was really effective and evocative in this novel, and wound up being surprised by how enthralled I became with it. I can see how it might have felt a bit lightweight compared to your other reads, but I think it sounds as though it still stood up tolerably well for you.
Dorothy W. // October 31, 2009 at 4:34 pm |
I’ve read Murdoch’s The Good Apprentice and The Sea, The Sea. I didn’t love either of them; something about them made them not quite work, but I haven’t figured out what it is. I may have to read her again to see.
びっくり // November 10, 2009 at 5:59 am |
No need to apologize for not posting. BTW, my apologies for not being around commenting.