Virago Secret Santa: Opening !!

Since it's already the 19th for our friends in Australia and New Zealand, let's get this party started!!

Those of us still on the 18th can sit back and enjoy a cup of tea by the fire while we ooh and aah over eachothers' gifts.

We don't wait until Christmas????

Any time between the 19th and after, Ms. Mary. Are you waiting until Christmas? (I've heard rumors that yours is set to detonate on the 20th. . .)

>3 christiguc: I thought as much.

Yes, Mary, I heard that your gift is da bomb. As the kids say.

Here I go......opening my Secret Santa gift from my not so Secret Santa - the lovely Juliette07......ohhhhh...said in the softest whisper...ohhh Julie...I am quite overcome......you are too too too generous.....(she touches each gift reverently - everything is smooth and shiny and new)...."Yes, yes!" they all tsk "But tell us what it is!!!!".....a journal to record secret thoughts, some bookmarks and ....drum roll please....Elizabeth and her German Garden by Elizabeth von Arnim and The History of Love by Nicole Krauss....and PUFF!! Alex vanished into a puff of reading....not to be seen for quite a while....whooops...back again for a heartfelt hug and a big thank you to my gorgeous Secret Santa. May many blessings rain upon you this Christmas and 2011 be a fabulous year for you and yours Julie...you are an angel :)

Both books are wonderful. Well done Julie! I am waiting till Xmas Day but will enjoy the early openers.

I am not waiting until Christmas day, no way! I shall open mine tomorrow. :-)))))

Alex - you are so very welcome. I love writing so hence the journal - I simly couldn't resist.

Your Christmas tree is as white as the scene outside here, and in most of the UK at present. It was -8.4 last night on our maximum/minimum thermometer and has climbed to -6.8 since I got up.

I too am waiting till Christmas Day - I love a suprise but will be watching to hear from others!

I'm going to *try* to wait until Christmas, but can't promise anything!

I'M NOT WAITING !!!!

I have to go out for a few hours this morning, so I decided to get an early start on my gifts. And I'm so glad I did!

My package arrived last Monday, and I gave it a prominent place on the dining room table, closely guarded by a reindeer:


The beribboned stack looked and felt like books. But that red present was oddly shaped, and kind of squishy. Every day I surveyed my gifts, looking for clues. When I woke up this morning, I couldn't wait another minute. I was thrilled to find my Secret Santa was Lucy/sibyx. I've enjoyed getting to know Lucy this year, both in this group and the 75ers. She introduced me to Book Trader, a used bookshop in Philadelphia that I simply must visit every time I'm in the city. I regret Lucy and I did not meet face-to-face before she moved from Philadelphia to Vermont. Maybe someday !

Anyway, here's what I found when I unwrapped my gifts:



Front and center is Elizabeth Taylor's Palladian, a book I've had on my Virago Wants List for some time. Woo hoo!!!! On the left is The Land of Little Rain, described as a "beautiful, poetic study of the Southwestern desert. Fourteen sketches describe plants, animals, mountains, birds, skies, Indians, prospectors, towns, other features in serene, beautifully modulated prose." As a nature buff this one really appeals to me. On the right is The Hills at Home, a comedy of manners set in New England. Another win! It looks delightful. On adding this book to my library, I noticed it's owned not only by Lucy but by several other LT members I recognize as kindred reading spirits.

And finally, there in the center is a leaf-shaped bottle of maple syrup, the real deal made by real Vermont maple syrupers ... undoubtedly far better than the mass-produced substance available in supermarkets around here. Note to self: pancakes for breakfast tomorrow !

Lucy, you've done a fabulous job. I appreciate your thoughtful choices and love how you've shared some of yourself and your new home through these gifts. Thank you, Lucy !!

Such thoughtful gifts, Lucy! And pancakes with REAL syrup sounds heavenly!

I'm back from church, brewing my pot of coffee, and staring at my lovely package with much anticipation--which I will open momentarily! As soon as I have my cup of coffee to enjoy while I savor the opening!!!!

And now enough waiting--time for the grand reveal!

My gift came from a dear, well-known source, the lovely Trish/mrspenny! And in addition to knowing me quite well, she is also quite generous! My gift contained three books plus!

One--a VMC from my wishlist that I have long been searching for: The People with the Dogs by Christina Stead, in the original VMC publication style! Since reading The Man Who Loved Children, Christina Stead has been on my must-collect list. I'm looking forward to reading this one!

Two--Towards Another Summer by Janet Frame, another Virago author who I find fascinating. Her novels are full of beautiful passages of descriptive writing, and her autobiographical books are an interesting glimpse into mental illness (she was diagnosed with schizophrenia).

Three--Anderby Wold by Winifred Holtby. And just in time for a group read of Winifred Holtby in January!

Plus--a TWO DVD set of the best of Joan Sutherland. Trish, knowing my affinity for opera, included this set of the world-famous Australian soprano!

Thank you, Trish! Every selection is spot-on! xx

Wow how lovely, I and I am glad you enjoyed it with a cup of coffee. Good gifts from Santas all around. Such thoughtful Virago Santas!

I am torn between waiting and not waiting but I do have to different packages from my lovely Santa (Laura). Perhaps I will open one today and one on Christmas.

I am really enjoying these openings. Everyone's gifts seem lovely and so perfect for them!

I am going to compromise on my opening time. I don't think I can wait until the 25th but it won't feel properly like Christmas until I've finished work tomorrow. (Then I'll be on holiday for two and a half weeks-werhay!!) So I'm thinking the 22nd or 21st...probably the 21st!

This is delightful - by opening in stages our pleasure may be prolonged which will be most enjoyable!

Hi Laura! I've been in a certain amount of agony waiting for this day and am so glad you like my choices (of course, until you read them I won't really know). I tried for variety and surprise and comfort (one more for the collection). I also took the opportunity as a excuse to visit nearby secondhand stores!!!!!!!! The most expensive thing, btw, was the syrup, I stayed well within the budget. Also I love the pix! Makes it more real. I too am sorry we never met before I scarpered off, but I'll be around and I'll make sure we can arrange some kind of rendezvous.

Now..... I'm off to rummage around in the basket under the tree......Wrapped in gray shiny paper, red ribbon, feels like three books..... two smaller one larger....another layer of paper, white....

A new (to me) Virago, Laura Talbot's The Gentlewomen!
from my wish list: Thomas King's Green Grass, Running Water - a book I know many many LTers have loved (I'm guessing my Secret Santa maybe too?)

And last, a biography of Grace Coolidge, a Vermont-born First Lady by rossishbel::ishbel Ross called Grace Coolidge and her Era. Those of you on 75 know of Becky/labwriter, a devoted reader about the first half of the 20th century, and this is one of her fervent recommends. I've visited the Coolidge homestead (worth it if you are touring VT) and have a general interest in 'all things Vermont'; and I think Grace fits nicely into the Virago era.

And my Secret Santa has chosen to remain secret........ at least for now. Come forward! Please! So I can thank you properly for your thoughtful choices. But in case you are too shy, THANK YOU!

I couldn't even wait until the 19th, because I was pretty sure one of the packages sent me by Miss-Read (in Cornwall, England! My favorite spot in all the world!) was Anita Brookner's latest, Strangers. So yesterday, while our latest storm blew and rained, I lay on the sofa and read the thing from start to finish. Many, many big thank-you's to you, Helen. While savoring the book, I savored some chocolate from Cornwall, sported a pin you sent, and drew in the heavenly scent of the lavender soap that's permeating my house at this moment. Wait! There's more! A beautifully produced Persephone journal for 2011. Do any of you already have one of these? Each left-hand page is a reproduction of a famous wallpaper or fabric design, and each right-hand page, in addition to the weekly calendar, has a quaote from a Persephone. Perfect! I love it. I do appreciate your generosity and the thoughtfulness of each gift, Helen.

I could not wait either, and so, earlier this morning, I opened my package.

Oh what a magnificent surprise!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It contained FOUR lovely wrapped packages, which looked and felt like books and WERE books!
My SS was none other than dearest LizzieD/Peggy. THANK YOU VERY VERY MUCH, PEGGY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

These books, which I am going to list shortly, had been on my wish list for quite a while, and so you can imagine my happiness when I unwrapped them.

Here they are:

Listening Valley and Still Glides the Stream, both by D. E. Stevenson, a writer whom I really enjoy;
English Eccentrics by Edith Sitwell and, last but not least, Ottoline Morrell. Life on the Grand Scale by Miranda Seymour, which I had wanted to read for a very long time, due to my interest in Virginia Woolf and the Bloomsbury Group.

I know that thank you is hardly enough, but......THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Oh, Paola, you are so very, very, very welcome! I'm glad you're happy; I was happy finding them for you.
And NOW!!!!
From our ♥Danielle♥ - my joy has no
end...........
First I unwrapped the largest one because I'm canny about the size of books --- and --- a most-desired, original green, 1988, Virago/Beacon Traveller, Journeys in Persia and Kurdistan by Isabella Bird. And it's perfect! It looks as though it might have been on the shelf for two months rather than twenty-two years. Thank you! I think it is the book I wanted most, Danielle, and I thought everything else would be icing on the cake. So then I opened number two: another cake!! An original Virago edition of 147856::Trooper to the Southern Cross by Angela Thirkell!!!! I didn't think I'd ever own this one, and I'm thrilled! And there was yet another book which is icing for both cakes, a Persephone edition of 75977::Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day by Winifred Watson. I can't wait to read, and I am so thankful that I finished Middlemarch so that I can start at least one of them now!
Thank you, Ms. Noodlejet! I hope you please your family as much as you pleased me!

Trooper to the Southern Cross!!! OMG, lucky woman!

>17 sibylline:

Dear Lucy aka sibyx

Ho Ho Ho I am your Secret Santa!

In my anxiety to make sure you actually received a present in time for Christmas I didn't get a chance to include anything personal or distinctive from the land down under so please forgive me....I thought it best to avoid the international postage route altogether.

I am very keen to hear about the Thomas King book as I have heard so much about it on the radio.

It is so lovely to meet you and I'm glad we have had a chance to connect this way. It was lots of fun hunting down the books for you and I got to meet some lovely people virtually in bookshops along the way :)

Luvvie aka alexdaw

Oh how wonderful Peggy - I loved Isabella Bird when I read her! A real Virago/Beacon Traveller, Journeys in Persia and Kurdistan - what a thoughtful gift!

I am so loving reading all this news - got a bit of 'flu plus a minus 8.4 freeze so this thread is truly raising my spirit!

I'm loving reading these but will hold firm till Christmas. We haven't got a tree as we didn't get around to agreeing what to get, so if I photograph my parcel it'll be under a tiny IKEA led light tree (one of two we bought our first Christmas, before we lived together!)

Thrilled to see The Gentlewoman being opened, as that was in one of my lovely special parcels last year!

Alex -- this is wonderful as I've never connected with you and am thrilled that my present was chosen from around and down under. And I've even BEEN to Brisbane. I have a bro who lives in Canberra and we've visited (only the once, I'm ashamed to admit) and went all around as much as we could in the two weeks we had..... Brisbane was one of my favorite stops and we loved the drive up the coast.

Now I have to go see what other books we share besides Viragos.

Thank you and thank you!

Mary, I'm so glad you liked your presents! I had such fun shopping for you! I am, however, having a giggle about you not even being able to wait until the 19th to break into Anita Brookner!

I am enjoying reading about the gifts given and received. What a wonderful bunch of thoughtful and generous people you are.

Christina - I am so pleased that you are pleased with your gifts - it was a lot of fun deciding and finding some titles that were not already in your library.

#26 - Helen, I can never resist Anita. I now have all 24 of her novels and re-read some of them every couple of years. She and Penelope Liveley are just about the only two authors I always read right away. Also, as you can tell from my screen name (ManyKnits), I'm a constant knitter and maybe you know there's a special yarn that comes from Mullion that we Americans use (when we can afford it) for your fisherman ganseys. I hope you enjoy your gifts from your Secret Santa as I have enjoyed those you sent me.

Wowza!~! What lovelies everyone is receiving. Mine are still nestled in our tree and shining reflectively from the lights. I am so excited for Christmas Eve as I will probably open one of them then and one on Christmas morn.

LizzyD;
What a score you made. Thirkell and Bird too???????????? I want your Santa next year. LOL!~! It doesn't get much better than those two.

It is so wonderful; the camaraderie and fun all of you are having. This thread was a swell idea. Thank you Christina for all that you do to make our online 'home' such a wonderful place to come. Such fun to peep in as others open their gifts. And what wonderful gifts all are receiving. I loved the pictures too.

I caved! I really did plan to wait until Christmas, but I'm nearly at the end of D.E. Stevenson's Four Graces and I had a feeling there would be something lovely in my Secret Santa parcel to read. So I ripped it open this morning in a frenzy of bookish madness and glee. And I certainly was gleeful when I found a copy of Mrs Tim's Regiment inside! Andrew, you clever CLEVER thing!! The Stevenson reading-jag will continue uninterrupted! Yippeeeeee!!! Thank you so very much! (And even though I'm disappointed in myself that I didn't manage to hold out until the 25th, I'm beyond pleased to have a lovely new book to start tonight!)

Thought I would report that I do not plan to open my secret santa gift right away, either. I will be going out of town for a few days, from the 20th to the 25th, though, and think I might take the package with me, with the intention of opening it on the 25th. I have just started Travels in West Africa by Mary Kingsley, but it's quite a long book, but I thought it might be good to have a back-up as where I'm going isn't exactly a reader's hub, and if it gets opened a little early, well, I guess it was meant to be.......

I can say that the lovely package was sent by Tui aka Tiffin, even though I haven't opened it yet, right? Tapadh Leibh! ("Thank you!" in Gaelic)

I settled down to a lovely post-prandial treat and opened my Secret Santa - I am now the proud owner of a beautiful copy of Dark Hester by Anne Douglas Sedgwick published in 1929 with dustjacket art by Alfred Skendra. It was accompanied by a lovely card.

Along with my book, there was a book voucher from one of my favourite online bookshops - Powells; there was also a Powell's book bag.

I have not read any of the work of Anne Douglas Sedgwick so it's off to the verandah after lunch on Chrismas day to acquaint myself with Hester and her mother-in-law.

My gift came from Heather (hjelliott). Heather, thank you for your generosity and your very kind words - I will enjoy Dark Hester and perusing Powell's catalogue in the near future.

The best possible book present I could ever receive is a book which I've never heard of, especially if it looks interesting... and that's exactly what I've got!

It's also signed by the author - what a lovely touch.

Thank you so much, Rob. I am really looking forward to reading The Quickening.

I hope all the other VSSes are as excited with their gifts as I am with mine!

Ah, hooray mrspenny! So glad it arrived. Hope you enjoy it! I was so proud to find something that you hadn't read before!

>20 LizzieD: Peggy, I'm so glad your gift arrived safely and am thrilled that you will enjoy them. I'll admit they were hard to ship off but I knew they were going to a wonderful home :) ENJOY! Happy Holidays and lots of love!

The Nativity in the digital age as a little diversion: http://www.chretiente.info/noel/

Very clever! Thanks for sharing, Jane!

Brilliant Jane!

I have now caught up with this whole thread and am delighted at the choices and thoughtfulness. Socks, there is a second parcel on the way to you...I do hope it arrives when you are home! The thought which has gone into everyone's gifts is as heartwarming as the gifts themselves.

Amen to that Tui. It is pretty amazing to read through this thread and see the love, care and thought that people put into choosing such a personal gift as a book. To me, a gift doesn't come more personal that the gift of a book. (other than the wondrous gift of salvation)
I am having such fun reading the squeals of delight and in some you can feel the lump in the throat of the giftee at the thoughtfulness of the giver. It is indeed wonderful.
My squeals will be on here Christmas Eve and Christmas morn. My Secret Santa sent two beautifully wrapped gifts and I have opted to open one the Eve and one on the Morn. So far so good, but it has been very difficult.
Continue to enjoy, everyone. What a wonderful group.
hugs all round,

I'm loving this thread too - and am so excited to hear what my giftee thinks of their parcel! I am still trying to save mine till Christmas Day - I was tempted yesterday (first day of my Christmas Holidays) and Tuesday (last day in full time employment!) and am, indeed, today (haven't worked Wednesdays for a while so this is proper first holiday day). Oh, and on Monday we got the tree.... anyway, it's still there at the moment!

This doesn't exactly have anything to do with Virago Openings, but I thought you'd all get a kcik out of it. Posted by The Folger Shakespeare Library.

Dear Santa:

How does my lord? I am fine. I believe ‘tis possible you did not receive my wish list last year, or that it fell into unsavory hands and was rudely tampered with before reaching you, as all you brought me was a chastity belt and some granny underpants. I pray that this one flies to you untainted since this year hath really sucked. I wish for the following:

He’s Just Not That Into You (book and DVD)
All About Me” Lock and Key Diary
National Geographic Flower and Leaf Pressing Kit
Coastal Deluxe Automatic Inflatable Life Vest

Fingers crossed,
Ophelia

Thanks, Deborah! Clever, clever, clever!!! Funny, funny, funny!

Chuckle, snort. I have to send that to my daughter who is a Shakespeare NUT.

Snortz!~! LOL!~! (literally) How very clever.

sibyx; My daughter in Texas; likewise. And as I only sent her cold, hard cash..........she will love getting this and sharing it with her literary friends. What a hoot!~!

Cariola, thank you so much for sharing that. Very funny.

Happy Festivus! One of the traditions of the holiday is the "airing of grievances," but I have absolutely no grievances against any member of this lovely group. Today, I am especially grateful to Barbara (romain) for sending me The Ante-Room by one of my favorite authors, Kate O'Brien, as well as two Persephones: The Blank Wall by Elisabeth Sanxay Holding, and Every Eye by Isobel English. Such perfect choices: a book by an old favorite, and two books to introduce me to writers I haven't read before.

Thank you, Barbara! And Happy Holidays everyone!

You're welcome Rob and by a happy coincidence we were talking about Seinfeld and Festivus at work today.

Wow! Two lovely packages and...three books!!! One persephone (woohoo!) How to Run Your Home Without Help and two viragos: Mr Skeffington and Christopher and Columbus by Elizabeth von Arnim, my favorite! Thank you Sue (vestafan) for the abundance of books. I love them. And what a reassuring thump they made when landing on my doorstep all the way from snowy england. :)

My fingers are itching and that package is ticking, but I am holding off. In the meantime, check out the lovely Christmas card that the Dark Tea Times left for its readers . . . complete with falling snow.

Lovely card, Mary!
By the way, now that I found out the existence of 'Dark Tea Times', I feel compelled to go back and peruse through it at leisure.

Yes, I also have spent the last few minutes scanning it. Hilarious! When do you have time to do any work, woman? Or is that what the housekeeper is for? I love the layout and it is truly funny Mary. I laughed out loud at the duct tape and Elmer's Glue reference. I think we are all married to the same man.

>51 romain: Barbara,

I've been meaning to tell you . . . we are married to the same man.

ha ha ha/ Oh Mary, you quite crack me up. I, too, went over last night and had a blast reading part of your blog. I know nothing about blogging but the reading part of it as you could tell by my three-to-make-one post. LOL!~!
I love the way you write and plan to make your blog a happy little get-a-way regularly.
hugs,
wee wet rock (with the 3 acre 'azz') ;-)

Lovely Dark Tea Times card, Mary -- but I'm so glad it's almost 70 degrees here and NO snow.

And now, as it is Christmas Eve and all good children get to open one present on Christmas Eve.....

oooh -- a gorgeous crocheted shawl, a packet of Earl Grey tea, Michael Hoppe's REQUIEM, a beautiful green Storm Jameson's Women Against Men AND an adorable pussycat peeping out the sink! Who could ask for a better way to spend Christmas Eve afternoon!

Thank-you so much for your thoughtfulness and lovely, lovely gifts, Manyknits aka Mary F.

Merry Merry Christmas to you all!

Oh, how lovely Jane. You made my morning what with so much work I should be doing.....I keep running to and fro checking in here and then back to the work. Thank goodness the hubby is home today to entertain the grandsons so that I can get it done. I appreciate him so much.
But this is very, very nice.

I almost confused myself and thought a nice package from the UK was from my book-loving friend across the pond with whom I always exchange books.

This morning I said wait a minute, that could be your Secret Santa gift, and opened it up to find two lovely wrapped packages and a beautiful card from dear Dee, AKA soupdragon.

First the CARD - beautiful all by itself! And the books, so nicely wrapped - hated to disturb the wrapping, but anyway!

The first one I opened turns out to be The End of Mr. Y by Scarlett Thomas - I'm not familiar with this book at all but just looking at the cover and the pages (edged in black!) and the blurbs - I am going to start reading it right away.

The other gift is Tea with Mr. Rochester, my second Persephone ever! The endpaper is gorgeous, and I know I will enjoy this one too!

Thanks so much Dee - wonderful choices for me!

Oh I love The End of Mr. Y..

Oh Jane, I'm so glad you liked your gifts. But, my dear, the shawl isn't crocheted, it's knitted. By ManyKnits...get it? And the kitty in the sink wants you to know that he is Ed Smith, because he is a totally ordinary, nothing special (except that cats are special) pussycat. Michael Hoppe is my sister's friend and his wife is her best friend. Do you drink Earl Grey and have you read the Virago? And Merry Christmas.

58> Well -- I'm obviously not very savvy about the difference between crocheting and knitting -- but the shawl is certainly beautiful, and yes, I do drink Earl Grey, and I haven't read Women Against Men -- yet.... Give Ed Smith a warm Christmas cuddle for me. Thanks again for the lovely gifts!

I feel so, so guilty about opening my gifts, especially since mine to my person is still on its way! I received The Ordeal of Elizabeth Marsh, Evening is the Whole Day (two books I'd never heard of before but look interesting!) and a Virago from my wish list, Mrs. Palfrey at the Claremont. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!

Who was your Secret Santa Kasthu?
That entire list looks wonderful. I am sure you will enjoy them all. And three. Our Santas are very generous this year.

And I am very excited to hear my giftee's squeals of wonder (hopefully that is what they will be) when they open their gift.

belva

Ooh lucky, lucky me! Many thanks to the lovely Parmaviolet (I particularly liked the way you stuck a postit in the card with your name underneath it - very amusing!)

Mr LB and I haven't had Official Present Opening yet (no Kindle for me quite yet!) but I had special permission to creep downstairs (to the icy wastes, which is why we're not opening yet) and collect my Virago Secret Santa parcel.

And inside I found...

Rumer Godden's The Greengage Summer which I have read, but not for an AGE, and remember loving. Such a lovely copy, too.

E.H. Young's Miss Mole - as Nicky noted, I don't seem to have read any by this author, but I've seen several of you reading this one fairly recently and it looks marvellous.

Elizabeth von Armin's Fraulein Schmidt and Mr Anstruther which I THINK is the ONLY von Armin I don't have! I do love her as well, and she was one of my early Virago buys back in the day, so I'm thrilled to have this. It's an interesting new looking VMC, slightly shinier of cover and larger than Miss Mole - are these reprints on demand or some such?

What I particularly loved, which is a theme in these gifts, was the huge care and thought that went into this parcel, and I smiled at the notes on why the books were chosen, as I did the same for my giftee, in a note in each book!

Thank you so much Nicky! A lovely first present to open, and wonderful books to read (please note, though - I try to read all my books in order of acquisition, so these will come around in a month or so - doesn't mean I don't love them and look forward to them, it's just how I do it!)

Happy Christmas everyone!

Merry Christmas, everyone!

I must have been a very good girl, because my Secret Santa (Rachel) sent me two wonderful books, all wrapped in shiny paper. The first has long been on my Virago wish list: The Gods Arrive by Edith Wharton. And it's a green cover edition to boot! The second is Mrs. Woolf and the Servants by Alison Light. This one has also been on my wish list since it came out, and it couldn't have come at a better time. I will be teaching Mrs. Dalloway next semester and plan to do some boning up on Woolf over the semester break. Thank you SO much, Rachel, for your lovely and thoughtful gifts!

Thank you Paola for our lovely presents, gorgeously wrapped and chosen with so much thought!!

For me, a lovely green copy of The Edwardians by Vita Sackville-West, which is fantastic, because I loved both the other books of hers that I've read, and Manhattan, When I was Young by Mary Cantwell. And for the kids, Richard Scarry's Best Christmas Book Ever and Arthur's Family Treasury by Marc Brown. I have just read them the Arthur one - he is a big favourite here!

Hope everyone is having a merry Christmas!

Best wishes to everyone!

#62 First of all, LyzzyBee, I'm so glad you liked your gifts. Enjoy them!

Now: I opened my parcel today, and am delighted. The books were beautifully wrapped, and my SS has obviously done some homework on what I would like.

The books were: one of the only titles I didn't yet have by one of my favourites, Elizabeth Taylor: A game of hide and seek, in the lovely Virago hardback edition. Then, two books by another favoured author of mine, Rumer Godden: The river and The peacock spring. I didn't have these either, and haven't read any of the three books, so this is marvellous! Thank you so much, SS!

My SS did not reveal a name inside the package, but I have a shrewd idea who it is, since the return address referred to a Vicarage and included the initials CD! If it is you, CDVicarage, excellent detective work and a brilliant present - thanks again!

So, Parmaviolet - you gave me a Rumer Godden and the last book I didn't have by a favourite author... and you got that karma right back! Wonderful!

Well my dears it is after midday and we are just finishing breakfast here. I opened my SS gifts as the very last present because I knew it would be something I wanted as opposed to a token gift, and because so few people get me books - just book tokens.

So my box was from Belva and the first one I opened was a wonderful book of photographs called Wise Women I actually spent half an hour looking at every photo of these older, and in some cases very old, women and I was astounded by the beauty of some and disappointed in the ridiculous plasticity of a couple. Specifically the Hollywood actresses who refuse to let go. But, there were so many truly gorgeous women in their 90s. I was left wondering, were these women always beautiful, or will I get better looking as well? Interestingly I loved the photo of Gloria Steinem at 67. I will try and find it on line later and post it. I think it is how many of us wish we looked :)

Then there were two Viragos - both LONG on my wishlist. Lantana Lane which I have wanted for ages and ... drum roll... Her Son's Wife by Dorothy Canfield. I promise you I am not lying - I gasped with pleasure when I saw it. I was so pleased I literally gasped. Belva - I don't know where you got it from but it has been my ultimate 'lost' Virago. I never see it even second hand and on the very very odd occasion it turns up it is way beyond my price range.

My dear, I am so happy with your choices and I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Barbara

Squeals of delight upon opening my gifts from my Secret Santa!~! Thank you so very much Maren.
Firstly; The Solitary Summer by Elizabeth von Arnim ................... my first favorite Virago author and one of only 2 of hers that I did not have. Am now missing just one of her Viragos. Happy, happy, joy, joy!~!
Secondly; A book I have wanted for ever so long and I hear so many of you speaking of it: Cold Comfort Farm by Stella Gibbons. Can't wait to tear into it.
Thank you so much Maren for your kind and thoughtful gifts. I am so appreciative and happy.
And.........they arrived beautifully wrapped in Virago green wrap. Wonderful.
Christmas hugs to Maren and to all of my fellow Viragoites. May many blessings come your way. I hope all of you are enjoying a wonderful Christmas holiday.

Joyful Christmas wishes everyone!

Having gone to church, prepared, wined and dined ... the time had arrived for *my* Secret Santa moment. Keith is snoozing ... thanks to a dram or two of Drambuie!

A festive parcel, beautifully wrapped and tied with red ribbon containing two delcious book shaped packages. Alongside, a little beribboned tissue paper wrapped gift enticing me ... it was the most delightful Christmas tree decoration complete with robin, glitter and crystal - thank you! What a delightful Florida memento for the years to come.

Now .... to the books .... oh thank you dear Jane! How very thoughtful and so in line with my enthusiasms and interests. You are so very perceptive and what clever choices. The diaries of Nella Last. Nella Last's War and Nella Last's Peace - wonderful.

Many thanks dear Jane for such a generous and thoughtful gift. Julie x

Oh juliette, I just watched Housewife 49 and so now am aware of Ms. Nella Last and her war diaries. Enjoy!

From my little house to yours!


A Very Merry Christmas to each and every Viragoite! As Belva says.....'hugs all around!"

What a lovely picture Cate and for the film link hjelliot!

.... and here is a rather belated photo .... thank you I simply wanted to share and thank you again Jane.

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Ed Smith welcomes all the cuddles he can get, and thanks you.

(An aside before I begin squealing over my parcel.)

Julie, I just picked up Nella Last's War through interlibrary loan. It looks fascinating and I plan to start it after the holidays.

I must have been a very good girl in a previous life, because I certainly haven't been good enough in this one to merit the wonderful package sent to me by my Santa - LyzzyBee.

Upon opening the mailer, I found a gorgeous card (how did you know that I love blue and purple?); two Transita bookmarks and two lovely Persephone bookmarks; and FIVE book-shaped packages each with a hand-drawn, Christmas-themed picture on the wrapping -- holly, gift pile, snowman, Christmas tree, and Christmas ball -- beautiful!

*rip, tear (around the drawings!)*

Each book contains a note explaining the reason/meaning of that choice - how thoughtful and personal!
Down with Skool! - how did you know that I really need some good laughs right now?! (ssh, don't tell, but I think that this will be coming along in my purse to today's and tomorrow's "festivities"; families are great, but .... well .... you know ....)
The Man-Eater of Malgudi by R. K. Narayan - I've never heard of this author, but if he's one of Liz's all time favourites, then he must be good!
Her People by Kathleen Dayus - a Virago (memoir); the cover blurb compares it to Lark Rise to Candleford and A London Childhood both of which I loved - can't wait to read it!
What was Lost by Catherine O'Flynn - local author, local setting, and even local publisher - how very cool! I'll be picturing you at the mall when I read it Liz. :-)
Life isn't all ha ha hee hee by Meera Syal - another new (to me) author!
This is fabulous! Five brand new (to me) authors to enjoy!

Thank you so much Liz, for your thoughtfulness and generosity!

*hugs* and most sincere wishes for happiness to all the Virago sisterhood and brotherhood

SO GLAD you liked the gifts sqdancer!! Please do let me know what you thought of them all when you get round to reading (that's why we have the "what else are you reading" thread!)

I have had such a booky Christmas, I'm glad I opened my Virago parcel first so I can put them first on the ToBeRead pile!

I most certainly will! Unfortunately, five of my interlibrary loan requests just came in, so they'll have to take priority (no renewals). :(

I am actually quite overwhelmed by how very, very special my secret santa parcel from Jen (OutrageousSocks) turned out to be.

Two perfect books. Firstly a beautiful Virago green edition of One Fine Day by Mollie Panter-Downes. This has been top of my wishlist for ages but I had been craving the green edition and this had proved too elusive for me. Secondly a copy of The Virago Book of Christmas which has been the perfect companion all day between dinner, games, Doctor Who etc. A wonderful bitter-sweet collection which I highly recommend.

Now these would have been perfect alone but they were accompanied by a most gorgeous thing. Jen has made me a book bag (out of felted wool, I think) with my very own soupdragon (based on my profile picture) embroidered on the front. Now how fantastic is that? This definitely warrants a photo but will have to have a practise first as I haven't posted photos on here before!

Thank you so very much, Jen, for the time, care and thoughtfulness you put into my secret santa gift. It really did make my christmas!

edited to add: I'm not sure if embroidered is the right word. Apliqued possibly? I will post a photo soon so you can see for yourselves!!

~78 Dee .... how delightful and I am sure we all look forward to the pictures. I have to admit that I have to return to the techie page every time I wish to post a picture!

(On another note - what did you think of Dr Who??)

Oh what a lovely day for all. I did wait and tore into my Secret Santa presents first thing this morning.

Laura gave me The Post-Office Girl which I have wanted for a very long time so it is much appreciated and a brilliant Moleskine Journal that is designed to track books books I've read which is splendid. I love Moleskine and I have never seen this nor do I have a book journal but I have wanted to start one so this is perfect.

I am so delighted.

Thank you Laura and happy Christmas all. I wish I could teleport you all some St. Lucia Bread or rum balls.

Oh and Belva, I am glad you enjoyed your presents. I love Cold Comfort Farm and just thought you would love it and Von Arnim is one of my favorites too!

I love my gifts Maren. You made awesome choices for me. Thank you again.

And The Post Office Girl by Zweig is wonderful in a very different way. He was our (L.T.'s) author read of the year dude and I believe this was my first read of that challenge. I really appreciated it and loved it on many levels and I hope you do too. A very astute choice for Laura to make for you.

Merry Christmas to all. (back to cooking)

>80 Marensr:: Maren, I'm so glad you enjoyed your gifts!

I just wanted to share with the group the story behind giving Maren The Post-Office Girl. First, it comes in an NYRB edition and I saw she had a few NYRBs in her library. Second, Christina gave me this book in our Secret Santa last year and I LOVED it. It's one of my top reads for 2010. As such, it has a permanent home on my shelves AND I thought it most appropriate to share the same book with another member this year (even though it's not a Virago and not even written by a woman!)

Anyway, I'm very glad you liked the gifts, Maren, and also very happy that all of you have enjoyed this fun annual event.

ETA: re: 82, thanks Belva, you're so sweet!

#79. Well Julie- I thought the Christmas special was a lot of fun: Michael Gambon was wonderful, Katherine's Jenkins singing was beautiful and I loved the Steam Punk visuals. I might get more critical when the new series starts though. Russel T Davies and David Tennant were the magic combination for me!

#80 onwards. I'll join in with the praise of The Post Office Girl. Such a powerful read!

Cushla, I am very glad you liked the books and the kids are enjoying theirs. I chose them because they were among my children's favourites, and I am happy to see they still are appreciated. Enjoy!!!!!

>84 Soupdragon:: one of my daughter's friends is coming over tonight to watch the Christmas special (it airs on BBCAmerica at 9pm). They are huge Matt Smith fans (they're 17 years old, need I say more?)

Who is Matt Smith?

#66 Lyzzybee: Yes, and another thing is that I recently (probably after my Santa sent the gift) went in the Oxfam bookshop in Cobham and bought a used copy of Rumer Godden's The battle of the Villa Fiorita, so I was lucky that the books I received by this author were different ones. Strangely, in the same bookshop, I also bought What was lost, which I see you gave to sqdancer!

>#67:
Dear Barbara;
How did I miss your post when I went to post about my S.S. gifts right beneath it? IDK, but to know that I pleased you, who have so many times blessed me with lovely titles, with the choices I made for you actually put tears in my eyes. (an awkward sentence but the words won't come) I am so happy, dear friend, that you are made happy by my choices for you. This has truly been a blessed Christmas and you have made it more so.
Thank you for your wonderful comments.
hugs,
belva

83 Oh Laura, what a wonderful story! I have a feeling I know what one book my next year's secret santa might get. . .

**La la la not listening to the Dr. Who Christmas part since I watch on DVD and will have to wait six months* * *

>88 aluvalibri:: Matt Smith is the actor who currently plays Dr. Who.

Such lovely messages and photos - is that a photo of St Lucia bread Maren? I've never heard of it before...off to do some research on same....

Happy, Happy, Virago Days,

From Sqdancer, I received Full House by M. J. Farrell, The Last of the Crazy People by Timothy Findley . . . and (drum roll) ta da a copy of Women in the Wall with a lovely hand made cover to go with it as it is fragile. It is not the Virago edition; it is a Signet—a much better choice because the cover notes and descriptions are hilarious. Here are some examples:

Warning, Possibly Spoilers but worth the read anyway.

From the inside front page:

DEATH IS THE RULE OF THE WORLD
Roman civilization was no more. Barbarian hordes roamed the Gaulish countryside—plundering, raping, killing. The only hope of safety lay within the convent walls.

QUEEN RADEGUNDA escaped her husband’s royal lust to become a bride of Christ. Her unnatural raptures made her a saint . . .

AGNES entrusted her life to Radegunda, who gave it up to God. But love of God couldn’t fill her need to be loved by a man . . .

INGUNDA, born of Agnes's carnel desire, was reared in shame. An ectasy of mad faith sealed Ingunda—still living—in a martyr’s tomb.

“Riveting . . .
Shot through with sensual awareness . . . and at times deeply erotic.”
--Cosmopolitan

And from back cover:

"When they entered the convent, they vowed to leave evil behind. But they were women of savage times and their holy sanctuary became a worldy hell of sin and tragedy. Theirs were the dangerously smouldering passions of . . . WOMEN IN THE WALL."

“Secret, sensual lives, vividly acted out in an intense fusion of spiritual and sexual desires.”
--Brian Moore

And from the front cover (did you guys know this book was a Book-of-the-Month Club selection?):

A towering drama of intrigue and cloistered passions in the Dark Ages of Christianity.

Really, I did not know that Virago rereleased bodice rippers. Bernadette, how did you know I would take so much more pleasure in this version than the Virago?



The SpecialCover. Isn't it beautimus?

Ha ha ha ha ha ha!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hello, all --

I wanted to report that I have opened my special package, and am delighted to have received a copy of The Frozen Thames by Helen Humphries sent me by Tiffin, aka Tui, who hoped I would enjoy reading a book by a fellow Canadian. I'm sure I will. I have been reading Mary Kingsley's book about West Africa, and though I am enjoying it, I think it's going to have to be put aside until I really need to read about sun and heat again. It's been snowing here, and this book about the stories of the times in history that the Thames has frozen seems like just the thing. Thank you so much, Tui!

Also, Dee, I think the dragon design would be called appliqué, but I'm not much of a studied crafter so I'm not positive; I really just like to make it up as I go along. I'm so happy that you like it!

Happy Holidays all, wherever you are! Love -- Jen

96> Oh, The Frozen Thames is a beautiful book! It was one of my best reads last year.

Just back from Christmas visiting and I have to thank Cushla for her lovely gifts which I opened (because I couldn't wait any longer) just before cases were packed into the car and we set off for the in-laws on Christmas Eve. This is my first chance to post a response.

My gifts were The Misses Mallett by E. H. Young, an author I discovered through this group and who I really enjoy; The Wild Geese by Bridget Boland, an epistolary novel by an author new to me; and another for my Persephone collection, A Woman's Place, 1910-1975 by Ruth Adam.

I'm now happily integrating them into my planned reading for 2011. I'm due to travel to more family celebrations tomorrow, but am secretly hoping for more snow so I can settle down by the fire and enjoy uninterrupted reading time!

Jen, there is a second package which should arrive in any day now. Glad you liked Part I!

Apologies for not posting about my wonderful gift until now but I have been home in Scotland celebrating Christmas & nursing an awful cold.

The lovely Cate sent me a gift so beautifully-wrapped that it was a travesty to open. Inside a box, in pretty paper were two Elizabeth Von Arnim Viragoes in green, The Caravaners (original green) and Christopher and Columbus; I also received newer editions of The Song of the Lark by Willa Cather and Jamaica Inn by Daphne Du Maurier. Also prettily presented were notebook, blue rose mints & California poppy seeds.

Cate's choices were inspired and were given so much thought and care. She covered my wish-list bases so very generously and I could honestly not have treated myself so well! A truly kindhearted Virago Secret Santa gift.

Just got the mail, and found a package from New Zealand. Grant is the only one I know there, so I figured it came from Santa, and I was right! Inside the lovely red wrapping was a lovely green copy of Devoted Ladies to add to my collection of Viragos and another book I didn't know at all, From the Holy Mountain by William Dalrymple, which looks just fascinating! Thank you, Grant!

93 alexdaw, that is a photo of St. Lucia bread. It should be made on December 13th but I was late this year (also that isn't a photo of my bread but it is what it looks like).

I opened my parcel on Christmas Day but have only just managed to get on to my computer - the family guests have gone home now and we have done our visits so it's back to normal life again.

My Secret Santa was Christina and she sent me a beautifully wrapped parcel - the butterfly went straight on the Christmas tree and will be kept with the decorations for display next year and thereafter.

And the books! A beautiful original green copy of The Love Child, Doreen -my first real Persephone and Carbonel: the king of the cats in a lovely NYRB edition. I showed it to Kevin, the vicarage cat, but he was strangely uninterested; my (grown-up) children loved it, though.

Thank you, Christina, for your care and thoughtfulness. This was my first Virago Secret Santa and it's been lovely. I'm looking forward to next year's already.

#65 Parmaviolet, I'm so glad you like the books. You have indeed guessed my identity correctly. I didn't want to put my name on the outside of the parcel and I didn't think of hiding it inside!

The Elizabeth Taylor was a serendipitous purchase before Secret Santa was even mentioned. I saw it in a SHBS sveral months ago and, even though I already had a green version, I had to buy it. I had no intention of reading it and when I saw it on your wishlist it seemed ideal. I also enjoyed choosing the Rumer Goddens. She's one of my favourite authors.

#98 Sue, I'm really glad you had fun opening them and hope they're good!

Deborah I'm so glad you like the books!! What good timing with the Woolf - I loved it when I read it a few years ago and I'm sure you will too. And I am having a Wharton fest myself at the moment so I was pleased to see that on your wishlist!

It's such a pleasure to pass books onto fellow book lovers - no one else quite understands the joy of unwrapping a parcel and finding a book shaped treasure within!

I am still waiting for my secret santa parcel to arrive but it's wonderful to be waiting - I look forward to arriving home every night and checking my mailbox!!

My Virago package just arrived! From Kasthu - two wonderful Du Maurier's....My Cousin Rachel and The King's General! Thank you so very much Katherine!!

I've made it back from grandmother's and thawed a bit from our big snow here in SouthLite (North Carolina) and picked up 3 lovely and festively wrapped packages from Lisa. They are The Blind Assassin Surfacing and The Book of Idle Pleasures. All look wonderful and since I have yet to read any Atwood (I know, I know) I'm very excited to get these. Thank you so very much!
Danielle

Danielle - looking at all the other posts here, I liked that many other Secret Santas here included why they chose the books they did. So, next year I'll do that - and in the meantime - when I looked in your library I didn't see very many Atwoods, and I knew that Surfacing was a Virago, so I got you that (and a copy for me too!), as well as one of my favorite Atwoods, The Blind Assassin. I stayed at a hotel in the UK about a month ago, and The Book of Idle Pleasures was in the bathroom, in a tray atop the big brass bathtub, and while just flipping through it, I read the entry on Reading Gravestones, and it just touched me. So when I got home I picked up a couple of copies. I hope you enjoy them!

Drumming fingers impatiently for Secret Santee to get present.

Mary, that would be so much worse for me than not receiving mine. I feel your pain. ;-(

Me too, Belva! So frustrating!

Secret Santee!!!! Where are you?????

Urania, is your recipient someone who has said they're still waiting or someone who has just not posted regarding it at all?

If it's the latter you could send them a message (maybe through Laura or Christina if you still want to be anonymous) just in case they've forgotten to report here in all the excitement or they're away from home. I think Andrew was going to be away over Christmas.

Nothing again today. I think Belva might be right. *fingers crossed*

I'd be happy to carry messages to & fro, if desired.

I don't know if anyone really worried here has Grant (europhile). He will not be home until Jan 8. I sent him Willow Cabin and he let me know that he would be out of town so wouldn't be able to acknowledge it until he returned.

I know that aguntherc is out of town, too.

>#116:
A very good choice Elaine. Grant is in for a very good read indeed.

Back home - Happy 2011, ladies and gentlemen! Wishing you all peace and prosperity in the new year.
Mother Urania, thank you so much for your incredible generosity. What a lovely surprise that was. (And it more than made up for the Stollen my mother sent.)
Helen, so glad that you're happy with Mrs. Tim of the Regiment.

I've finished Mrs Tim already and I loved it!

A little belated but it's taken me this long to work out how to do it(thanks as always to Christina)...my beautiful secret santa gift from Jen (outrageous socks).

But Andrew,

You have to tell everybody what you got. That is part of the fun.

I'll say! I'm sitting here thinking - What did she get him????

>123 romain: romain,

Maybe it doesn't bear mentioning on a public forum ;-)

>108 LisaMorr: - Lisa your choices were excellent, I've already begun celebrating idle pleasures. It is nice to slow down and it's always nice to hear the back story it makes the gift that much more special. Thank you again!

Happy New year everyone!

>#121:
Love the bag, Soup!~! Jen did you up very well. Love the pic and the gifts.

Oops. Mother U kindly sent me a lovely first US edition of The Flint Anchor, I Capture the Castle, and Some Tame Gazelle. One would think I was a good boy last year.

Andrew, we all know that you are always good, but your S.S. was very good as well.

Two of my absolute faves. I have not read the Gazelle one.

>#121 Dee, thank you for posting a photo, and for all the effort into it! It sounds funny, but it's just wonderful to see your presents now at home!

130> :Your presents are very much at home in my home, Jen- I love them!

You also did me a favour as they led to me to finally check out Christina's thread on basic HTML. Have a look at my 75 challenge thread- it's got photos and bold type and everything! Well not quite everything but it's a start and it's all new to me!

Hello, I'm back to report that a second package from Secret Santa Tui arrived today: a green Virago South Riding by Winifred Holtby! It was all dressed up in lovely candy-cane striped wrapping paper and a green and white ribbon. I'm awfully pleased about this book, as it's gotten such wonderful reviews from folks in this group, and I thought maybe I would try to search for a copy myself. I hadn't read Holtby before I read Poor Caroline, sent me by my last year's Secret Santa Paola, and it left me wanting to read more of her work. What magical gifts I've received from my Secret Santas!

I had intended to read The Land of Green Ginger for Virago reading week, but I think South Riding shall have to preempt that.

Thank you very much, Tui. I thought I'd mention that Tui sent me her very own copy because the one she'd ordered seems to have been lost in the mail. Now THAT'S generosity. I hope that the newly-ordered copy actually has arrived. If it hasn't, well, how about a time-share arrangement?

>132 outrageoussocks:: oh wow, that's really really great. This is such a fabulous group!

What a friend! This is a fabulous group.

I have long been impressed with the giving nature of this group and Tui's actions just proved it once again. We, readers of the tender books are on a different plane than the rest of them.
What a generous heart you have Tui. No wonder we all love you.
hugs,

No, no Jen, it's yours to keep. I saw that you didn't have it and it is such a tremendous story that I felt you should. One day another one will drop into my lap. I hope it knocks your outrageous socks off!

Eta: oh Belva and all *elbow to the ribs*, you're embarrassing me.

But Tui, dear heart; you are just so cute when you are a little pink. ;-)

My secret santa finally arrived! From my native London! It took over a month to get here, so I can only presume that the snow held it up. I have no idea who my secret santa is - does anyone want to fess up? The return address had smudged off the parcel!!

I got a lovely copy of Understood Betsy by Dorothy Canfield, and The Quiet Little Woman by Louisa May Alcott, which I can't wait to read! They are such perfect choices for me! I also got a packet of delicious winter tea, which I promptly had a cup of last night which I was perusing my gifts!

What a treat - thank you so much, very secret santa!

Rachel
x

Mine came too! Thank you, Liz aka Aviddiva. Lovely silver star paper *rip rip rip*. A perfect Christmas card shaped like a book...ooooh. Two Green Viragos: Travel Light by Naomi Mitchison and *gasp* Pepita by Vita Sackville-West!!! And a stunning red and blue woven Mayan bookmark in support of women's weaving groups.

Wow! This is just lovely. Thank you again, Liz.

I'll try to take photos later but I had to dash here to tell the good news. So glad BPM and I received ours on the same day.

Tui, you are in for a treat with Pepita. I loved it. I also liked Travel Light, but Pepita was a special book and fact based. I think you will really like both of your lovely gifts.
This sounds like the Christmas that just keeps on giving. Loving it.

How lovely that you both received at the same time! And what lovely gifts too!!!!
Now.... Are we done yet?

How lovely - so pleased for you both :))

Tui, I'm so glad they finally arrived and that you like them. Pepita was a serendipitous find at a used bookstore. I was trying to find you a Virago Traveler, but she practically leapt off the shelf at me, and was so much the kind of book I find fascinating that I hoped you'd like her, too.

>#143:
Liz;
Pepita was a fascinating read, wasn't it? I surely thought so. Quite wonderful.

# 141 No, LizzieD, we are most certainly not done yet!

My neighbour had a parcel for me when I got home from Lake Taupo (which is 300+ km north of here). I had been staying there for my summer holidays at this lovely spot: www.lakeedgeresort.co.nz.

The parcel contained two nicely-wrapped books, both of which had been on my wishlist for quite a while: a green copy of Red Pottage and a Dial Press edition of The Sugar House. The latter was the only one of the series I didn't already have so there is no excuse not to read them all now!

Thank you very much to my not-so-secret Santa, Deborah (aka Cariola) for her generosity and thoughtfulness. They are both very much appreciated.

>144 rainpebble: Belva, I actually haven't read it. I'll have to see if I can find another copy, because it looked like a great read.

Hooray, GrAnt is back! Now everyone has received and opens their gifts. And what fun it was ... Thanks all, let's do it again this year!

Let's do. I hate to see this year's end. It has been such a blast.

Grant, the pictures of Lake Edge Resort excuse you from being home to open your SS package when it arrived. Lovely!

138 - Rachel, that was me! I realised after I'd sent it that I had forgotten to actually say who I was anywhere in the parcel. I'm so glad that it got there in the end and that you enjoyed the gifts; the choice was somewhat limited by being in England.

Ygraine, you just reminded me that I hadn't posted the photo of my gifts:


Thank you again, Avid!

I loved both of these books.
Pepita is in a class all it's own if you ask me. I have come across nothing quite like it. I found it to be a very special book. Loved the descriptiveness (is there such a word) of the book. Loved the personalities of the characters and the fact that it is a true story just flamed my interest and love for it all the more.
Travel Light is also a very special little book and one of my favorite Viragos.
I know you will enjoy both greatly Tui.

When does Christmas in July start?

Oh, Mary.........that is something new to me. Please 'bersplaine'.