Laura (lauralkeet)'s 2013 Reading - Part 4

Loeb Fountain, Purdue University
Continuing the theme of "places I've called home," at 18 I left Cincinnati, Ohio to attend Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana. I was a student there from 1980-1984.

My WikiThing is where I keep an archive of links to personal threads from a variety of LT groups and group reads, past & present.

Books completed ("details" jumps to location in this thread where review & links can be found)
July
29. May we be Forgiven - details
30. The Sweet Dove Died - details
31. Where'd You Go, Bernadette? - details
32. One by One in the Darkness - details
33. Taking Chances - details
34. Miss Mapp - details

August
35. Questions of Travel - details
36. The Stories of Edith Wharton - details
37. A Few Green Leaves - details
38. Chatterton Square - details

September
39. The Small House at Allington - details
40. Americanah - details
41. No Signposts in the Sea - details
42. A Constellation of Vital Phenomena - details

29. May we be Forigven ()
Reviewed on LibraryThing & on my blog
Source: My local library
Why I read this now: It won the Women's Prize for Fiction this year

In the first 15 pages of May we be Forgiven, the Silver family falls completely apart. George Silver, a television executive, is involved in a car accident with fatalities, which he may have caused. His older brother Harold, a professor, sleeps with George's wife and then witnesses a horrific act of violence. Harry is a mess, and yet is the only one who can pick up the pieces in the wake of such trauma. He is appointed guardian for George's children, Nate and Ashley, but it's a good thing they are at boarding school because Harry has some pretty serious issues to work through. He engages in a variety of self-destructive behaviors, while trying to keep up appearances as a successful academic. But as his personal life unravels, the children's needs take on greater importance, and together the family begins their long healing process.

This book drew me in at the start with its high-action opening, and immediate sympathy for a family struck by tragedy. And for a while, it was hard to put down. But about halfway through, the family's path to recovery became less believable. Harry became involved with two different women, both under circumstances that would not normally result in healthy relationships. The children sometimes behaved in ways that seemed more advanced than a typical 11- or 12-year-old. And then Harry staged an elaborate trip for Nate's Bar Mitzvah, which was crucial to their healing process, but really over the top. At this point my attention began to wane -- I generally prefer more realistic plots. But on the other hand, I think much of this story is metaphorical, and the fantastic situations are carefully crafted to illustrate a point.

A few days after finishing this book, I'm still thinking about the Silver family and the way Homes told this story. And I guess that says something.

Hmmm. I've been wondering whether to read this. Now I am more uncertain.

I'll read it since it won the Whatever The Name of the Prize is Now, but I'm not sure when. Thanks for the helpful review, Laura, and Happy New Thread!

Nice new thread, Laura. That fountain is beautiful. Like you, I had mixed thoughts about May We Be Forgiven. I may pick up another book by her someday. I thought she was an engaging author; I just totally disliked the main character's actions. He was not a very good role model for those kids and that bothered me.

May We Be Forgiven is on the tbr list. I'm trying not to read anything heavy right now as work and personal life is consuming. But, I will read it in the not-too-distant future.

I'm still smiling about the Philadelphia meet up. The joy and laughter has pulled me through the craziness of life right now!

Greetings Colleen, Peggy, Donna, and Linda!

Like Peggy, I read this because it won the Women's Prize but as is often the case, I found I enjoyed two of the shortlisted books more (Life after Life and Bring up the Bodies).

This is a very dark book and Harry Silver is a real creep. He begins to pull himself together at the end, but really the entire family is incredibly messed up and one can only imagine how the kids will turn out (yes, I know this is fiction, but you know what I mean ...)

So Linda, I think you are wise to hold off on this one until you feel up to it. Even our wonderful Philly memories would be clouded by this book!

Hi Laura, jumping in on a new thread while it is short! I haven't read MWBF yet, will wait until I can pick up a used paperback copy. But your review is helpful, I didn't know much about it other than it won the prize...

Nice review of May We Be Forgiven. I seriously doubt that I'll read it, though.

I will join Darryl in saying I probably won't read this one Laura but I appreciate you excellent review. The judges seem to be bound and determined to select American authors: Marilyn Robinson, Madeline Miller, Tea Obrecht, Barbara Kingsolver and now A. M. Homes. You have to go back to 2008 to find a writer from another country and, although this may sound like some sort of sabotage, I don't think the U. S. has the best writers in the world.

The Homes book to read is her memoir The Mistress's Daughter. I haven't read anything else but short stories.

Firstly....Happy new thread!! I love the picture at the top!

Secondly, about your shorter reviews, I have to echo tiffin's comment from last thread
Add me to the list of those whose reviews are getting shorter (or nonexistent). Nae bother aboot it. I'll add a hearty LOL to that comment and say that many times, I will read shorter reviews before I read one that goes on & on... There is much to be said for summing up your comments so those of us who probably have ADD (but haven't been diagnosed) can read it and say "take it" or "leave it." So there is my $.02 worth!

Frankly, I think I may skip May We Be Forgiven after reading your review. The review is stellar, but it sounds like the book is NOT. :) Heading out now to give a thumbs up to your review!

Hi Laura - we seem to have a lot of books in common! I appreciated your review of May We Be Forgiven which I also just finished because it won the Women's Prize. I was even less generous with my stars (I gave it 3) and generally felt uncomfortable throughout. Hard to understand how it was chosen over some of the other entries. I found it unrealistic and creepy, but felt a little more positive towards Harry than it sounds like you did - mostly because he really felt for the children and became their strength.

Oh my, I'm sorry folks, I've been reading your messages but not acknowledging them. Put it down to "returning to work after 2 weeks' vacation". Forgive me? Thanks!

I think May we be Forgiven would be a great book club selection as it raises so many issues worth discussing. I felt constrained writing my review because I wanted to keep it spoiler-free, but there is some serious s**t going on in the story that merits discussion, in a way similar to We Need to Talk About Kevin (but not quite as intense).

30. The Sweet Dove Died ()
My Review
Source: on my shelves
Why I read this now: It's the July "Pym of the month"

This novel centers on three friends: Humphrey, James, and Leonora. James is Humphrey's nephew, and an assistant in his antique shop. Leonora is a middle-aged woman -- younger than Humphrey and older than James -- and enjoys flirtatious relationships with both men. She expects their attention, and enjoys receiving little gifts, without having to give much in return. She arranges for James to rent a flat in her house, and enjoys their "platonic living together" arrangement. But when James' attentions stray to younger and possibly more compatible partners, she becomes jealous and tries to manipulate events in her favor. All the while poor Humphrey sits on the sidelines, a steady reliable friend with desires to take the relationship further, but Leonora is oblivious to this opportunity.

As you might expect, the story is bittersweet. Pym lightens the mood with supporting characters like Leonora's "crazy cat lady" friend Liz, and Ned, a young American with designs on James.
Although the novel was published in 1978, the characters and story seemed more "vintage 1950s" with the odd references to sex and cannabis thrown in to modernize. Still, I always enjoy Pym's work and found this a pleasurable comfort read.

The title comes from a poem by John Keats:

I HAD a dove and the sweet dove died;
And I have thought it died of grieving:
O, what could it grieve for? Its feet were tied,
With a silken thread of my own hand's weaving;
Sweet little red feet! why should you die -
Why should you leave me, sweet bird! why?
You liv'd alone in the forest-tree,
Why, pretty thing! would you not live with me?
I kiss'd you oft and gave you white peas;
Why not live sweetly, as in the green trees?

As a graduate of Indiana University, I find it just wonderfully apt that immediately following your mention of attending Purdue is the book title, May We Be Forgiven. Yes, I'll forgive you. You were young and likely didn't know any better.

*snork!*

I've got a copy of May We Be Forgiven from the library; I'll see what I think. Sometimes those domestic dramas work for me; on other occasions my reaction is a giant 'meh'. It tends to depend on the author's skill with characters & language.

>16 scaifea:: oh that's hilarious, Amber! I nearly snorfled my coffee all over the keyboard. For my part, I'm glad to see you recovered from your own youthful indiscretions by teaching at Kenyon. :)

>17 Chatterbox:: Suz, I wonder which category this one would land in for you? This one starts off with a bang, but I thought it kind of sagged in the middle and my interest began to wane. Then I listened to a podcast about this book and learned that it started out as a short story focused primarily on the opening segment, which explained a lot about the pacing.

>18 lauralkeet:: Touche, my friend, touche.

Happy new thread! Such a beautiful fountain in your opening photo!

Hi Chelle, thanks for visiting! Have a great weekend.

Lovely review of the Pym!

I enjoyed your review of The Sweet Dove Died. I don't think I've ever read Barbara Pym before. Do you recommend one to start?

>22 sibylline:: thank you, Lucy.
>23 AMQS:: Anne, I'd start with one of her earlier books. Excellent Women is the one that more or less put her on the map. I hope you enjoy!

31. Where'd You Go, Bernadette? ()
My Review
Source: my daughter's shelves
Why I read this now: It was nominated for the 2013 Women's Prize for Fiction

Bernadette Fox was once an award-winning architect, and now lives in Seattle with her husband Elgin Branch and their daughter, Bee. Bernadette gave up her work when Elgin took a position with Microsoft; he is widely recognized as a genius. Bernadette has become a recluse, leaving her house only when absolutely necessary and relying on an India-based "personal assistant" to handle most of her administrative responsibilities. She has an antagonistic relationship with other school parents, who she refers to as "gnats." Bee started life with a serious heart condition and is now a precocious eight-grader at a second-tier private school. To celebrate Bee's upcoming graduation, the family plans a trip to Antarctica over the Christmas holiday. But as the date approaches, Bernadette disappears, and a more complex story emerges.

The story is told through a series of emails, letters, and other documents. Bernadette initially comes across as just quirky, but deeper issues are soon revealed that challenge the family's overall stability. The "gnats" also prove to be more complex characters than they seem, showing there is always more than one side to any story. The central conflict and its resolution bordered on the preposterous at times, but the light writing style was misleading. Beneath the surface is a novel with surprising emotional impact.

Laura, that's the first review of Bernadette that's made me think seriously about reading it! In others, it seems to be either loved or hated for it's "lightness" and "quirkiness" but it sounds like there is more there...

Laura, you said what I wanted to about Bernadette. I think I was too turned off by the quirkiness to appreciate anything beneath the surface, but, yes, it was there. A thumb to you for your fairness. I didn't review it other than the comments on my page, and ended up giving it 3 stars.

Hi Laura. I really liked your reviews of the 2 Orange (oops, Women's Prize for Fiction) books but I don't think I'd enjoy them much. I have enough books from previous years' shortlists that sound great without adding more!

Nice review of Where'd You Go, Bernadette. I almost certainly won't read it, though.

Thanks for weeding that one out for me, Laura. It doesn't sound like one I'm going to be adding to my list either.

Hi Laura!

Wonderful recent reviews. I think I may skip May We be Forgiven, however, I'm somewhat interested in Where'd You Go, Bernadette?, but feel I haven't been in the mood for it lately. It's on my Kindle, so someday...

>26 katiekrug:: Katie, based on the "light/quirky" buzz in the press, I was expecting fluff. And I was enjoying the ride, thinking "wow this woman is really odd" but then there was a turning point where I saw another side to the story.

>27 Donna828:: Donna (and continuing my comments to Katie), the turning point was when Bernadette's neighbor Audrey went from being a caricature of a "private school parent" to a real human being and gradually her role in the story became clear. Up to then I was really wondering where it was all going ...

>29 kidzdoc:: Thanks Darryl. I don't think Bernadette is your thing, so that's probably a good call.

>30 laytonwoman3rd:: No problem, Linda, happy to help. :)

>31 DorsVenabili:: Kerri, I have a "thing" about reading the Women's Prize Winners (and Booker winners too), so I kind of had to read May we be Forgiven and besides, I was a little intrigued by the buzz when it won (another of those love it/hate it books). Bernadette was a matter of choice, based mostly on the author being a writer for the TV show Arrested Development. I wanted to see how her talents played out in book form.

#32 - I didn't realize she was a writer for Arrested Development! That advances it in the queue a bit. I still have to watch those new Netflix episodes. Have you watched them?

>33 DorsVenabili:: we watched a few episodes, 4 I think. They were OK but didn't have the magic of the original. Each episode centered on one character, which didn't work as well as when a single episode dealt with events in the lives of a few characters. I've been encouraged to keep watching, just haven't gotten around to it.

#34 - Yeah, I've heard mixed reviews, but still want to check them out.

>34 lauralkeet:: Tomm and I are in exactly that same boat with the new AD episodes.

I'll be skipping Bernadette and the Homes book and I'll be reading the Pym shortly. I think I like her better than you do, Laura. Normally, I would read any book making the shortlist for the Orange but I have no desire to read either of those books.

>35 DorsVenabili:, 36: Kerri & Amber, my daughter informs me they are in talks about making a 5th season of AD. Interesting, but then season 4 took forever to go from concept to Netflix so who knows.

>37 brenzi:: Well Bonnie, you've had some great reads lately and those 2 "Oranges" wouldn't measure up. I hope your winning streak continues, even though it's tough on my TBR pile.

Laura- Good review of Bernadette! I liked the book too, especially the Antarctic segments. I have not tried the new season of AD. I haven't heard enough good reports to entice me. Those 1st 2 seasons were classic, though! Remember the "Never Nude"?

>39 msf59:: *waves to Mark* There are so many memorable moments in AD, I risk hijacking my own thread. But then you know what I'd say, right? "I made a huge mistake" !!!

32. One by One in the Darkness ()
Reviewed on LibraryThing & on my blog
Source: On my shelves
Why I read this now: It's "Orange July," when we read Women's Prize for Fiction (formerly Orange Prize) winners & nominees.

I am so grateful for the Women's Prize for Fiction (formerly the Orange Prize), for introducing me to Deirdre Madden. I read her 2009 shortlisted novel, Molly Fox's Birthday, two years ago, and then discovered she'd been nominated once before, in 1997, for One by One in the Darkness. It took ages for me to find this book -- my library didn't have it, and it was outrageously expensive through online retailers. Finally, Paperbackswap granted my wish. And I couldn't be happier; this quiet, unassuming novel is a gem.

The story is set in 1994, just before the IRA ceasefire. Three sisters converge on their family home for a week. Middle sister Cate arrives on her annual visit, weeks earlier than usual, citing work as an excuse. Oldest sister Helen visits almost every weekend, and immediately spots inconsistencies in Cate's story. Sally, the youngest, is a teacher in the village and lives at home with her mother. Not surprisingly, it turns out Cate has reasons for visiting early which create some conflict in the family.

The relationships between the sisters and their mother are fleshed out through flashbacks to their childhood:

For the pattern of their lives was as predictable as the seasons. The regular round of necessity was broken by celebrations and feasts: Christmas, Easter, family birthdays. The scope of their lives was tiny but it was profound, and to them, it was immense. The physical bounds of their world were confined to little more than a few fields and houses, but they knew these places with the deep, unconscious knowledge that a bird or a fox might have for its habitat. The idea of home was something they lived so completely that they would be been at a loss to define it. But they would have known to be inadequate such phrases as 'It's where you're from,' 'It's the place you live,' 'It's where your family are.'

Sadly, this predictable, peaceful pattern was shattered in 1968-69 as civil rights protests became increasingly violent. Living in a rural village, events seemed remote for a while. But eventually they, too, were affected by senseless, tragic acts.

I loved the juxtaposition of past and present, which delivered a richly detailed story in just 180 pages. This was the first time I had read such a personal account of this period in Irish history. I felt like I knew these people. Their history was new to me, but their contemporary struggles were not. And the ending took my breath away, revealing details only alluded to before, while leaving so much open to interpretation.

Sounds like a book I really want to read, Laura. I'll have to start my own quest to find it, as my library doesn't have it either.

Sounds fascinating, Laura.

You make these books sound so intriguing... alas, I suspect your mind is more subtle than mine, and the books themselves wouldn't have the same effect on me, so I'll just enjoy the reviews.

One by One in the Darkness sounds like one for the wishlist. The quest begins.

Hello Linda, Rebecca, Katherine, and Colleen. I hope you're enjoying this Sunday of slightly cooler temps in the Eastern US. It's "only" 85 here, how about you?

>44 qebo:: I suspect your mind is more subtle than mine, and the books themselves wouldn't have the same effect on me
Katherine, I don' t know about that subtlety thing, but we do have different reading tastes. I am often fascinated by what you choose to read, and likewise enjoy your reviews even as I know I'd never actually read the book!

46: Yeah, "only". It is not as much of a respite as they led us to anticipate.

Laura, it is "only" 82 here in NE NJ, but the humidity is awful today. Yesterday, the rain came down in buckets for about 10 minutes, and as it hit the pavement, you could see the steam rising. I figured that didn't bode well for today.

Excellent review of One by One in the Darkness Laura. I'm happy that the UK cover seems to be different to the one you posted because yours really creeps me out for some reason!

I think I'd also like to try Where'd You Go, Bernadette at some point - the quirkiness appeals to me I think.

>47 qebo:, 48: The "cooling off" is expected to be pretty much the same for the next few days: temps in the mid-80s. But I guess that's actually normal for this time of year.

>49 souloftherose:: yeah that is a creepy cover isn't it Heather? It looks almost sci-fi. I have no idea what that big egg is.

Wonderful review of One by One in the Darkness and very thumb worthy. You know I'm going to have to look for this book. And you know where I will go too:)

Good news for those on the quest to find One by One in the Darkness: over on my Orange January/July thread, @Her_Royal_Orangeness mentioned that Faber and Faber re-released the book this year. I haven't checked availability -- it may only be sold in the UK at this point -- but it does offer a glimmer of hope!

Laura, I had to "order" One by One in the Darkness from another library. I was pleasantly surprised at how much I liked it. As you said, it gave much personal insight into the Irish Troubles. You remind me that I need to get Molly Fox's Birthday. My library should have that one.

Thanks for your reviews as always, Laura. I was eager to hear what you thought of *Bernadette*, and I haven't changed my mind about waiting for its price to go down. I think that even the little Kindle purchase price is too high right now. Same for the Homes.
I really enjoyed Molly Fox's Birthday, so I hope to get a copy of *1 by 1* sometime. I have Authenticity but haven't gotten to it. I could say that about almost everything I own.

#41 - Wonderful review! I hadn't heard of her, but this will go on my wishlist. Hopefully I'm able to find a copy.

H Donna, Peggy, and Kerri, I'm afraid I neglected my thread this week -- it was a busy one at work. I'm glad you enjoyed my review of One by One in the Darkness. It would have been difficult for my next book to measure up to that, and it didn't. I finished it last weekend and it's taken me days to get around to writing a review.

33. Taking Chances ()
Reviewed on LibraryThing & on my blog
Source: My Virago Modern Classics collection
Why I read this now: I try to read one VMC each month.

This is one of Molly Keane's earlier novels, published in 1929 when the author was in her mid-20s. She wrote about what she knew: the Irish landed class, with their propensity for dogs and hunting. Taking Chances is based on a familiar construct, in which a stranger's arrival upsets the order of daily living. Roguey, Maeve, and Jer are young adult siblings living in Sorristown, their family home. Maeve is about to be married to Rowley, and her bridesmaid Mary comes to visit just before the wedding. Mary is beautiful and flirtatious, and has an immediate impact on the men:

At the lighted door of the bathroom she asked for a cigarette. Roguey produced his case and lit one for her clumsily. In her bath Mary found that, along with the dampness round his eyes, subjects for consideration. Used to swift work, his early show of interest did not thrill her. She was, as a matter of fact, totally unaware of the unsafe propensities of a scanty kimono when its wearer, with a poorly drawing cigarette in one hand, and bathing apparatus in the other, stoops over an awkwardly held match. (p. 35)

Yes, Mary is memorable, if not especially likeable. But the story itself is dreadfully cliche and boring. The minute Mary arrives, you know she's going to wreak havoc on the close-knit trio at Sorristown. And it's easy to predict the form this will take, as well as the consequences. And then there are the endless hunting scenes, described in such detail I wondered if Keane was trying to pad her novel. I skimmed the last third of this novel, simply to confirm it ended as I thought it would.

I've read several of Keane's later books and enjoyed her characters and social satire immensely. This is an author whose talent took time to develop and while it's interesting to see "where it all began," one experience like that was quite enough!

A VMC and only two stars?? The horror, the horror....

Oh, dear, I think I have this one on the TBR shelves...

I thought that too, Suz. It must have been a clunker.

Hello Laura,

Finally, I got Life after Life as well. However, nothing else to contribute on the reading front at present. However, I was wondering whether you finished this stunning jumper already as I haven't seen any more pictures.

>58 Chatterbox:-60: Suz, Katie, Tui ... Keane wrote many wonderful books, Good Behaviour being a favorite of mine. Virago has published several -- I wonder if they just wanted to publish her complete works? Having read Elizabeth Taylor's 12 novels in order of publication last year, I can see where it would be interesting to get a complete sense of how an author's writing evolved over time. In that sense, it has its place. In the introduction Taking Chances was called a "blueprint" for her future novels, and I can see that. So if you read it with a sort of 'academic' eye, it might be worthwhile. But on its own, without context, it clunked!

>61 drachenbraut23:: Bianca, I hope you're enjoying Life After Life! And funny you mention my knitting ... I set the jumper aside for a couple months but recently picked it up again and last night I finished the right sleeve. Just one more sleeve and the neck band to go! I'm pleased with it, too -- it fits!!

A couple of very good reviews of books I don't have Laura. In particular I must seek out One by One in the Darkness which looks very good.

Have a great Sunday.

34. Miss Mapp ()
Reviewed on LibraryThing & on my blog
Source: On my shelves
Why I read this now: I was in the mood for something fun. @NanaCC just read this and inspired me to pull it off the shelves.

Miss Mapp is the second in E. F. Benson's Mapp & Lucia series, satirizing early 20th century provincial English village life. In this volume we meet Elizabeth Mapp, a notable busybody in the town of Tilling, who spends an inordinate amount of time spying on and gossiping about her neighbors, and using the information she acquires to get the better of her fellow villagers and manipulate events to her advantage. Miss Mapp's house is ideally situated for this purpose; from her windows she can see nearly all comings and goings. She enjoys her reputation as one who knows all, and skillfully covers up when she does not.

As in Queen Lucia, the first book in the series, Miss Mappdoes not have an over-arching plot or conflict. Rather, the novel is a collection of amusing, character-driven vignettes taking place over a period of months. Miss Mapp is keenly interested in the activities of two mature single men in the town: Major Flint and Captain Puffin. She has observed they both keep late hours. The men claim to be hard at work on personal projects, but the reader knows better. There's also a running gag about two women wearing the same dress to a party, and their attempts to rectify the situation. Sometimes Miss Mapp gets the upper hand, but she often makes mistakes -- from poorly played bridge hands to more egregious errors in judgement -- and must suffer the consequences.

I picked up this book because I was in the mood for something light and fun, and it did not disappoint. E. F. Benson has a way with words that keeps me smiling from beginning to end. I'm looking forward to future volumes in this series, and the inevitable meeting of Miss Mapp and Queen Lucia.

>63 PaulCranswick:: Hello there Paul! Thanks for stopping by yesterday. I've enjoyed reading about your antics over on your thread.

I'm glad you enjoyed it, Laura. Lucia in London is another without Miss Mapp. I read that one second. It was a lot of fun.

I only have two left. I want to hold off for a bit.

Hi Colleen, I think I'll want to savor the series, too. I only have the first 4 on my shelves at this point, so that will help me exercise restraint. :) I'm on the lookout for the Moyer Bell editions so I'll have a matched set.

Isn't the character of Mapp wonderful? Wait until you get to Lucia and Mapp together!

The Moyer Bell editions have the prettiest covers. :)

>68 tiffin: agreeing with Tui- Mapp & Lucia = fireworks! Great fun!

Oh I almost read Miss Mapp this month too Laura. I'll just keep following in your footsteps:)

I can't wait for the fireworks!! And yes Colleen, the covers are lovely. They look great on my shelves.

Bonnie, I forgot you were reading this series too. Sharing it with everyone here just adds to the fun!

Hi Laura,
This is my first time visiting your thread. Some good reads you've been doing. I had May We Be Forgiven on the living room buffet for a couple of weeks but didn't get to it before it was due to be returned to the library. I'm thinking I'll let that one go. However, your review has me interested in One by One in the Darkness. I will be seeing if I can find a copy. Miss Mapp, as well.....

A new visitor ... hello there! Ellen, is it? I've seen you around here for sure and I'm happy to have hit you with a couple of book bullets!

Hi Laura, Yep, it's Ellen.

Oddly, Seattle Public Library has neither of those book bullets on their shelves. I could get Queen Lucia (whichI would want to read first, in any case) as an e-book but I don't have an e-reader.

Uh oh, I sense a trip to a bookstore coming up in my near future......

How nice to see two folks I visit all the time, find each other's threads!

Well, any excuse for a trip to a bookstore, right??

>76 sibylline:: oh yes, that is nice Lucy! Suddenly I'm seeing Ellen everywhere and wondering how I missed her thread all these months.

I'm ALWAYS up for a trip to a bookstore!!!

Hi, Laura. I finally started The Custom Of The Country. I'm only a few pages in, and enjoying it already. Thank you for the recommendation. I am headed up to Cape Cod tomorrow, and so far I have lined up that one and Where'd You Go, Bernadette. Fun stuff, thank you.

>78 NanaCC:: oh, I'm delighted Colleen! Enjoy your time at the Cape.

Ellen, if you can get it in a Kindle format, you can download the Kindle app onto a tablet or your computer...

That is, if you're not just looking for a bookstore trip excuse, ahem, reason.

Miss Mapp looks terrific -- great review!

I think my head swivels and I go "Bookstore!" the way that dog does about the "Squirrel!" in Up. I did it today in fact, and my daughter was cracking up.

>80 Chatterbox: Well, Suz, thanks for the suggestion but I don't (yet) own an e-reader and I am always looking for an excuse to go to a bookstore!

>82 sibylline: LOL -- I can completely relate to that one. I can't resist petting a cat or going into a bookshop.

>81 AMQS:: Thanks Anne, it's a light, fun, well-written series.

>80 Chatterbox:-83: it would appear we are all bookstore addicts! What a surprise eh? I especially love used book shops although I'd say when I visit a new town I am always on the lookout for any type of book store.

I love the reference to "Squirrel"!

So, Laura, did you have a Caprese salad for dinner this weekend? ;-)

>85 EBT1002:: Ellen, we decided against it in favor of green beans. Mostly because we had green beans and we did not have mozzarella. But I still see Caprese in our future because the basil and tomatoes are plentiful!

Yum!

Did someone say "Bookstore"? *pant pant* That is so funny about the correlation with "squirrel". That must be a word known by most dogs.

Hi Laura!

#57 A shame Taking Chances turned out to be disappointing. I'm pleased that's not one of the Keane's I have in the TBR pile but I'm a completist when it comes to authors so if I like her books I'll probably read it anyway.

#64 Oh, I do enjoy the Mapp and Lucia novels :-)

A bookstore?! Where?!?

Hi Donna & Heather! We LTers love our bookstores don't we?

Heather I too like to "complete" authors especially those published by Virago. I have consciously tried to collect all the Keanes so of course I should read them all ... Someday. I just need to keep my expectations in line, at least concerning her early works.

Bookstore????

My heart goes all aflutter!! :)

There goes Ellen posting her lovely Caprese salad. My mouth is watering again!

Haven't we all loved bookstores since we were 12 years old? Or younger?
Is there any place better than a bookstore?
I think not.

>93 EBT1002:: a library!

A close one. In a bookstore, the books can be your forever and ever. In a library, you can get as many as you can carry without your credit card whimpering!

>95 AMQS:: both are essential to the well-being of readers everywhere!

35. Questions of Travel ()
My Review
Source: A gift from a friend
Why I read this now: The same week I received this, it won the Miles Franklin Prize. That piqued my interest.

Laura Fraser is an Australian woman, Ravi Mendis lives in Sri Lanka. Both are travelers, in different ways and for very different reasons. Laura becomes disenchanted with her life in Sydney and sets out to see the world, eventually settling in London. Ravi loves his homeland, but flees in the aftermath of a horrific tragedy. This novel traces their respective journeys, exploring the importance of home, family, and relationships. It also examines the internet as a form of "travel," in its ability to overcome geographic borders and open up new worlds, especially for Ravi.

This was an interesting read for me in that the most appealing aspect was the writing itself. I found the characters, especially Laura, a bit dry. The plot wasn't very complex, and some elements were predictable. The march of technology from the 1980s into the new millennium struck me as a bit hackneyed. But oh, Michele de Kretser can write! I was swept up in her prose:

Fear was rising like water in Martine Hinkel as she tilted the jug over the pot. Teaspoons had provoked it. Long ago, people she loved had taught her that black skin harbors germs. No one, learning what Martine's life had been like, would have held her responsible for it. But the past was a trinket she kept locked, lied about, wore always around her neck. One of the things that lay twisted inside was love; she would never betray it to the light.

And as beautiful as that passage is, two paragraphs later Martine commits a staggering act of racism, rendered so subtly by de Kretser that I had to read it twice.

Questions of Travel is filled with moments to be enjoyed by the slow, careful reader.

Morning Laura- I wasn't as crazy about Broadchurch, as I hoped. A bit heavy-handed. Did you see The Killing? It seems to take a lot from that show. My wife liked it enough, although she cried and blamed me for it. I'll watch a couple more and see where it goes.

Great review of Questions of Travel, Laura. I almost bought it last month, even though it wasn't chosen for the Booker longlist, so I'll consider buying it later this year.

>98 msf59:: I haven't seen The Killing, Mark, so I guess I can't compare. I'm just suffering from lack of Masterpiece right now!!

>99 kidzdoc:: Hi Darryl, thanks much. I think you would like Questions of Travel.

Hi Laura, I have to laugh. What you and Mark found heavy handed in Broadchurch I found absolutely powerful and the thing that set it apart from most crime shows I've seen. Most of them don't portray the utter devastation that a death in the family produces, especially of a child. It was uncomfortable, granted, but that made it seem very real to me.

>101 brenzi:: actually Bonnie, I didn't think it was heavy-handed so much (my husband did, and I was theorizing that Mark did). I was struck by the emphasis compared to other series we've watched where family grief was downplayed. I agree it was uncomfortable, and also more emotional.

Hi Laura! I hope you're doing well.

#57 - I have a few of the M. J. Farrells on my shelf, but I really must read Good Behaviour first. I've been meaning to get to it for years. It's almost silly.

#97 - Nice review, but I'll most likely skip this one.

Hi Kerri! Nice to see you here. Good Behaviour is marvelous ... Read it!!

Ah ha! I've been looking for a book to buy. Good Behaviour might be it!

And I just learned that Molly Keane and M.J. Farrell are one and the same....

I brought two M. J. Farrell books with me on vacation, but have been sidetracked by Where'd You Go Bernadette. There just are not enough hours in a day to read everything I want to read.

>105 EBT1002:: Ellen, you're right. M.J. Farrell was a pseudonym, because she didn't want her family to know what she was up to. :)

>106 NanaCC:: Oh I get that Colleen. That's a pretty common problem around here. LT is a kind of "So Many Books, so Little Time" Support Group!

I hope to be back later with reviews of a couple books ...

36. The Stories of Edith Wharton (DNF)
My Review
Source: On my shelves
Why I read this now: I've been reading one short story collection each month this year ... well, until now.

I absolutely love Edith Wharton, so when I found this in a used bookshop I snapped it up right away. Alas, I gave up on it halfway through. The writing was as good as I've come to expect from her. But I like to read short fiction before bed, and these stories were longer than those in other collections so it often took me several evenings to finish one. That would have been okay, if the stories were engaging. But every single one was a complete downer, mostly about lost loves and broken relationships. Wharton was definitely drawing on her life experiences, but who decided all of these belonged in a single book?

I really enjoyed Roman Fever and Other Stories, and recommend it over this book if you're interested in reading Edith Wharton's short fiction.

37. A Few Green Leaves ()
My Review
Source: On my shelves
Why I read this now: This was the August read in the Virago Group's Pym Centenary

Barbara Pym earned her reputation satirizing post-war English society. By the time this novel was published in 1980, times had changed and Pym was challenged to keep up with them. She does it quite well in A Few Green Leaves. Emma, a thirty-ish anthropologist, comes to stay in an Oxfordshire village with intent to observe and write about village life. This is a perfect mechanism for Pym to offer her own observations, in her usual gently mocking tone. References to homosexuality and more liberal sexual practices tell the reader they are not in the 1950s anymore. But some things don't change much, as depicted in a brilliant set piece about a coffee morning and bring-and-buy sale. Old ladies served coffee and biscuits, everyone brought something, earning them permission to buy another person's cast-off or second-rate offering. There was much jockeying amongst attendees for the best of the bring-and-buy items, and even greater interest in the raffle, all portrayed in a most amusing way.

Meanwhile Emma entertains a gentleman caller from her past, remaining oblivious to another man's attentions for most of the book. Of course you know things will work out in the end, but it's fun to read how it happens. Light, enjoyable fun.

because she didn't want her family to know what she was up to.

Ha. Love it!

109: Did I read this? I think I may have. You're almost getting me to revisit. If only there weren't "So Many Books, So Little Time"...

Oh - that was a nice review and brought that Pym back to mind, I remember it better than I would have expected! I would like to read that one again, I think.

>110 EBT1002:: Ellen, as you might imagine it was tough being a woman writer in the 1920s!
>111 qebo:-112: Katherine & Lucy, it's a lovely little book and would be an enjoyable re-read if not for that "so many books ..." problem.

Oh I'm glad to see you liked this Pym Laura. I will be reading it as soon as I finish the Trollope I'm well into. Too bad about the Wharton. I have her New York Stories on my shelf which I think are actually a few novellas. I've only read three of her books so I'm hoping next year will be a Year of Edith Wharton the way I've done Pym this year.

38. Chatterton Square ()
My Review
Source: My Virago Modern Classics collection
Why I read this now: I usually read on VMC per month

Chatterton Square compares two families living across the street from each other. Herbert Blackett rules his family and overpowers them with his strong views on just about anything. He is especially vexed by Rosamund Fraser, an independent spirit and single parent (in the 1930s! gasp!). But Rosamund and her children are a million times happier than the Blacketts, as the Blackett children learn when they begin visiting the Frasers behind their father's back. Eventually Herbert's wife Bertha also begins to see the flaws in her own family and in her marriage. The best part of this novel is the slow, steady increase of her power in the relationship.

I would have rated this book higher except it dragged in parts and overall seemed to a bit long.

Hmmm...I've been pondering that one as one of my next Virago reads, but everything I read seems to take forever these days. Maybe I'll try something shorter and less drag-y first.

>116 laytonwoman3rd:: yeah, it could have been me. I've been reading in smaller chunks lately -- fewer concentrated blocks of time. It seemed like when I picked it up at night I'd get through about 10 pages and then start nodding off. But again, that could easily have been me, more than the book.

Laura, I'm sorry the Edith Wharton short stories were a disappointment. I found the same thing when I started reading short stories by Willa Cather, another favorite author of mine. Her short stories were more like novellas and didn't lend themselves to bedtime reading. I'm beginning to think those 5-minute story collections for children might be the best thing for me at night!

>118 Donna828:: Hi Donna! Thanks for visiting. The more I think about the Wharton short stories, the more I blame the editor or publisher or whoever it was that assembled this collection in the first place. I just wonder if a different mix of stories would have made for a better book overall.

And unfortunately, now I've completely fallen off my short story wagon and haven't touched one in weeks.

Hi Laura!

#109 - I'll have to put this on the Barbara Pym pile. I've read (and loved) two this year, but they were early novels. Plopping her down in the 1980s sounds fascinating!

#115 - I had planned to read one VMC per month too, but that hasn't been working out. I've given most of my challenges a rest, but I'd like to keep up with that one.

Kerri, I hope you enjoy A Few Green Leaves. I'm sure it was challenging for her to adapt to the changing times, but I thought she made a valiant effort with that one. I'm still managing 1 VMC per month, inspired mostly by the guilt brought on by looking at my Virago bookcase. And I usually enjoy them so it hasn't been too much trouble to keep up. I hope you are able to get back on track!

I read one per month too, as much as I can! The story of Chatterton sounds very intriguing - but I do know how that is - sometimes hard to disentangle what was the writing and what was my own mood or state interfering with enjoyment and involvement.

Yeah Lucy, it's that disentangling thing. There were some marvelous bits in Chatterton; Young was a great writer. And the entire story is overshadowed by the imminent second world war, and there's this persistent sense of foreboding.

Hello. I'm simply stopping by to say hi.

And hello to you Linda! Always nice to see you here.

Reading along but nothing to say.

Argh, I am on a short trip this week and find myself with nothing I want to read. I brought a book I hadn't started yet -- Chorus of Mushrooms -- and it's not grabbing me at all. I'm not going to count it since I've only read about 40 pages. I don't have a lot of time for reading and I do have a couple of magazines, so I guess I'll be OK.

I wish I'd brought my Kindle along because my next read is on it: The Small House at Allington. It's a looong book so it will be a while before I post any more reviews.

I felt like that at the passport office in Toronto today, Laura. No Kindle. A bazillion kids and everyone on a cell phone.

127: Chorus of Mushrooms
Cool title though.

I had the opposite problem yesterday. I had started the biography of Marilyn Monroe by Gloria Steinem. And, if it hadn't grabbed me, it was on my kindle, so plenty to read. But at jury duty, there were a couple of women sitting next to me who would not stop talking - very loudly. It was most annoying and distracting.

I'm learning never to go anywhere public without my headphones...... sometimes I put them on with no music or anything (say if my phone battery is running down, so I can't) just to make a sort of cushion - it doesn't even really block out the sound - once or twice when I've made kind of an ostentatious show of getting them out people have even talked a bit more quietly. I bet they make headphones that just have white noise, ocean or waterfall or something. Should look into that.

I don't have any headphones, Lucy, but I can see they might come in handy. I hate sitting in a waiting room somewhere where they think everyone will want the TV on (and no one feels free to change the channel or godforbid, turn it OFF). Can't read, feel trapped. Waterfall in my ears sounds like a perfect solution.

I never thought about the headphones, but that would be a big help.

>132 laytonwoman3rd: Oh, Linda, do you ever strike a chord with me! Turn off the television???? Horrors!
Hi, Laura! I wish I were as far along as *Allington*, but I'm not. I'll just have to plow into *Framley* - something put me off it a month ago.
And I'm reading The Curate's Wife right now. I do love E.H. Young although nothing else has been quite as good to me as Miss Mole.

Well hello everyone! No time to say much at the moment as I'm n my way out, but I did want to acknowledge your visits. I've taken to keeping headphones in my handbag. They are absolutely required whenever I drop my car off for service.

I will be home tomorrow night, happily reunited with my Kindle. And my family, too, of course. :)

I hope everyone is having a nice Labor Day weekend (those of you in the US anyway). I am now well into The Small House at Allington -- maybe 10 chapters? I can't remember exactly and I don't have my book nearby. There are 60 chapters though so I'll be a while ...

Today I went with my daughters to the nail salon and had a pedicure, which I don't do often so it was rather fun and luxurious. I've been enjoying time with older daughter Kate, because on Thursday she leaves for a study abroad program at University of Exeter.

Hello, Laura. Getting a pedi with your daughter sounds lovely. I get about 2-3 pedicures each year (there really are a limited number of weeks when one can wear open toed shoes around here) but I enjoy the process. I usually take a book and try to read while they do the toes.

Both Edith Wharton and Barbara Pym are authors I want to explore. Thanks for the tip about finding Roman Fever and Other Stories when I decide to explore the former.

I hope you have a wonderful week!

Oh I just love having a pedi with my daughter. It's one of our favourite things to do - and we don't do it very often so it stays special!

Hello Ellen & Lucy, I don't have pedis very often either. In fact, the last time was Mother's Day. My girls help me remember to do things for myself once in a while. Plus, they get manicures and I bring the credit card, so it's a win/win. :)

Ellen, let me know if you need "advice" on reading Wharton or Pym! They are two very different authors but both make for good reading.

Oh cool. What, in particular, would you recommend as a first read by each of these authors?

Ellen, my favorite Wharton is The Custom of the Country, which has a despicable heroine. Most people seem to start with The House of Mirth or The Age of Innocence, which are both excellent.

Pym's books are lighter, filled with subtle English wit, and usually center on academics, clergy, and/or middle-aged women. I found Excellent Women to be a good starting point.

Enjoy!

I haven't read any Pym, so can't comment on that, but I will second Laura's recommendation of The Custom of the Country. It was wonderful.

Saw on FB that your daughter is headed to Exeter for a study leave. It is a lovely part of the world and nearby Cornwall should be explored if she gets the chance. She is a beautiful young lady, Laura - tell her to stay safe, I think she'll find the Brits in the main very friendly, especially in that neck of the woods.

>143 PaulCranswick:: Thank you Paul! Yes, Kate will be studying at Exeter for the upcoming academic year. Kenyon College (the school she attends in the US) works with Exeter to offer this program to students studying English. There are about 25 Kenyon students in the program. They take regular courses at the university, as well as a "Kenyon seminar" (not sure what that involves entirely but they will be traveling to London, and places of literary note, and seeing quite a lot of theater). She reports to campus next Saturday Sept 14, but she and my husband left Thursday night so they could travel/sightsee first. Yesterday they visited the village we used to live in and had dinner with friends we haven't seen in nearly 10 years.

Meanwhile, the house is very quiet without them here! Younger daughter Julia just started her final year in high school, and it's nice to spend time with her. Especially since by this time next year, our nest will be empty!

On the reading front, I am now about halfway through Trollope's The Small House at Allington. I'm liking it well enough, although there's an entirely new cast of characters and I miss my "old friends" from previous books in the Barchester series. And I just picked up Americanah from the library after waiting for several weeks. I'm planning to set Trollope aside to read it, but wouldn't you know last night I got completely sucked in to the latest plot developments in Allington. Now I'm in a quandary: how much more Trollope should I read before switching to Adichie? Should I just finish Trollope? I have 3 weeks to read the Adichie which is plenty of time but if I put off starting it for a week then I will feel rushed, even though 2 weeks is still enough time. Know what I mean?

More in this exciting saga later ... :)

Laura! Exciting things going on in your life! Sorry it has been a while since my last visit (de-lurk). Your daughter's year at Exeter sounds very exciting! :)

I hope your daughter has a wonderful year. I studied abroad also, and the experience is incredibly valuable. I can't believe you'll be an empty-nester next year! (I'm sure you can't believe it either). We're getting uncomfortably close to college -- enough to make me a weepy embarrassment. I took my girls for a celebratory pedicure on the last day of school, and I think we'll make that a yearly occurrence.

Hope you're having a great weekend!

I don't think I could drop Trollope for anything Laura, but you've got a tough choice. Exciting year ahead for Kate. What a great opportunity for her.

>145 TinaV95:: Hi Tina! Thanks for de-lurking. :)
>146 AMQS:: Anne, I like your idea for a yearly mother-daughter(s) pedicure. I'm filing that away for future reference.
>147 brenzi:: Bonnie, I've logged a fair amount of reading time this weekend since the hubs is away, and I'm going to miss my Allington friends when I go back to work tomorrow. I think I'll bring Trollope with me for lunchtime reading (he's on my Kindle, thank goodness), and then keep the Adichie at home to read in the evenings.

I'm glad you've solved your reading dilemma, Laura. I have no trouble reading two or three books at a time as long as they aren't too similar. You will have no trouble separating Trollope and Adichie. I enjoyed both books very much in different ways. Good luck!

I also adore The Custom of the Country it has a - humor? (maybe because of the despicable heroine?) - not to be found in HoM or AoI or Ethan Frome..... My favourite of her books is Summer but I am in a minority with it. I was astonished by it when I read it - she was very ahead of her time in her thinking about women.

I started the Adichie last night. I had many other duties calling my name but decided to read instead. Then I also logged a few pages of Trollope before bed. Nice!

>150 sibylline:: I agree with you about Summer, Lucy. It's easy to look at a work through a modern lens and forget how progressive it was when published.

Still here, still reading The Small House at Allington (maybe 80% read), and Americanah (about 50% read). I'm normally a monogamous reader, but I'm actually enjoying having both of these books on the go at the same time. Generally I pick up whichever one suits my mood, and Allington is great on the go, because it's on my Kindle.

I'm normally a monogamous reader...

Me too, but I do occasionally make exceptions. :-)

39. The Small House at Allington ()
My Review
Source: My Kindle
Why I read this now: There was a group read in August ... I kinda missed it.

Whew. I love Trollope's Chronicles of Barsetshire, but this, the 5th in the series, was a long one. The Penguin Classics print edition is 752 pages, so I am happy I have this series on my Kindle. But anyway, about the book ... I enjoy being immersed in Trollope's scenes of 19th Century England, and especially village life and the relationship (or lack thereof) between the classes. Every reading session was a nice escape from my day-to-day cares. And yet, I enjoyed this book less than others in the series. There are several leading male and female characters, but I didn't feel I got to know any of them well enough to become emotionally invested in their stories. The story revolves around sisters Lily and Isabel (Bell) Dale, who are courted by various men. These men range from desirable to loathsome, and Lily is treated poorly by one of them. There is an amusing scene in which the rake gets his comeuppance, but I was annoyed with Lily for the rest of the novel. There are subplots involving Lily and Bell's mother, and various gentry, that kept things interesting. So all in all, a good read but not my favorite.

Could you tell right from the start you wouldn't be as engaged? I hate that when it happens with an author I usually adore..... a sort of sinking feeling.... and yet you can't quite let it go. Do you think Trollope was less engaged, or was he after something that didn't interest you as much?

Caught up, hooray!

>155 sibylline:: Interesting questions, Lucy. I'd read several enthusiastic reviews from those doing the group read, including Bonnie (@brenzi) whose taste generally mirrors mine. And I didn't really have a sinking feeling as I read, just a feeling of "this is OK but I wish it were better" kind of thing. It might have just been the length of the thing -- Trollope was a pretty wordy guy.

>156 tiffin:: welcome back, Tui!

I just finished Americanah, which was wonderful. I'm going to wallow in it for a bit before posting a review.

"I'm going to wallow in it for a bit before posting a review."

That sounds very promising. Can't wait for the review.

Chimamanda Ngozie Adichie is one of my favourite writers Laura and I'm pleased that you loved her latest.

I'm still a bit miffed in truth that she was overlooked by the Booker cretins.

Have a lovely weekend.

I'll say - he had an amazing ability to rattle on!

#127 "I wish I'd brought my Kindle along" My kindle goes with me pretty much everywhere I go. It's light and fits in my handbag and it feels very comforting to know I always have something to read just in case... Of course, it does mean I panic when I get the dreaded battery needs charging notification. I guess I should carry the charger in my handbag too?

#154 I think I liked TSHAA more than you did but I agree that none of the characters meant as much to me as some from the earlier books.

>158 NanaCC:: Colleen, coming right up ...
>159 PaulCranswick:: Hi Paul! Nice to see you around these parts.
>160 sibylline:: He does rattle on Lucy, but in a most enjoyable way. I can't say that about too many authors.
>161 souloftherose:: Heather, I think I've learned my lesson about having my Kindle with me. I have plenty of unread books on it to save me in an emergency!

40. Americanah ()
My Review
Source: Public library
Why I read this now: I've loved all of her books, so why not read her latest? Besides, everyone on LT loves it.

Americanah is the story of Ifemelu and Obinze, who fall in love in high school, but go their separate ways when Ifemelu leaves Nigeria to study in the United States. Ifemelu initially struggles financially, taking desperate measures to make ends meet. She also has difficulty forming meaningful relationships, and understanding what makes the American man “tick.” As a non-American black, Ifemelu has a unique perspective on racism and is surprised by the viral popularity of her blog, but quickly builds a reputation as a voice of authority. Meanwhile, Obinze also comes of age and experiences his own challenges with immigration and money, in his case in Britain. Both eventually return to Nigeria, at different times and under different circumstances. Most of the book is devoted to each character individually, through alternating sections. Over time, their separate paths converge.

I had a hard time putting this book down, for a couple of reasons. First, it was a platform for Adichie to explore the immigrant experience and issues of race in America. I gained insight to race issues in ways I hadn’t thought about before. Second, I loved the story of Ifemelu and Obinze's relationship. I understood why, early on, Ifemelu decided to put Obinze at arm's length. The journey that led Ifemelu back to Nigeria also led her back to Obinze, but of course things had changed -- in the country, and in each of them. Adichie kept me guessing about the outcome all the way to the last page. But when I got there, it was just right.

Added to my wish list.

I'm sorry you didn't enjoy The Small House at Allington Laura. I know it was long but all the Trollope books are long so I don't think I paid much attention to that. I found Lily to be irritating too but I still really liked the book. Nice review of Americanah which I will now thumb. I still haven't gotten to it.

Nice review of Americanah, Laura!

>164 NanaCC:-166: Good morning Colleen, Bonnie & Darryl, and happy Monday to you. Glad you enjoyed my review of Americanah. Why oh why didn't this one make the Booker Prize long or short list?

Great review of Americanah! I read (well, listened to actually) Purple Hibiscus and enjoyed it very much. Looks like I must add another Adichie to the WL!

>169 lauralkeet:: Tina, you also MUST add Half of a Yellow Sun to your WL. It's superb.

41. No Signposts in the Sea ()
My Review
Source: My Virago Modern Classics collection
Why I read this now: After reading two chunksters, I wanted a short book. At 155 pages, this qualified.

When Edmund Carr learns he has only a few months to live, he puts his affairs in order and embarks on a cruise. There he develops a close relationship with Laura, a young widow. While he knows it is pointless to even consider a romantic relationship with her, he can't help but feel attracted to her, and jealous of other suitors on board ship. The reader lives inside Edmund's head as he observes his surroundings, especially Laura, and reflects on his life.

This short, contemplative novella is the last book published by Vita Sackville-West, and the setting -- a cruise ship -- one that she and her husband, Harold Nicolson, experienced several times in their last years together. Edmund's ruminations, especially those concerning romantic relationships, undoubtedly reflect the author's experience. And so this was a not unpleasant read with some poignant moments, but overall I found it just average.

Wow, Laura! You are ripping right along with some wonderful books. (I don't see how you can read when you could be gazing at your beautiful toes, but never mind.) (I've never had a mani nor a pedi, but I could really go for a good massage.) I will want to read everything that you've just read sometime, but I don't know when.
For some reason I'm not a great Wharton lover - I don't hate her either - so I've read only *Custom* and *Innocence*. I really, really enjoyed *Custom*, so I don't know why I didn't jump to read everything else that she wrote. Curious.
How wonderful for Kate! I hope that her year is as fantastic as I'm imagining it to be.

Hi Laura- Great review of Americanah. That one is already on the WL and I hope I can bookhorn it in, at some point.
Are you still watching Broadchurch. I think there is only one more left. It's okay but I wish it could have been stronger. A bit overwrought for my taste.

Hi Laura, I'm glad you shared my love of Americanah. That woman can write! I was also puzzled by her absence from the Booker list. I agree on Trollope's wordiness, but I just settle in and enjoy. So are you now a book polygamist?

>171 LizzieD:: Hi Peggy! If you really, really enjoyed Custom of the Country you really should read more Wharton as I think there are others you would really, really enjoy. Like The House of Mirth. Oh, and Kate is having a pretty good time so far, if Facebook photos are any indication. Classes just started this week.

>172 msf59:: Hi Mark, and thank you! I think Broadchurch is now over, right? Episode 8 was last night but I didn't watch it because I haven't watched Ep 7 yet. And because I was tired. I'll finish the series, but I agree it's not as strong as some other British telly offerings. Like Foyle's War, which has aired in the Masterpiece timeslot the past couple of weeks (the last episode is this Sunday). That's an old favorite of ours, and it's nice to see Foyle return, this time during the Cold War period.

>173 Donna828:: Donna, I have returned to my monogamous ways. :) Trollope+Adichie was a fluke, and only because it was my turn for Americanah at the library, and I wasn't going to pass up on that. And then, I also didn't want to leave Barchester behind for the time it would take to read the other, so I just *had* to read two books at once. Now I'm reading A Constellation of Vital Phenomena, and if I recall you count yourself among its fans. That's a book I want to savor, without the distraction of another book. I'm only up to Chapter 5 but it's so well written.

OK, lunch break over. Back to work!

Laura- Constellation is such a wonderful read and still one of my top books of the year. Enjoy! We won't be able to watch the Broadchurch finale until sometime next week.
I have never seen Foyle.

Hi Laura, I am seeing A Constellation everywhere. Hope you enjoy it! I've added it to my wish list.

Last week I read Tooth and Claw, which was inspired by Framley Parsonage, which I’m pretty sure I read some 25-30 years ago but I remember nothing. I’d reread to get the references if it weren’t for the 6 books in the series thing.

>175 msf59:: Mark, I'm catching up on Broadchurch right now, with Episode 7.
>176 AMQS:: Anne, Constellation is great. I'm about halfway through and I wish I could read all day.
>177 qebo:: Interesting, Katherine. I understand the series thing. I've now read all but the last Barchester novel, and it's HUGE, and I'm really in no hurry.

Hi Laura. Great reviews as usual - and I am happy that you loved Americanah too.

OK, that's you and Lisa both saying A Constellation of VP is excellent - enough to make me buy it! I will investigate on my Kindle tomorrow morning... right now it has vanished to Fletcher's room yet again.

I've put TSHAA on hold because I am in the middle of 3 really good books and am taking forever to finish any of them. I only got a couple of chapters in but was enjoying it. I'll come back to it, but not just yet.

>179 cushlareads:: Thanks for stopping by Cushla! I can't imagine having 4 books on the go, let alone one of them being Trollope.

Morning Laura- I hope you had a nice weekend and you are still loving Constellation. It is such a special debut.

42. A Constellation of Vital Phenomena ()
My Review
Source: Public library (Kindle loan)
Why I read this now: I was lured by the LT buzz.

It’s a rare book that inspires so much emotion, it renders me nearly speechless. A Constellation of Vital Phenomena is such a book. I loved it, and yet I’ve struggled for two days to find words to adequately describe it. It’s beautifully written, filled with evocative fragments like this:

... she understood that this was how a loved one disappeared. Despite the shock of walking into an empty flat, the absence isn’t immediate, more a fade from the present tense you shared, a melting into the past, not an erasure but a conversion in form, from presence to memory, from solid to liquid, and the person you once touched now runs over your skin, now in sheets down your back, and you may bathe, may sink, may drown in the memory, but your fingers cannot hold it.

And the characterizations are superb. Sonja is a doctor, one of two employees remaining in a Chechnya hospital ravaged by war. Her sister Natasha disappeared some time ago; their relationship was tenuous but Sonja feels tremendous guilt and loss. Akhmed trained as a doctor but is more of an artist. When his friend Dokka is “disappeared” in the dark of night, Akhmed rescues his young daughter Havaa and brings her to the hospital. There he is put to work, and Havaa is given shelter. Back in Akhmed’s village, the despicable Ramzan continues to inform on friends and neighbors -- Dokka is the twelfth person he has betrayed -- and Akhmed’s wife Ula lies in bed, the victim of early onset Alzheimer’s.

Anthony Marra explores each character in depth, describing both their individual histories and the web of connections that developed between the 1994-2004, a period that included two Chechen Wars. The story is dramatic and tense, and while there are also moments of love and tenderness this is ultimately a tragedy of immense proportions. And here’s where I run out of words. I can’t describe the emotional impact of this book without revealing events in the last few chapters. All I can say is: read this book. It’s one of my top reads of 2013.

Hi Laura - delurking to say you nailed the review of Constellation. My reactions were similar to yours and I've been telling everyone I know that this is one not to be missed. Have a good weekend!

>183 vivians:: thank you so much! I had such a hard time getting started but fortunately after a few sentences my review started to flow. I'm glad you enjoyed the book as much as I did.

5 stars from you is not to be ignored. Onto the TBR list it goes! Oh, and thumbs up, btw.

>185 laytonwoman3rd:: yay! and thanks for the thumb too, Linda.

Excellent review, Laura. A thumb from me too. My wish list runneth over.

Thumb from me too, Laura. Isn't it lovely that my birthday is coming up and I will be able to splurge on a new book?!? I do believe that it will be *Constellation*!

Wow, that sounds like a great book, Laura.

Hello Colleen, Peggy, and Rebecca. Constellation is getting great reviews all around LT and was nominated for the National Book Award. Great idea for a birthday present, Peggy!

Thumb! I'm starting to wonder when his next book will be out Laura haha. But then, how will he top this one? Sophomore slump is a real possibility, especially as this one is nominated for the National Book Award. Where do you go next if your initial effort wins the big prize?

Hi Laura! Just popping in to say hello. I am undecided on Constellation, as some of it seems a bit over-written which is a major turn-off for me. I guess I'll just get it from the library and see for myself.... though now I'll probably be hundreds back in the queue!

Hi Laura. I just added my thumb to your review of A Constellation of Vital Phenomena. I bought it recently along with several other books that I was considering giving to a friend for her birthday. She doesn't like overly depressing books so I decided to give her Americanah instead since I know she's a fan of Adichie. That means Constellation is now mine and I can't wait to read it.

Fab review of Constellation, Laura. Thumb-up : ). I just finished it a while ago and was struck by the same quote you mention.

>191 brenzi:: I know what you mean, Bonnie. I still can't believe this was a debut novel.
>192 katiekrug:: Katie, I can understand your reservations. Debora (@Cariola) wrote a review recently, which was favorable but critical at the same time. Even though I loved the book I understood some of her points about the writing and so forth.
>193 phebj:: Pat, I like your strategy for gift-buying: buy several, give one, keep the rest. I'll have to remember that!
>194 lit_chick:: Thanks Nancy. That quote strikes a lot of people, apparently. I read this on my Kindle, where it tells you how many others have highlighted it. I don't remember the number, but I always find it interesting.

Morning Laura- Great review of Constellation. It looks like you are going to snag a few more readers on that gem. Hooray! This has been such a wonderful year for book releases and I still have a mess to get through.
I really liked the finale to Broadchurch, although I felt very bad for Det. Miller. I had problems with the show over-all but at least they wrapped it up in a satisfying way.
Enjoy your weekend.

>197 msf59:: Hi Mark! Thanks for the kind words about my review. I like it when a book bullet hits its target, too. I agree with your assessment of Broadchurch too. Have you watched a Foyle episode yet? Nag nag nag :) ....

Drive-by flagging of 196. Scuzzy.

>199 qebo:: thanks! I've seen the same user on a few other threads and flagged them there as well.

Laura, your review almost made me think I could read something like that but we both know I can't. Thumbola anyway, for a good review. And I flagged the doofus as well.

What an amazing review. I may be in Tui's predicament, just fall apart too badly reading certain things (I used to be tougher), but I put in on the WL and maybe it will turn up at a library and I can give it a try.