Laura (lauralkeet)'s 2016 Reading - Part 1

I’ll start the year off with a photo of my daughters on our annual Christmas Eve visit to Longwood Gardens. Yeah, I know it was on my 2015 thread but I like it!




Here's my 2015 in Review, and if you are thirsting for details (ha!) you can check out my 2015 threads:
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5

Knitting is my other major hobby, and if you are interested, you can see what I'm currently working on over on my thread in the Needlearts group.

2016 is my 8th year in the 75 Books Challenge and my 3rd year with no reading goals whatsoever. I started out as a highly structured reader, organizing my life around resolutions, challenges, and monthly reading plans. After a while, it all got to be a bit much and I’ve been happier with the “read what I want, when I want” approach, joining the occasional group or theme read when it strikes my fancy. So let the reading begin!

Books completed ("details" jumps to location in this thread where review & links can be found)
January
1. Miss Marjoribanks - details
2. Backwater - details
3. The Color Purple - details
4. They Were Counted - details
5. Christopher and Columbus - details

February
6. The Story of a New Name - details
7. Marriage - details
8. Honeycomb - details
9. Can You Forgive Her? - details

Series Progress

Active series as of January 1:


Series completed/current in 2016:
* coming soon!

Series started in 2016:
* The Transylvanian Trilogy, by Miklos Banffy
* The Pallisers, by Anthony Trollope

All right, I'm open for business! For the next few days I will still be posting on my 2015 thread since I'm feverishly working to finish my last book of the year.

*starred*

>2 lauralkeet: That's all the series you have underway? Wow! I have no idea where mine stands because I'm almost afraid to look at that feature regularly on LT. Some of them will show as series, but I will probably never read additional installments because the first one didn't "make the cut." I did make my own list of ones I can remember that I want to keep reading so I can try to grab some additional ones and do better at keeping up in 2016. I may, of course, be reminded of others and add them to the list.

>5 thornton37814: Lori, that screenshot is from my Fictfact.com profile, which is my preferred method for tracking series. If I look at my series on LT I get overwhelmed, for all the reasons you mentioned. I learned about Fictfact from someone on LT (@PaulCranswick maybe?), and while it's kind of low-tech/clunky it is a useful way to keep my own list of the series that I care about.

>6 lauralkeet: I created mine in Evernote, but I only posted the next in series on each!

Dropping a star. Happy New Year and Happy Reading, Laura!

I am also dropping a star, hoping to do better at "keeping up" in 2016. Not planning any household moving this coming year (-:

I like FictFact, too, although I don't visit it often. Must improve on that note, too. Ah.... New Year's good intentions.

I'm very happy that you introduced me to FictFact, Laura. It really is helpful for tracking all of those compelling series.

Happy new year, Laura!

Laura, I like that picture of your lovely daughters, too. I hope they'll be home for a little bit before they return to college. I admire you for reading what you want when you want. I am giving myself permission to give up on books more easily. There have been very few books that I didn't finish and many more that I should have let go before wasting my time.

Happy New Year to you and Happy Reading in 2016!

Hi Laura, and Happy New Year!

I'm dropping off my star and looking forward to some good reading talk in 2016.

Hi, Laura! Love the photo of your beautiful gals up there.

Happy new year!

Love the pic of your daughters. I also like, "3rd year with no reading goals whatsoever." I'm also aiming at a year like that. If I do have a goal, it's to stay away from the challenges--and ratchet down the reading intensity. It must have worked for you, if this is year 3. I'm looking forward to following your thread and finding out where reading what you want when you want leads you. Happy New Year.

>1 lauralkeet: no reading goals whatsoever
And an entire year of opportunities. Happy 2016!

Happy New Year Nathalie, Diana, Karen, Colleen, Cushla, Donna, Ellen, Amber, Becky, & Katherine!

I read very little the past couple of days; I needed time to clear my head after finishing A Place of Greater Safety. I started a book, but spent more time knitting and, of course, visiting LT threads.

My current book:

Miss Marjoribanks

This Victorian novel is part The Chronicles of Carlingford, and very similar in style to Anthony Trollope. This one features a strong female protagonist, Lucilla, who returns to Carlingford after completing school and her Grand Tour of Europe, and sets about "revolutionising" the town. I've read the first 5 chapters and am enjoying Margaret Oliphant's humorous portrayal of Lucilla.

I hope to make more progress today, especially since we are going to New York on Saturday to celebrate my older daughter Kate's 23rd birthday. She lives in the city, so we will stay overnight at her place and return home Sunday. And then it's back to work on Monday. :(

Happy New Year and Happy New Thread, Laura! Love the daughter toppers. That is perfect. Looking forward to another enjoyable reading year and following along with my book buddies.

Hi Dear Laura! I look forward to visiting your thread more frequently in 2016. Your daughters, as always, are beautiful! All the best for a bright, shiny 2016.

Happy New Year, Laura. Hooray for no reading plans! Lovely pictures of your daughters.

Such a lovely photo of your daughters, Laura. Happy New Year! Loved your 2015 summary on past thread.

Hi Laura, I will be following along in 2016. Happy new year.

Oh goodness, I can't keep up with all my visitors! Please forgive the lack of individual responses; I really appreciate the kind comments about my daughters, and I'm looking forward to the year of reading ahead.

Is anyone else having a hard time keeping up with all the new year activity? Whew!

Is anyone else having a hard time keeping up with all the new year activity?

Yes! I assume that the hyperactivity will cease after we all return to work on Monday.

>25 kidzdoc: we all return to work on Monday
Sigh. Yes, that day will be here before we know it.

Have a wonderful bookfilled 2016, Laura.

Hi, Laura! Happy New Year and Thread, just dropping off a star...

This time of year is always a bit overwhelming, but yes, it will settle down when that pesky Real Life thing kicks in again. :)

Hi Laura! One of my few New Year's resolutions is to do a better job of checking in on threads on a regular basis. I either completely missed or lost track of several in the 2015 group, so I've made sure to drop a star here. I am looking forward to your comments on Miss Marjoribanks That one is on my TBR list, but if the writing is similar to Trollope, maybe the whole series needs to be on my reading list?

Hi Paul, Liz & Carrie. I haven't been around much this weekend because we took a short trip to New York, where older daughter lives, to celebrate her 23rd birthday which was yesterday. We will head home later today. I'm lurking / reading threads more than I'm posting. Enjoy the rest of the weekend everyone!

Dropping a star off Laura!

Am I losing my mind or did Kate originally move to Boston? (Yes, I'm nosy...) As a NYer, I don't blame her a bit for moving - ha!

Katie, you have a keen eye for detail. :)

Kate spent the summer in Boston working for a literary agent. That was a temporary position and as it was winding down she decided she wanted to be in New York. She obtained an internship with a fashion/shopping website and ramped up a freelance gig that she'd been doing since Fall 2014. In November she was offered to go from freelance to a full-time salaried position which takes effect tomorrow. She writes about entertainment and popular culture at HelloGiggles.com, a site aimed at teens and young women. HG was recently acquired by Time, Inc and they are investing in growing their digital, female-focused content. Kate will be responsible for writing and editing morning news in the US Eastern time zone and will write other pieces as assigned.

We are thrilled that she has essentially landed her dream job just 6 months after graduation!

>24 lauralkeet:
and
>25 kidzdoc:
and
>26 lauralkeet:
Sigh. Even with my health scare, I think I have to go back to work tomorrow. The ONLY good thing about that is that the threads will slow down a bit. But it has been fun to spend so much time getting caught up with everyone to start the year. It's becoming become an annual tradition.

And congratulations to Kate! That is wonderful!

>33 lauralkeet: - Yay for Kate! That's awesome.

How wonderful for Kate! You must be positively beaming for her!

>34 EBT1002:, >35 katiekrug:, >36 scaifea: wonderful, awesome, positively beaming...
Yep, that just about sums it up! Thanks.

Congrats on your daughter's new job--how fun is that?! And we both welcomed our daughters in around the same time--my oldest turned 23 on the 30th of December. : ) Love your reading goals for the year--I am in the same boat except I have my RL reading group selections. Wishing you a wonderful 2016.

>33 lauralkeet: Wow! Fabulously well done, Kate!

>38 Berly: Thanks for stopping by with the new year's wishes, Kim!

>39 lit_chick: Thanks Nancy.

Congratulations to your daughter. Well done. You must be a proud mama.

>33 lauralkeet: That's such wonderful news, congratulations to Kate!

Thanks Beth and Nathalie, it is indeed very good news!

Hoorah for Kate! She might have even been working across the street from my office, depending on the publisher.

>44 michigantrumpet: Actually Marianne, I think you work downtown right? Kate worked at the lit agent's home office in Newton.

>33 lauralkeet: dream job just 6 months after graduation!
With decades of dreaming to go. Congrats!

>45 lauralkeet: Yes, right downtown. There are several publishing companies nearby, so thought she might be at one of them. I hope she had a chance to leave Newton and explore while she was here. So glad for her new job!

>46 qebo: Thanks Katherine.

>47 michigantrumpet: oh yes, Marianne, she really liked Boston. She lived in Brookline which is a great area especially for the younger set. We visited once over the summer and had a great time.

I can't believe I haven't been here yet! Happy New Reading Year, Laura! A good start with the Oliphant. I think I read and enjoyed something of hers, can't think what at the moment.

Enjoy!

>48 lauralkeet: I'm so pleased! Brookline is a great location. Close to public transportation, relatively safe, and yet still close to everything. This is a great place for young folks -- although older folks seem to enjoy it, too!

Following your reading, Laura.

>49 sibylline: Happy New Year Lucy! Thanks for stopping by. It's taking me longer than I hoped to finish Miss Marjoribanks, but I hope to wrap it up today.

>50 DianaNL: That's cute, Diana! I really needed the weekend after a rather unpleasant work week. Yesterday was a good day: I managed to go to the Y for some exercise, and get in lots of reading and knitting time.

>51 michigantrumpet: I had not spent much time in Boston before the visit we made last summer, Marianne. I agree she was in a great location. I loved being able to get anywhere we wanted to go via public transportation. That's not possible where I live.

>52 Matke: Hi Gail! Thanks for stopping by!

Since I haven't finished any books yet I think it's time for a pet photo, don't you? My husband snapped this one of me and Alys reading yesterday:

>54 lauralkeet: Nice!

>54 lauralkeet: Lovely photo and glad to see you are introducing Alys to Viragoes :-)

Belated happy new year wishes and big congratulations to Kate on the job!

Lovely photo of you and Alys reading, Laura! She looks very content.

Love that photo!

Great photo and yay for Boston!!

Oh I'm glad everyone enjoyed the Alys photo! Our other dogs are labs, so I'm not used to having a dog that can sit in my comfy chair with me. I rather like it!

1. Miss Marjoribanks ()
My Review
Source: My Virago Modern Classics collection
Why I read this now: I really enjoyed the previous book in the series, and I'm feeling the "need" to wrap up the series too.

When Lucilla Marjoribanks finishes school she returns home to Carlingford professing that her life's work is “to be a comfort to my dear papa,” who was widowed a few years earlier. As de facto lady of the house, she elevates her father’s standard of hospitality and begins “revolutionizing” local society through events every Thursday evening. Her confidence and grace give her instant influence and power, which she uses to great effect. Lucilla is able to steer away unwanted suitors, and right old wrongs in order to unite those meant to be together. Meanwhile Lucilla herself remains steadfastly independent, unusual for a Victorian era woman.

This is the penultimate novel in Margaret Oliphant’s Chronicles of Carlingford, and yet for some reason is set earlier than any of the other novels. Lucilla struck me as a possible model for E.F. Benson’s Lucia, especially when she meddled in the lives of others while staunchly defending altruistic motives. Oliphant is also adept at satire and humor, and made me laugh several times. And yet, Lucilla was a bit of a one-trick pony, and the abrupt “fast forward” in time which occurred about ⅔ of the way through, seemed a rather forced way to allow Lucilla to do more of the same with a different cast of characters.

This is still a decent read, and when I complete the series I will miss the world created by this feminist contemporary of Anthony Trollope.

And next I will be reading:



* The first volume of The Transylvanian Trilogy: They Were Counted. My husband read this a few months back and has been pressing it on me at every opportunity. It's a chunkster, more than 600 pages.
* The second novella in Pilgrimage v. 1: Backwater. In the Virago Group we are planning to read one novella per month. I don't normally read more than one book at a time, but this is a good book to tuck into my bag for lunchtime reading.

>61 lauralkeet: Congrats on completing book #1.

Thanks Katherine, it's about freakin' time. Life has just been a little busy since the new year.

I enjoyed The Transylvanian Trilogy when I read it -- I read it in separate volumes, though.

>65 rebeccanyc: Rebecca, my husband is quite enamored of Everyman Library editions. They published the trilogy in two volumes. The first volume is just book 1, and the second contains books 2 & 3.

Have a lovely weekend!

>61 lauralkeet: nice review. Completely unaware of this series. Trying to complete a few series now. Then this might be one to start! Love the comparisons to Trollope and Lucia.

Marianne, I wouldn't have discovered these either if I hadn't started collecting Virago Modern Classics. I love discovering these women who were writing great stuff just like the men were at that time, but weren't recognized for it.

2. Backwater ()
My Review
Source: My Virago Modern Classics collection
Why I read this now: Part of a Virago Group year-long project.

This is the second book in Pilgrimage, a set of 13 novellas published by Virago in 4 volumes. Author Dorothy Richardson pioneered the stream of consciousness form in telling the life story of Miriam Henderson. In the first book, Pointed Roofs, Henderson’s family falls on difficult financial times and 17-year-old Miriam obtains a teaching position in a German girls’ school. It’s a formative if unhappy experience; Backwater opens after her return to England, where she is about to take up a new post in a small girls’ school in London.

Miriam’s delight at being reunited with her sisters jumps off the early pages of this book, as does her enthusiasm for her new teaching position. But since the reader is privy to all of Miriam’s thoughts, we are also keenly aware of her feelings of awkwardness, self-doubt, and isolation. Her relationships with men are tentative and uncertain, but she seems to accept that even as her sisters pair off and become engaged. While she becomes a more confident teacher, she also yearns for something better, but undefined. She’s thrilled to discover newspapers, which she squirrels away in her room to read in secret. And she’s positively euphoric when she stumbles across a library near the school, and begins devouring every book in sight. Miriam’s summer holidays see her reunited with her sisters, enjoying long warm sunny days but perhaps living somewhat beyond their means. Near the end of this novel, financial pressures become more acute, Miriam’s mother’s health is threatened, and Miriam once again feels compelled to find a different form of employment.

I am really enjoying Richardson’s writing, and taking this in approximately 150-page increments is working well for me.

And here's the Alys photo of the week! Well to be honest I won't promise a new photo every week, but she parked herself by the fire this morning and just looked too cute for words.

>71 lauralkeet: That looks very comfortable!

I love the photos of Alys (of course) and I think it's a great strategy to post pet photos when one hasn't much in the way of book updates.

I think I still have not read any Virago Modern Classics. I have one on the shelves, South Riding by Winifred Holtby, but haven't gotten to it yet. I don't see them on bookstore shelves very often....

>71 lauralkeet: Alys really knows how to set herself up for a shot, doesn't she? That makes a great winter photo.

>71 lauralkeet: Adorable photo of Alys, Laura! Just love the way her back leg is hanging off the edge of the cushion, LOL. Would love to see a photo of the week, but I know about demands on time ...

Hi Rhian, Ellen, Meg & Nancy! Our Alys is a real sweetie but isn't always easy to photograph. I felt lucky to catch her in a relaxed moment. She's about 1 year old now so we figure she's reached her full size -- so much smaller than our two labs, Lilly (who turns 13 this month!) and Woody (8).

Most of you know I enjoy knitting almost as much as I do reading. I've been enticed to join the Needlearts group on LT, and created a personal thread with photos of my current projects. Feel free to head over there and check it out. I've also added a link in >1 lauralkeet:.

>54 lauralkeet: I LOVE that photo, Laura! It is perfect. Hope all is well, my friend. Good to know last night's DA was a good one. Hope to watch it tomorrow night.

>77 lauralkeet: Who knew there was such a thread on LT? Headed over for a look....

Happy New Year Laura!

>76 lauralkeet: She's about 1 year old now so we figure she's reached her full size -- so much smaller than our two labs, Lilly (who turns 13 this month!) and Woody (8).

Was she the runt of the litter? We always tried to get the runt because they tend to stay on the small side, comparatively speaking. She's adorable:-)

Laura, I love the picture of you and Alys reading together. She looks very attentive. What a sweet dog and companion. That's great about Kate getting her dream job in New York. Hmm, it seems like just yesterday she was starting college. I'm sure those 23 years have gone by very quickly for you and your husband.

Oh, Laura, I just love the knitting projects you have on the go! Beautiful work, and beautiful patterns. May need to make the cashmere wrap for myself : ).

>71 lauralkeet: Ooof, I just love this photo so, so much!

And speaking of runts of the litter, yeah, that's what we did with Mario, too, but she's still ginormous. I can't imagine what her litter mates look like now!

>71 lauralkeet: What a lovely photo -- very inviting and cozy!

>80 brenzi: Hi Bonnie!! The main difference is, Alys isn't a lab. She's some sort of terrier mix. Very different size and a much feistier personality!

>81 Donna828: You are so right about the past 23 years, Donna. It's hard to believe I have adult children now (our younger daughter is 20).

>82 lit_chick: Thanks Nancy!! Do you knit too? I'd love to see your work!

>83 scaifea: Thanks Amber. It's hard to believe Mario is a runt. I've been amazed at how huge she is in the photos on your thread.

>84 michigantrumpet: Alys certainly thinks so, Marianne! After sitting there for about 20 min her little body was VERY warm. We should make her sit there and then have her sit in a lap to warm up the humans.

>33 lauralkeet: This sounds like a fascinating opportunity for your daughter. Good luck to her.

Thank you Linda!! :)

>85 lauralkeet: I knit very sporadically now. But looking at your recent projects inspires me ...

DA was definitely a winner! That was one, I wish was, at least 15 minutes longer.

>89 msf59: I'm glad you enjoyed it, Mark!

Morning, Laura! I just wish there were more episodes like this. Maybe down the homestretch...

The only tiresome storyline is the hospital stuff, which is an improvement.

Big fan of this weeks DA! Yay for Mr. Carson and .... Mrs. Carson!

Did you see, they've posted a photo album of their wedding. Worth a look-see: they even had a program made up for the big day!

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/programs/features/slideshow/downton-abbey-s6...

>91 msf59: Glad you enjoyed it Mark!
>92 michigantrumpet: That's a cute album, Marianne. Thanks!
>93 DianaNL: Happy weekend to you too Diana! I live in the middle of the blizzard that is covering the eastern US at the moment, so it's sure to be an interesting day.

Meanwhile, I finished another book, The Color Purple. I'm not sure why/how I hadn't read this one up to now. It was excellent, and I'll post a review later. I'm about halfway through They Were Counted and enjoying it but I have been taking smaller books to work for lunchtime reading, and then getting caught up in them.

Laura, it's a very good sign that you still have internet during the blizzard. I guess I won't complain about our 4 inches of snow here! Stay safe and warm. Sounds like an excellent weekend to read. Better late than never on The Color Purple. I really enjoyed that one, too.

3. The Color Purple ()
My Review
Source: On my Kindle
Why I read this now: I recently met someone in RL who shared my taste in books (amazing!), and this is one of her all-time favorites.

How is it I have never read The Color Purple? This classic Pulitzer Prize-winning novel is a vivid and sometimes heartbreaking portrayal of early 20th century life as seen through the eyes of Celie, a poor black woman. As a young girl, Celie is abused by her stepfather and bears two children who are sent away to be raised by someone else. Her sister Nettie manages to escape before being abused herself, and Celie is married off to a local man who would have preferred Nettie. He sees Celie simply as an object to satisfy his sexual desire. Nettie promised to write, but Celie never hears from her and after many years, assumes she has died. Celie tells her story through letters to God and later begins addressing these letters to Nettie.

Shug enters Celie’s life as her husband’s lover. Shug is a singer with a strong flamboyant personality, but she is also kind. Shug helps Celie find her inner beauty and strength, and teaches her how to love. Meanwhile, the reader learns Nettie is still alive, having moved to Africa with the missionary family who took her in when she left home. And Nettie has been writing to Celie all along, but the letters haven't reached her. Nettie's letters show a life very different from Celie’s with its own hardships and pain. The sisters’ stories begin to converge, but the road is rocky for both of them.

Celie was a wonderful character with such a strong voice, and I cheered for her as she developed a strong sense of self. Nettie’s voice read more like a standard narrative and she felt a bit less authentic. Nevertheless, I really enjoyed this novel and finished with a lump in my throat -- always a good sign.

>95 Donna828: Hi Donna! It's been a snowy day that's for sure.

We have somewhere near 2 feet of snow now. My husband has been out with the snow blower several times, not because we need to go anywhere, but just to stay on top of the sheer volume of it.

I've read maybe 100 pages and done a fair amount of knitting. Lasagna for dinner -- this storm calls for comfort food!

It's definitely a comfort food sort of day. I wish I'd thought to stock up on hot chocolate.

My husband went grocery shopping on Thursday, armed with a list I made. He came home with those items and a ton of snacks. I laughed at the time but now I have to say he did a great job!!

How is it I have never read The Color Purple? Nor have I! Have watched the movie several times, and loved it more with each viewing, but I've never read it. Fabulous review, and thumb-up!

I haven't seen the movie either, Nancy, but now I'd really like to!

Happy Sunday, Laura! Good review of The Color Purple. I read it, way back, before the film came out. It was a great book and a very good film. Excellent cast. Not as dark and edgy as the book, but well done.

How are you dealing with the snow?

>102 msf59: How are you dealing with the snow?
Oh, I'm dealing with it just fine Mark. My husband is out with the snow blower right now, and I'm indoors on LT. Not bad eh?

Seriously, we had around 2 feet of snow, and no additional accumulation overnight. I understand road crews are out now but it may be a while before they reach our little cul-de-sac.

Sounds like you have it under control, Laura. LOL. 2 feet is a lot of snow! I think we have had about 20 inches, all winter so far, so I am not complaining at all.

Laura--Glad you are enjoying your snowy weekend and loved review of The Color Purple. Now that's a book worth a re-read!

Hi Laura,
I checked out your knitting thread but didn't comment because I didn't want to join the group. But, despite my absolute lack of talent, skill, or patience for knitting, I absolutely love seeing other folks' knitted works so I'll lurk occasionally.

I read The Color Purple decades ago and your excellent review makes me want to revisit it. Thanks for the nudge.

I hope you have a wonderful week ahead!

>104 msf59: sounds like you're having a pretty mild winter Mark. I am hoping we don't have any more storms like this one!

>105 Berly: thanks Kim!

>106 EBT1002: thanks for checking out my little ole thread, Ellen. I am not sure the week ahead will be "wonderful" due to a work deadline, but if I can still fit in my reading time I should be able to maintain my sanity.

>106 EBT1002:, >107 lauralkeet: Yeah that join to post requirement is a bit irritating. Since I wanted to respond to "there's a certain correlation between programming & knitting". With yes, absolutely. Not that I knit, but I actually got into programming via crafts.

>107 lauralkeet: and >106 EBT1002: Interesting mention about the correlation between programming and crafts. I recently had to "deconstruct" where I had gone wrong on a quilting block. DH, a programmer, etc. since the 1980s, made the comment that what I was doing had a lot of similarity to what someone does when they write or debug a program. (I'm not a programmer, but I've been married to one for 43 years--ha.)

And >107 lauralkeet: Love your thread over at the needlearts group.

I haven't read the book or seen the film of The Color Purple, but now I want to. It may be on my shelf, but if not I'm sure I can get it.

>108 qebo: some groups restrict posting, others don't. I'm sorry you weren't able to comment there Katherine (and Ellen), but I'm glad you came back here to do so!!

>108 qebo:, >109 labwriter: I'm glad to see my correlation "confirmed". I was having a hard time describing it on the thread, it's just something I feel, so now at least I know I'm not going crazy.

And thanks Becky for the thread love. Much appreciated!!

>110 NanaCC: Colleen, I snagged The Color Purple in a Kindle deal some time ago. I know paperback edition was in our house at some point, I can "see" it in my mind somewhere on one of my daughter's bookshelves. But I had gone looking for it and couldn't find it. So hey, for $1.99, why not. I hope you can locate a copy.

>96 lauralkeet: You are right about The Color Purple. It is an outstanding book. I read it years ago. Perhaps it is time for a re-read.

>111 lauralkeet: I'm not worried about it, Laura. If I don't have a copy, my favorite library, Chris' book shelves, does. :)

Just checking in to see how you're holding up in the snow storm Laura. A thumb for your review of The Color Purple which is one of the few classics of American literature I've read.

Nice review of The Color Purple, Laura. BTW, did you read the interview of Alice Walker's conversation with Colm Tóibín that appeared in the Styles section of yesterday's NYT? I haven't read it yet, but I will tonight or tomorrow.

>113 NanaCC: It's nice to have access to a "favorite library" like that one!

>114 souloftherose: All is well, Heather. My life is back to normal although there are still a number of municipalities where the roads aren't clear, and schools remain closed.

>115 kidzdoc: Darryl, we didn't get our Sunday NYT on Sunday (no surprise there actually). It was on the kitchen table when I arrived home tonight, so I will get to it at some point during the week. Thanks for the heads up.

>96 lauralkeet: I read this one decades ago in translation shortly after seeing the movie and I should do a reread. Great Review!

No snow in sight here, spring temperatures, sun, and I think again no rain since almost 3 weeks. The last thing I want is a bad snow storm, but maybe a bit more of hot chocolate and books weather next weekend? :/

>117 Deern: in translation? that's interesting. Celie's letters were written as if in her speaking voice, and her manner of speaking would have meaning to an American reader, and place her in a certain cultural context. I can't imagine how that would be conveyed in another language.

Laura, I saw the screen shot, and have just been at fictfact! How have I never found this before?
In the words of a former EAL student (English as an Acquired Language) - thanks you!

Hello Elizabeth! Thanks for visiting and soooo glad I could help :)

>117 Deern: and >118 lauralkeet: I had the same thought. Even though it's been years since I read it, Celie's voice was so memorable and so much a part of the creation of her character as someone I "knew".

Have a wonderful weekend!

Both those Viragos, the Richardson and Oliphant intrigue, although too bad the Oliphant spun out a bit at the end.

I had a great aunt who made the Marjoribanks choice. My mother felt she really did think it all through. She was born in the 1880's, she had her own money after her father died, never married, (turned down several suitors even though she wasn't a beauty.) She lived with her brother (my grandfather) until he married (in his mid-forties) and acted as his hostess. First woman passenger to fly across the US--one of her cousins was one of the first licensed women pilots, they were all mad for flying. After my grandfather married she built her own house -- (the architect proposed!). It was the house used in the third Stallone movie! Out west hunting she got the first bighorn, much to the chagrin of all the men in the party. (You had to walk underneath it to get into the house, I used to run!). Her garden was exquisite and I see now, very much built on the principles of the Victorian gardener, Gertrude Jekyll.- I suspect she was really an amazing person. I only remember her ill and in bed or sitting in a chair in her "drawing room".

>123 sibylline: what a fascinating story, Lucy. Too bad you weren't able to connect with her in her younger years.

In other news, I finished a book -- They Were Counted -- earlier this week! I liked it well enough (3.5 stars), but haven't had a chance to review yet. It's been a busy work week. Hopefully tomorrow.

Meanwhile I'm really enjoying Ekizabeth Von Arnim's Christopher and Columbus. Very witty and fun.

I've found your knitting thread, and friended you on Ravelry. Of course, I haven't actually knitted anything yet, but I am having fun on Ravelry looking at patterns. I'm a very lapsed knitter finding it hard work to get back into it - I keep assuming that I can do something more diffcult than I actually can do. I am currently knitting a dog blanket and it is slow going!

>125 SandDune: I was excited to receive a friend request, Rhian! And I hope to see more of your work over there too. Ravelry is a great source of ideas, and also useful for getting help. Members are great at answering questions either via PMs or through the forums. There are also lots of how-to videos online (like on YouTube) for various techniques. Good luck!

4. They Were Counted ()
My Review
Source: On our shelves
Why I read this now: My husband really enjoyed it and kept nagging at me to read it, too.

They Were Counted is the first of three books in The Transylvanian Trilogy. Set in the early 1900s, it is a sprawling tale of a time and place in history, told through the lives of two young men: Balint Abady, a new member of parliament, and his cousin Laszlo Gyeroffy, a musician. Balint is clearly of a higher class and moves easily through the myriad of balls and dinners common to his social circle. He also is responsible for significant land holdings long owned by his family. He and Laszlo are long-time friends, but it’s clear Laszlo is a peg or two down the society ladder; he’s present at many of the same balls but lacks Balint’s financial resources and political influence.

Balint is very much in love with Adrienne, who is locked in an unhappy marriage. Balint quickly uncovers scars from the marriage that have made her unable to experience passion. He visits Adrienne regularly, intent on both expressing his love and helping her to once again feel what it means to love and be loved. Laszlo, meanwhile, has made a name for himself at court. He is in charge of the dancing at all of the balls, directing the musicians and keeping things moving for the guests. Laszlo also gets involved in romantic relationships, but early on he is knocked back when the family of the woman he loves rejects him. He turns to gambling to satisfy some underlying need, which has serious consequences not only for Laszlo but for many others in his circle.

Balint’s role in parliament is used as a device to cover important moments in Transylvanian history. These sections weren’t as interesting to me as those focused on high society in that period, but since I know next to nothing about this time and place, it was worthwhile to gain some historical context. They Were Counted was an interesting book; I was never completely “hooked,” but whenever I sat down to read I enjoyed it very much.

Nice review of They Were Counted, Laura.

>128 kidzdoc: Thank you Darryl. Have you read this one? I know Rebecca enjoyed the trilogy.

>127 lauralkeet: Nice review, Laura. Will you continue with the trilogy?

>130 NanaCC: Probably, Colleen, because we have them here on the shelves. But I'm hearing the siren song from so many other books right now, including Trollope's Pallisers and the Elena Ferrante novels, that I'm not sure when I'll get back to this one.

Great review of They Were Counted, Laura. Haven't read these and likely will not given I have so many others waiting impatiently. Got a chuckle out of your Why I read this now!

I highly highly recommend Trollope's Pallisers, loved them all! But Trollope is a favourite, so I'm biased. Hope to read (listen, actually) the Ferrante novels this year.

>129 lauralkeet: I haven't read and don't yet own They Were Counted, Laura. Rebecca's tastes in books are closely aligned with mine, so knowing that both you and she liked it is enough to put it high on my wish list.

Has Chris convinced you to read Knausgaard yet? Or have you already?

>132 lit_chick: Trollope is a favorite of mine too, Nancy. I loved the Barchester novels and have been intending to dive into the Pallisers for quite a while.

>133 kidzdoc: He hasn't convinced me yet, Darryl! I'm not actively opposed to reading them, but as I mentioned to Colleen (>131 lauralkeet:) there are a couple of other big reads I want to immerse myself in right now. So maybe someday ...

>129 lauralkeet: >133 kidzdoc: I thought Banffy is a marvelous story teller and painted a picture of a vanished world -- despite the soap-operish feel of some of the subplots.

>135 rebeccanyc: The soap opera subplots kept me going through the parliamentary sessions!

>136 lauralkeet: Ha! So they served a purpose!

Just cruising through, finding myself wanting to get to Barchester Towers which I have sitting on my TBR shelves. I haven't (yet) read Trollope but such trustworthy recommenders praise his work.....

I hope you have a great week ahead of you, Laura!

>138 EBT1002: thanks for the well wishes, Ellen. I'm heading into a 3-day meeting which I'm not exactly excited about. But hopefully some parts will be worthwhile!

5. Christopher and Columbus ()
My Review
Source: On my shelves
Why I read this now: I received this book -- a 1920 first edition -- from my Virago Secret Santa in 2012, and considering I’ve enjoyed other books by Elizabeth von Arnim I’m not sure why it took me so long to read it. The cover image shown is the actual cover.

When twins Anna-Rose and Anna-Felicitas are orphaned in their teens, their aunt and uncle take them in. But with the onset of World War I, the girls’ half-German parentage makes them a target for suspicion and bigotry. Their uncle, being a bit of jerk, decides he can’t handle the responsibility and puts them on a ship from England to America armed only with their suitcases and the names of two family friends allegedly prepared to house them.

This may sound like the beginning of a tragic drama, but Elizabeth von Arnim is known for her superb wit, and she applies a heavy dose to Christopher and Columbus:

And so, on a late September afternoon, the St Luke, sliding away from her moorings, relieved Uncle Arthur of his burden. It was final this time, for the two alien enemies once out of it would not be let into England again til after the war. The enemies themselves knew it was final; and the same knowledge that made Uncle Arthur feel so pleasant as he walked home across his park from golf to tea that for a moment he was actually of a mind to kiss Aunt Alice when he got in … the same knowledge that produced these amiable effects in Uncle Arthur, made his alien nieces cling very close together as they leaned over the side of the St Luke hungrily watching the people on the wharf.

On board the St Luke, the Annas meet Mr Twist, a thirty-something businessman quickly enchanted by their good looks and engaging demeanor. Their naivete triggers his “motherly” instincts, and he takes them under his wing for the duration of the voyage. A comedy of errors ensues when no one meets the twins on arrival in New York, and Mr Twist valiantly tries to unite them with the designated family friends while attempting to conceal their German heritage from everyone they meet. Through a series of amusing situations and encounters with equally amusing characters, Mr Twist and the Annas develop strong bonds with each other which initially appear to present a conflict, but are resolved in a very satisfying way.

This was a delightful light read recommended for anyone who has enjoyed other books by Elizabeth von Arnim, or D. E. Stevenson’s Miss Buncle novels.

>140 lauralkeet: you've popped that one onto my wishlist. :)

>141 NanaCC: Hurray! :)


I picked up the second Elena Ferrante last night, The Story of a New Name and was hooked in the first 30 pages. I wish I didn't have to work today!

Know you are busy with your meetings, but did you get to last Sunday's DA yet? It was a good one!

>143 michigantrumpet: OMG YES Marianne. That was an incredible episode!
(blatantly multi-tasking during a meeting!!)

>144 lauralkeet: Observed by other attendees who are equally enthusiastic about the meeting?

Nice review of Christopher and Columbus, Laura. It sounds like a fun read, and since it's available for free as Kindle e-book I just "purchased" it.

Wonderful review of Christopher and Columbus, Laura. Thumb-up for that : ).

>145 qebo: Well I hope not, but I'm also pretty sure I wasn't the only one!

>146 kidzdoc: Oh that's great, Darryl! Elizabeth vonArnim is a Virago author and wrote, among other things, Enchanted April and Elizabeth and her German Garden. Her work might be a little "girly," but I will be interested what you think of it.

>147 lit_chick: Thanks Nancy!

Kindle has a Collection of Von Arnim's works for $.99. Christopher and Columbus is included.

>148 lauralkeet: I don't know when I'll get to Christopher and Columbus, but needless to say I don't mind taking a chance on it when it's free.

Christopher and Columbus does sound intriguing!

>149 NanaCC: have you read any of her other books, Colleen?

>150 kidzdoc: well you have a point there, Darryl. And no guilt about not reading it either!

>151 sibylline: Lucy, I think you'd enjoy it if you're in the mood for something light.

It was interesting reading this to see how much people feared/resented Germans, which is not much different from the view some people have towards Muslims today. Von Arnim's satire seems designed to make one see the ridiculousness of such views. I wonder how that was received at the time?

>152 lauralkeet: I read In The Mountains last year, and thought it was quite good. I have Enchanted April in audio, but I think I might want to read that one rather than listen. The film was lovely.

>142 lauralkeet: I know what you mean about getting hooked on Ferrante's books. I'm still a bit puzzled at their appeal for me as I usually don't like stories about women who make bad decisions. It must be the writing and the politics of the time that have enticed me to readlisten to the books one right after the other.

I read the first two in the Ferrante series and they fell rather flat for me. I liked them but wish that I had loved them.

I love that you were blatantly multi-tasking during a meeting. There was a committee I used to serve on and when we had our mid-year meetings I would always have LT open on my laptop. I miss the meetings for lots of reasons (it was an awesome group of colleagues from around the country) and the opportunity for multitasking is one.

In agreement that the most recent DA was, um, memorable. :-)

>153 NanaCC: I loved the Enchanted April film too, Colleen. I saw it before I realized there was a book, and I was truly enchanted by it.

>154 Donna828: I'm not sure why they appeal either, Donna. I was surprised how quickly the second one sucked me in.

>155 EBT1002: Ellen, blatant multi-tasking is actually kind of an epidemic at my workplace. Not that everyone is on LT (!!), but people are usually doing multiple things either work or personal, at any given time. It's pretty unhealthy actually. Of course, I defend my own behavior by telling myself that LT multi-tasking keeps me sane. :)

I found all four of the Ferrante novels impossible to put down Laura. I read one per month for four months last summer/fall and loved them all. I hope you do as well.

Great conversation on the Ferrante books. Making me look even more forward to them!

>157 brenzi: I'm thinking of taking a similar approach, Bonnie. I don't necessarily want to read them back-to-back but I don't want to let too much time elapse between them either.

>158 lit_chick: I think you'll enjoy them, Nancy.

Currently Reading - Update


* The Story of a New Name - I'm around 1/3 of the way in and this story of Elena and Lila continues to fascinate me.

* Marriage - I just started this one for the Virago Chronological Read project. It was published in the early 1800s, so obviously quite different in style although fairly easy reading. It's also chunkier than I expected (513 pages), but I plan to read it a bit at a time concurrent with the Ferrante.

I still intend to start Trollope's Palliser series this month, but not until I've finished at least one of my current reads.

Can't wait to get into the Ferrante novels! And I adore Trollope! so will be closely following your Palliser adventures.

Great to see that the Ferrante keeps being good! I haven't read any since early last week.

Re. The Color Purple: it's so many years ago that I don't remember much. I admit I didn't like it and was totally disappointed after having seen and loved the movie. I guess my grandma for whom I had bought it (what was I thinking??) never touched it. They had a special way back then to translate all kinds of slang into the same weird German "invented slang". It always sounded awful and false and was one reason why I started reading books in English quite early. Now I'm curious about Celie's voice and will get the sample on my Kindle asap.

Happy Sunday!

>162 Deern: translate all kinds of slang into the same weird German "invented slang". It always sounded awful and false
Oh, it would! Though I can imagine that slang is difficult to translate, it's so tied with a cultural group (ethnicity, class, age) or an era.

>162 Deern:, >163 qebo: German invented slang? That's fascinating. I agree with Katherine's comment and will be interested to hear your thoughts, Nathalie, if you read it in English.

Are you reading the Ferrantes in English or Italian?

Discussion reminded me of use of 'badass' in Swedish crime novel I just read. Just seemed weird (not least because the rest of the translation was quite formal).

Goodness, how did I get so far behind with your reading? I did better when I was working every day. Ah....wait...I was ALWAYS sitting in front of a computer....."multitasking", of course! Anyway. I put They Were Counted on my wishlist a while back, probably due to Rebecca's recommendation. Your review has pushed it back onto my radar. And those Ferrante novels. So many people say they love them, but they don't know why! I'm going to have to try them for myself.

>165 charl08: Charlotte, I can see where that word might have stood out in an otherwise formal translation. I think it would be very challenging to translate literature in a way that rings true and still conveys the subtle nuances of the original language.

>166 laytonwoman3rd: Hey, look who's here! Thanks for popping in. Another tempting aspect of the Ferrante novels is they are published in very pretty Europa editions. As if you needed another nudge. :)

I just bought the Ferrantes last weekend - as I am charging happily through the Cazelet's, I couldn't resist lining up another massive read!

I have 100 pages left in The Story of a New Name, and I'm loving it. I forced myself to go to bed at a reasonable hour last night, because it wasn't like I was on the verge of finishing it. The little devil over my shoulder wanted me to stay up late but I resisted.

Just got caught up on Downton Abbey after having missed it for the Super Bowl. Caught it on a repeat last night!

>170 michigantrumpet: oh I'm glad you're caught up! I was talking to a guy at work yesterday about how we caught the last 10min of the Super Bowl after DA. He confessed that he had bought the DVDs from PBS so his wife suggested they watch this week's episode on Saturday. Four hours later and they had finished the series!

>171 lauralkeet: What a husband!

We're going to WGBH, our local PBS station on March 6th to see the final episode 8 hours before it is aired in the theater with a big screen. Then afternoon tea to discuss with all 200 of our fellow DA loving peeps!

>172 michigantrumpet: well that sounds fun! My husband spent several years in development at WHYY, the Philadelphia PBS affiliate. He was frequently involved in organizing special events. It was a great job working with some really terrific people. WHBH is the "big dog" of the system and I bet they put on wonderful donor/member events.

>169 lauralkeet: Very impressive.

As you say, the skill of translation is admirable - it's those ones where you forget that you're even reading a translation (without losing the authenticity of the setting) that are the most impressive of those. I've been impressed with the Peirenne series recently.

>139 lauralkeet: 3 day meeting? Ugh.

>140 lauralkeet: Another thumb for your review. It's been a while since I read anything by Elizabeth von Arnim and Christopher and Colombus sounds like delightful so I will try to get to it soon.

I have also been meaning to try the Elena Ferrante series this year. Not sure it's quite what I'm in the mood for right now but perhaps later on in the year.

>174 charl08: Charlotte, I'm not sure >169 lauralkeet: was really that impressive, since I am prone to falling asleep while reading and I knew that would happen eventually no matter how much I was enjoying the book!

>175 souloftherose: Heather, although I've had Christopher and Columbus on my shelves for some time, it wasn't until Simon at Stuck-in-a-Book mentioned on the Tea or Books podcast that it was one of his personal favorites that I said "hang on, I have that one, why don't I read it?" Just adding a little more temptation -- no pressure!

6. The Story of a New Name ()
My Review
Source: On my shelves
Why I read this now: I used Christmas gift money to buy books 2-4 in this series, and couldn't wait to get started.

I enjoyed the first Neapolitan Novel, My Brilliant Friend, and after reading The Story of a New Name I am completely hooked. At the center of the Neapolitan Novels are Elena Greco and Lila Cerullo, two women growing up in Naples in the 1960s. My Brilliant Friend begins with primary school and ends when they are about sixteen; The Story of a New Name follows them into their early twenties. While both Elena and Lila excelled in school, women did not typically attain the same level of education as men. Lila followed a traditional path in her middle-class neighborhood, marrying young and working in a family-owned business. Elena was able to continue her education, thanks to sponsorship from a teacher who recognized her talents. Lila and Elena's paths diverge, and initially it appears Lila has it all: she lives in a nicer house than most people, the business is successful and they are financially comfortable. Lila has good looks, a nice figure, and a fashionable wardrobe; she exudes sex appeal. Elena is shy and fairly clueless about beauty and fashion, but well-informed and eloquent. In fact, each is sure the other one is living a better life and is rather jealous about it.

However, as is the case with most people's lives, there is a lot more happening beneath the surface. One summer, Lila convinces Elena to spend several weeks with her at the beach instead of working in a local bookshop. They spend idyllic days in the sun, but this is also when Elena discovers some truths about Lila's marriage and experiences a profound betrayal. The consequences ripple through both of their lives, and they go their separate ways for a while. Elena eventually graduates from high school and leaves for university. Her world view expands, but at the same time, she feels like a stranger in a new country. She has to suppress her accent to blend in. She doesn't have the right clothes for social functions. And other students from more privileged backgrounds instinctively understand things Elena does not:

They knew, without apparent effort, the present and future use of the labor of studying. They knew because of the families they came from or through an instinctive orientation. ... They knew the names of the people who counted, the people to be admired and those to be despised. I, on the other hand, knew nothing, to me anyone whose name was printed in a newspaper or a book was a god. ... I didn't know the map of prestige.

While Elena works her way, step by step, through the educational system, Lila's path is far less linear. Elena Ferrante describes it beautifully:

How easy it is to tell the story of myself without Lila: time quiets down and the important facts slide along the thread of the years like suitcases on a conveyor belt at an airport; you pick them up, put them on the page, and it's done. It's more complicated to recount what happened to her in those years. The belt slows down, accelerates, swerves abruptly, goes off the tracks. The suitcases fall off, fly open, their contents scatter here and there.

And yet despite their very different personalities and ambitions, the bond between the women seems unbreakable. Elena is drawn back to Lila time and again, and towards the end of this book credits Lila as the inspiration behind her first professional success. In the novel's final pages, Elena seems positioned for great things and Lila's future is far less certain. But with two books remaining in the series, there are sure to be many more suitcases on the conveyor belt. It remains to be seen whether they follow a smooth path or fly open and scatter their contents everywhere. Either way, it's sure to be a fascinating tale of life, love, and friendship.

>177 lauralkeet: Today being "the day the touchstones died," they do not show up in my review. Hopefully, this will resolve itself but I am leaving this message to remind me to check them later.

Thumb-up for another superb Ferrante review, Laura. I think when I get started with these, I will want to listen to them one after the next. I did the same with the Cazalets, and with Trollope's Barchester and Palliser chronicles. Great quote from your review, so illustrative of human nature: In fact, each is sure the other one is living a better life and is rather jealous about it.

>179 lit_chick: Thanks Nancy!

Also, touchstones are back -- hurray! I just had to edit my post, wait for the touchstones to appear on the right, and save.

>177 lauralkeet: Thumbed your review of The Story of a New Name, Laura. Those books are definitely going on my "someday" list.

>177 lauralkeet: I couldn't resist reading that wonderful review. Lovely quotes! There's something in these 2 characters that makes them feel like one person to me that manages to go into 2 different ways in the outside life. I can't wait to read on the moment I have more time. This isn't a book where I can read just 5 pages, I need time for big chunks! Btw. is Elena always Elena or also Lenù in the English edition?

>181 laytonwoman3rd: My work is done. And I tell you, if you find yourself in a bookshop and see all four on display with their beautiful Europa covers, you will be unable to resist the temptation.

>182 Deern: Thanks Nathalie. I like your description of the two characters as one person. I feel the same way! And yes, Elena is sometimes Lenù and Lila is sometimes Lina. I assume these are nicknames? Late in the second book there is a character named Gennaro who they call Rino and sometimes Rinuccio. It seems like the "uccio" form is a diminutive, used with children, but I am curious how Lenù and Lina were derived.

Have a happy weekend.

>178 lauralkeet: I hate it on the (to be fair rare) occasions that the touchstones are playing up.

Have a lovely weekend, Laura.

I loved your review of the second Ferrante book, Laura. I may have to buy those lovely Europe editions and read them all over again someday. Actually, I would be reading them for the first time because I am presently listening to them…and almost finished with the last one. Yes, I still like the series very much. The nicknames are interesting, aren't they? And, of course, there is the author mystique which carries on with the protagonist having the name of Elena. It does make one wonder if they are autobiographical at all.

>184 DianaNL: thanks Diana, that's certainly how my dogs feel.
>185 PaulCranswick: hi Paul! It's a 3-day weekend here so I'm enjoying a bit of extra R&R
>186 Donna828: I wonder the same thing, Donna. I wonder if the author will ever lift the veil of mystery?

7. Marriage (DNF)
No Review
Source: My Virago Modern Classics collection
Why I read this now: It's part of a project to read VMCs in order of original publication.

I tried hard to enjoy this book, reading just over 200 pages, but it wasn't grabbing me. The heroine was unlikeable and stupid, and the plot was repetitive and completely lacking in subtlety. I'm counting it because I read so much of it before giving up.

Oh dear, I appear to have this one somewhere . . . I've hit a few Virago Moderns which really flop. I'm not sure what their editorial goals are, exactly?

>149 NanaCC: You got me with Christopher and Columbus. Thanks! And...

>189 sibylline: Lucy, there are a few of us in the VMC group reading the books in chronological order of publication. You can find the thread for this one here. There's been less discussion about this book than some of the others we've read, but I've come to the conclusion that the didactic writing style common in the late 18th/early19th centuries just isn't my thing.

I love the corgi going after valentine candy!!

>190 Berly: Oh, I hope you enjoy it, Kim! The price is right, in any case.

As for Valentine's Day, the hubs and I celebrated last night with a lovely dinner out. Today we hauled tons of crap from our basement and attic out to the garage, for collection tomorrow. At a later date, we will do the same with items suitable for donation. Aren't we a romantic couple?!! :)

On the reading front, I am reading Honeycomb, the third novella in Dorothy Richardson's Pilgrimage, published by Virago in 4 volumes. This will complete vol. 1. It's the life story of a young woman beginning from the age of 17 or so, and it's told stream of consciousness so you are inside her head all the time. I am really enjoying them. Trollope's Palliser novels are waiting in the wings and I hope to start reading the first book this week.

Well, you (and others) are certainly encouraging me to consider reading the third in the Neapolitan series. I love its title perhaps most of all (Those Who Leave and Those Who Stay). I do think some of the perspectives people have been sharing about the relationship between Lila and Elena might alter my experience. The quotes you chose for your review in >177 lauralkeet: are excellent illustrations of the poignancy of the story.

I hope you have a wonderful week ahead, Laura.

Thanks for visiting, Ellen! I've been lurking on your thread too -- must pipe up one of these days.

8. Honeycomb ()
My Review
Source: My Virago Modern Classics collection
Why I read this now: Part of a Virago Group year-long project

This is the third book in Pilgrimage, a set of 13 novellas published by Virago in 4 volumes, and telling the life story of Miriam Henderson. Miriam began her teaching career at 17, working in small boarding schools in Germany and England. In Honeycomb, she takes a position as governess for a wealthy family. She is warmly welcomed, and even invited to join certain social functions. She is not quite family, but not quite a servant either. The reader is privy to all Miriam’s thoughts, whether she is appreciating beauty in the garden, expressing self-doubt, or realizing that frequently her intellect outstrips that of her employer.

Meanwhile, two of Miriam’s sisters are engaged and as their wedding day draws near, Miriam contemplates her own future and the possibility of marriage freeing her from the need to support herself financially. But at the same time, her mother’s already fragile health worsens and Miriam must shoulder new responsibilities. What's next for her? On to the next book ...

Currently Reading - Update


* Can You Forgive Her? - This is the first of Anthony Trollope's Palliser novels. At 800 pages, it will take me a while--probably the rest of the month. Along the way I will be dipping into the group read from way back in 2013, to see what others thought of it and to gain insights from the fabulous Liz (@lyzard).

I picked up my copy of this book almost one year ago exactly, on a visit to The Book Thing of Baltimore. This is a used bookshop of sorts, except that every book is free. The only condition is you cannot resell the books.

>195 lauralkeet: I'm going to try to get to Can You Forgive Her? by the end of the month. Gosh, I better get moving to finish the ones I'm reading now.

Happy birthday!

I hope your birthday celebration involves some new books, Laura. I hope you had a lovely day. Stay out the f that basement! Haha.

Currently Reading - Update


* Can You Forgive Her? - I've read 27 chapters, out of 80 (!!). Sometimes with long books I like to read something different concurrently, but not this time. I am caught up in the story and enjoying it very much. I had hoped to be about halfway through by now, but I had less reading time last week than I hoped. My original goal was to finish by the end of February, mostly because I will be on vacation the week of 29 February and I hoped to read the third Elena Ferrante at that time. Well, I will still pack it in my suitcase. :)

I mentioned in >195 lauralkeet: that I found this book on a visit to The Book Thing of Baltimore, a used "bookshop" where all of the books are free. Over the weekend, we were once again in Baltimore attending a craft show and stopped at The Book Thing as we were leaving the city. I picked up a copy of Crow Lake, which Nancy (@lit_chick) raved about, and Barbara Pym's Excellent Women, which was my first Pym in 2007. At the time I read a library copy and now that I'm a confirmed fan, I decided I wanted a copy for my shelves.

>198 lauralkeet: I'm glad to see that you are enjoying Can You Forgive Her?. I had no doubts, but now I'm looking forward to it even more. I'm still enjoying the Forsytes, so it will be a while before I actually get to it. I'll be on vacation for a couple of weeks in March, so hoping I'll be ready for it at that time.

Delighted you are enjoying Can You Forgive Her?, Laura. Trollope ROCKS! Was so happy you'd found a copy of Crow Lake. I must get to Pym -- didn't know you'd read her, too, but I remember Bonnie (brenzi) loving her work.

How wonderful that a vacation is forthcoming!

>198 lauralkeet: I loved the whole Palliser series, as I've said many times before.

Belated happy birthday wishes Laura!

>188 lauralkeet: I'm at the half way point with Marriage (250 pages) and considering giving up. I don't know why I'm finding this one so much harder to get through than some of the other books we've read - I preferred A Description of Millenium Hall.

>194 lauralkeet: I didn't join in with the read of that series this year but I am encouraged by the positive responses.

>198 lauralkeet: So pleased you're enjoying Can You Forgive Her? - that's one of my favourite Trollope's.

We have quite the Trollope fan club around here don't we? He's an author I never would have tackled on my own but thanks to tutored/group reads with the Barchester novels, I felt very comfortable moving on to the Pallisers.

>199 NanaCC: I'm sure you'll enjoy it, Colleen. As vacation reading goes, it's pretty chunky, but it's also fun.

>200 lit_chick: Nancy, the Virago Group celebrated Pym's centenary in 2013, reading one novel per month in order of original publication date. I had read some of them before that time, and filled in the gaps through our group reads. She's a wonderful author.

>201 rebeccanyc: Rebecca, do you have a favorite Palliser novel?

>202 souloftherose: Heather, you make me feel better for giving up on Marriage (the book, not my husband, ha ha). You typically have more staying power than I do with novels of this type, so if it's troublesome for you I don't feel so bad!

>203 lauralkeet: I'd have to think about that, Laura. It was mainly the continuing development of the characters that I loved.

I love The Book Thing. When I lived in DC, a friend and I used to make pilgrimages there about twice a year. I dragged my husband a few years ago when we were passing through nearby, driving from DC to NYC.

I'm glad you're enjoying Can You Forgive Her? Laura. I loved it and hope to pick up on Trollope again this year with Phineas Redux. I really love the author but the length of the novels kind of puts me off.

I have one Pym left to savor that I never got to during the year of her centenary--Some Tame Gazelle which was her first published book. I may read that this year.

>204 rebeccanyc: Thanks Rebecca, I'm sure I will appreciate that aspect as I progress through the series.

>205 katiekrug: Katie, we kinda made a detour to visit The Book Thing also. It's only 4-5 miles from the Convention Center, and it's north of the city (which is the direction we were going), but it was still not on our direct route home. But what the heck, it's worth it.

>206 brenzi: Hi Bonnie! I know what you mean about long novels. I was thinking I might read a Palliser every other month, but even that might be too close together. There are just sooo many other books I want to read too.

>207 DianaNL: Hi Diana, and thank you! I'm looking forward to the weekend for sure, but even more to being on vacation next week. More on that later ...

Currently Reading - Update


* Can You Forgive Her? - I made good progress this week, reading about 230 pages. I'm now through Chapter 50. I'm still really enjoying it and I know this is going to be a wonderful series.

I leave on vacation tomorrow to spend a few days in Amelia Island, Florida. It will be a kind of active vacation centered around tennis each morning, so I'm not sure how much I will really be putting my feet up to read. Just to be on the safe side, I'm also packing the third Elena Ferrante novel, Those Who Leave and Those Who Stay. I will still be checking LT although I may not be as active here as I usually am.

Happy Weekend, everyone!

Have a wonderful vacation in Florida, Laura! Sounds like a very fit and active holiday.

Have a great vacation in Florida, Laura! The weather in Atlanta is glorious this weekend, so hopefully you'll have good weather there as well.

Have fun Laura! I'm leaving for Marco Island, FL in less than two weeks. I'm glad you are enjoying the Trollope, although I had no doubt that you would.

Hi!! : )

>210 lit_chick:, >211 kidzdoc: >212 NanaCC: Thanks Nancy, Darryl, and Colleen!

>213 Berly: Hi back at ya, Kim!

Yesterday I read more than 10 chapters in Can You Forgive Her?. It's not like I spent all day reading, either. It seemed like I was reading at a faster pace, maybe because the story picked up pace as well?

This morning we will take the dogs to the place they are boarding, have breakfast, squeeze in a quick workout at the gym, finish packing, and be on our way. I will check in with everyone later!

Happy Sunday, Laura! Have a great time in Florida. I could definitely use some warmer weather about now. We have more cold and wintery conditions here next week. Sighs...

>214 lauralkeet: I have already had my fill of tropical weather Laura and would welcome some cooler air. Still Florida is one of those places with real appeal. Key Largo is somewhere I would love to go.

Have a great Sunday and a wonderful holiday.

Hello from sunny northern Florida! The weather has been lovely and the tennis program is very good.

I'm also very happy to report I finished Can you Forgive Her?. It was a 4-star read for me. Review to follow but not sure how soon.

On to Ferrante's Those Who Leave and Those Who Stay ...

Enjoy Florida! Serve and volley- come to the net!

Have a great holiday, Laura.

I really enjoyed the Trollope group reads I did here a few years ago. I have several more on my Kindle but not until I get a decent block of time... I'll enjoy reading your review though!

Have a great time in Florida! Tomm's down there right now, in Orlando, on a business trip.

Hi Elizabeth, Cushla, and Amber! We are having a nice time.

>218 raidergirl3: The tennis program includes a 2-hour group clinic and a 1-hour private lesson, which gives you the chance to work on skills from the clinic or whatever you want. I consider myself an "advanced beginner" so this format has been really valuable for me. It's only a 3-day program, but now I'm ready for spring to arrive up north, and the season to begin!

>219 cushlareads: I frequently visited the group read thread as I read the book, stopping when it reached the chapters I was reading at the time. It was a great way to supplement my reading. You've reminded me I need to visit the thread and read to the end.

>220 scaifea: Amber, there have been a couple of business groups at our hotel. It's not a bad way to spend your work week even if most of your time is spent in a conference room.

Hi Laura, so glad you are enjoying Florida and the tennis program. It sounds excellent: two-hour clinic followed by one-hour private lesson. I'll bet you're ready for spring to hit the North! I am, too, come to that.

Well, we are home now and -- ugh -- we had a bit of snow last night! However, I don't go back to work until Monday so I'm taking it easy and will enjoy a few more days of R&R. Plus Julia comes home tomorrow for 2 weeks -- yay!

9. Can you Forgive Her? ()
My Review
Source: On my shelves
Why I read this now: I enjoyed Trollope’s Barchester series and decided I should read his Palliser novels.

It’s been a year since I finished Anthony Trollope’s Chronicles of Barsetshire, and it was such a joy to return to his depiction of Victorian England in The Pallisers. In Can You Forgive Her?, Trollope shows the good, bad, and ugly of marriage through three different situations. Young Alice Vavasor, egged on by her cousin Kate, breaks off her engagement to John Grey in favor of Kate’s brother George. Lady Glencora “Cora” Palliser was recently forced by her family to break off a relationship with handsome, dashing Burgo Fitzgerald, to marry the prosperous and ambitious Plantagenet Palliser. Her comfortable lifestyle can’t make up for a dull and so far childless relationship. Finally, the widow Arabella Greenow toys with two different suitors and provides comic relief in the novel.

Alice’s reputation is sorely damaged, yet she remains oblivious to this and insists on providing financial support to George as he runs for parliament, even though they are not yet married, the sums are significant, and he proves himself to be a cad of the highest order. John Grey, meanwhile, is never far away and continues to have feelings for Alice. Cora finds solace in friendship with Alice as her husband largely ignores her and enlists others to keep Cora in check as he focuses on his work.

In an unusual move for the time, the story is told almost entirely from a female perspective. The women are strong characters with money and opinions of their own. However, Trollope cannot envision a world free from Victorian conventions, so naturally the only successful outcomes involve marriage. Still, I can forgive Trollope for being a product of his time, and I can forgive the eponymous heroines whose actions, both scandalous and annoying, made for a very good story.

>224 lauralkeet: I'm looking forward to this one, Laura. I've had a bad reading week though. Trying to pull my tax stuff together. I leave for Florida on Thursday, and I'd like to be ready to file before I go.

Nice review, Laura. I'm glad you enjoyed the first in the Palliser series. I'm up to Dr. Thorne in the Barsetshire series.

Wonderful review of Can You Forgive Her?, Laura. Delighted you enjoyed.

>225 NanaCC: Oh dear, Colleen, I'm sorry to hear you've been distracted by taxes. That's no fun at all!

>226 rebeccanyc: Thanks Rebecca. I am looking forward to reading more Pallisers, and am delighted you are enjoying the Barsetshire books.

>227 lit_chick: Thanks Nancy. I also enjoyed reading through the old group read thread; your name popped up over there a couple of times too. There were times I wanted to respond to someone's comment but I had to keep reminding myself that was over two years ago!

It looks like we were in Florida at the same time, Laura. I got my workout at Disney World! I love tennis but am athletically challenged so I would probably be considered a beginning beginner.

I miss Trollope and might read Can You Forgive Her again and continue with the series this time. Your review was encouraging.

Isn't The Book Thing the bookstore where they recently had the fire? So sad.

>229 Donna828: Hi Donna! Disney can definitely wear you out. I hope you had fun introducing your grands to the magic kingdom. I would love it if you dove into The Pallisers again! Colleen (@NanaCC) is also planning to read them. There's no set schedule but it would be fun to have some reading buddies.

And YES, The Book Thing had a terrible fire last week and they are closed indefinitely. I read on Facebook that they would be open this weekend to give away the salvageable books. They warned customers to "dress for mess". I hope they are able to reopen someday but it sounds like there's a lot of work required. I will probably make a donation at some point.