Laura (lauralkeet)'s 2016 Reading - Part 2

The lovely Alys relaxes with her Nylabone in front of the fire. We adopted Alys as a puppy 1 year ago in March!




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!

Part 1 (books 1-9) |

Books completed ("details" jumps to location in this thread where review & links can be found)
March
10. Those Who Leave and Those Who Stay - details
11. My Name is Lucy Barton - details
12. The Tunnel - details
13. Phoebe Junior - details
14. The Story of the Lost Child - details

April
15. Crow Lake - details
16. Interim - details
17. August Folly - details
18. The Nightingale - details

May
19. The Portable Veblen - details
20. Phineas Finn - details
21. Ruby - details
22. Me Before You - details
23. Deadlock - details

June
24. London Belongs to Me - details
25. When Breath Becomes Air - details
26. Summer Half - details
27. Revolving Lights - details
28. The Eustace Diamonds - details

Series Progress

Active series as of March 1:


My series list is courtesy of FictFact, which allows you to select the series you wish to track. They do a reasonable job of maintaining current series, although in some cases they have added books that I don't consider a legitimate part of the series (e.g., the Harry Potter prequel). The above snapshot is a view of my active series sorted on the "progress" column.

Series completed/current in 2016:
* Chronicles of Carlingford, by Margaret Oliphant (March)
* The Neapolitan Novels, by Elena Ferrante (March)

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

Currently Reading - Update



* Those Who Leave and Those Who Stay - This is the third of Elena Ferrante's Neapolitan novels. I started it while I was on vacation and am once again drawn into the lives of Elena and Lila.

Oh, happy birthday month to Adorable Alys! And happy new thread to you!

>1 lauralkeet: That is one pampered puppy!

Happy new thread Laura. xx

Oh, I must thank you for showing me about FictFact. Just what I needed! I love it.

Nothing like a new thread to draw a crowd!

>4 scaifea: Thanks Amber, although I just realized we are celebrating her anniversary with us. We estimate her birthday is sometime in January. We adopted her on March 22, 2015. I will fix my caption!

>5 qebo: Yup Katherine, I have to admit you're right! There's something about a puppy that's hard to resist. And she's small enough to sit on a lap as well which is endearing as long as you're not trying to do something else at the same time.

>6 PaulCranswick: thanks Paul!

>7 raidergirl3: Oh, I'm glad it's useful Elizabeth. I'm pretty sure @PaulCranswick introduced me to FictFact. The site is a little clunky, but I like being able to choose the series I want to track, which LT doesn't allow me to do.

Happy Alys Adoption Anniversary this month, Laura! She is a stellar thread-topper.

I was skimming along your periodic updates (on your prior thread) as you read Can You Forgive Her?. I loved your comments, including your verdict on whether you could forgive (him and them). I have and want to read Barchester Towers; it might be a good summer vacation read.

I hope you have a great week!

Laurie--Happy new thread!! Where did you get the list of ongoing series? And have fun with the tennis.

I love the sweet picture at the top of your new thread, Laura.

I'm another person who is happy that you pointed me to FictFact. I think I have 52 series in various stages, and it really makes it easy to pick a book if I'm looking to continue with one of them. I move the completed ones to the bottom, and the active ones to the top. The ones that I haven't started, but intend to based upon LT reviews, fall in the middle.

>9 EBT1002: Thanks Ellen, I will pass your compliments on to Alys. :) I hope you enjoy Barchester Towers -- have you read the first Barchester book, The Warden?

>10 Berly: Kim, my series list is courtesy of FictFact, which allows you to select the series you wish to track. They do a reasonable job of maintaining current series, although in some cases they have added books that I don't consider a legitimate part of the series (e.g., the Harry Potter prequel). The above snapshot is a view of my active series sorted on the "progress" column.

I'm glad you asked, because I decided to add the above explanation to >2 lauralkeet:.

>11 NanaCC: I have a similar approach, Colleen. Although I have far fewer series going than you do, I fiddle with my "top 10 next books" all the time.

Happy New Thread, Laura!

I should read more Trollope. I did enjoy Barchester Towers, but haven't read any others, including The Warden.

>12 lauralkeet: >13 jnwelch: After reading and loving the Palliser series, I was disappointed by The Warden until I got about two-thirds of the way through it. I loved Barchester Towers, though, and am currently reading Doctor Thorne.

Morning, Laura! I need to check out fictfac at some point...

Happy new thread Laura. Really pleased to see you enjoyed Can You Forgive Her? so much and happy anniversary to Alys!

Morning Laura! Happy New Thread! Love the Alys topper! Have you read Girl Waits with Gun? If not, you might like this one.

I was very pleased with the DA finale. A nice wrap-up.

>14 rebeccanyc: I really liked Doctor Thorne, Rebecca. By the time I finished it I was totally committed to the series and a confirmed Trollope fan.

>15 scaifea: Amber, are you saying you don't already have a system for tracking your series?! *shock* This is most uncharacteristic of you, my dear.

>16 souloftherose: Thanks, Heather. I mentioned earlier how much I enjoyed the group read thread for Can you Forgive Her, and I noticed you were quite active there. Many times I wanted to weigh in and respond to someone's comment and had to remind myself the group read ended ages & ages ago!

>17 msf59: Hi Mark, I too loved the DA finale. It wrapped everything up just perfectly, and even left a few things open should Fellowes ever decide to do more. Girl Waits with Gun sounds interesting and fun, thanks for the warble!

>18 lauralkeet: Laura: Ha! Oh, I do, but it's all on paper. It would be nice to have a website do it for me.

Love Alys on her cushions and with her toy!

Currently Reading - Update



* Those Who Leave and Those Who Stay - I finished this on Tuesday. I was so close Monday night, but wanted to savor the final ~20 pages. Fortunately, I was able to read over lunch on Tuesday. I loved it (4 stars), and am eager to read the final book. Life is a little busy at the moment and I'll be away over the weekend, so I am not sure when I will get to writing a review.

* My Name is Lucy Barton - I've been looking forward to this book by the author of Olive Kitteridge, and my name came up at the library just as I was finishing the Ferrante. It's beautifully written, and very short so I will finish it soon, like today or tomorrow.

* The Tunnel - This novella is part of Pilgrimage v. 2, a 4-volume set published as Virago Modern Classics. It's next up after Lucy Barton.

>8 lauralkeet: I seem to recall it was Caro who put me on to fictfact and me, being a foghorn, helped spread the word a little!

Happy new thread, Laura, and what a delightful thread topper. Happy Adoption Month to the beautiful Alys!

Just catching your new thread now, Laura, so happy new thread! Darling opening photo of Alys with her Nylabone in front of the fire.

I've also been looking forward to My Name is Lucy Barton. Will look forward to your review. Am delighted the Ferrante series has held up throughout: more reading I'm looking forward to.

On your recommendation, I'm presently reading South Riding. Beautifully written novel, fabulous story! At only 100 (and a bit) pages in, I'll be a while getting through it, thank you!

Hi Paul, Katie, Diana and Nancy!

>22 PaulCranswick: Foghorn. Ha!
>23 katiekrug: Thanks, Katie. She's a sweet dog.
>24 DianaNL: That's cute, Diana! I'm enjoying a weekend in New York City with my daughters and we are having a lot of fun together.
>25 lit_chick: Oh I'm so glad you're enjoying South Riding, Nancy. I'm always a little nervous when I heartily recommend a book, but I loved it so much.

I finished My Name is Lucy Barton on Thursday and will give it 4.5 stars. It's short and spare but touched some emotional chords and I'm always impressed when an author can do that with so few words.

Not surprisingly, I was awake this morning before my daughters, so I had time to write a somewhat belated book review.

10. Those Who Leave and Those Who Stay ()
My Review
Source: On my shelves
Why I read this now: I really enjoyed the first two books in this series and didn’t want to let too much time pass before reading book three.

Those Who Leave and Those Who Stay continues the story of the lifelong friendship between Elena Greco and Lila Cerullo. In this third book in the series, the women are in their mid- to late-twenties and their lives have diverged. Lila works in a factory in Naples, and Elena is a published author who has married and moved away from her hometown. She visits only occasionally and finds her visits difficult and emotionally draining.

During the late 1960s/early 1970s, Italy was rife with political unrest and terrorism. Lila somewhat unwittingly gets caught up in labor issues at the factory, which ultimately lead to violence. The Solara family, who controlled much of Elena and Lila’s old neighborhood during their youth, becomes even more powerful and Elena finds that even though she moved away, she is not completely free from their influence. Elena also struggles against the societal forces that hold women back. Throughout this novel, whenever one character experiences a high point socially, romantically, economically, or intellectually, the other is at a low. Occasionally they support each other but more often than not the situation only serves to highlight their differences.

Eventually, it becomes clear that Elena’s storybook marriage to a promising young academic is just as unsuccessful as Lila’s marriage, much earlier, to a working-class shopkeeper. And just at that point, Nino Sarratore re-enters her life. The book ends on a cliffhanger that lends new meaning to the title. Although I will be sad when this series comes to an end, I can’t wait to read the last book.

11. My Name is Lucy Barton ()
My Review
Source: Local library Kindle loan
Why I read this now: This book received a lot of positive press when it was released, and it’s the selection for the first meeting of a real life book group this month.

Lonely was the first flavor I had tasted in my life, and it was always there, hidden inside the crevices of my mouth, reminding me.

Lucy Barton’s story centers on a pivotal time in her life, when she was hospitalized for several weeks with a sudden unnamed illness. Her husband took charge of the household and their two young daughters, and arranged for Lucy’s mother to visit her. She appears unannounced at Lucy’s bedside, providing instant comfort despite their obviously strained relationship. During her stay Lucy reflects on many aspects of her childhood and takes tentative steps to form a different type of relationship with her mother.

As Lucy reveals the emotional scars from her past, we also get tiny glimpses into Lucy’s early adult life, and the years following her hospital stay up to the present. Elizabeth Strout drops tiny details into Lucy’s narrative that sometimes don't have meaning until later, when several dots connect for a surprising emotional impact. The prose is spare and the entire book is less than 200 pages long. Some readers object to this but for me it paradoxically increased the intensity of the story.

My Name is Lucy Barton made me reflect on maternal and marital relationships, the ease with which people can hurt one another, and how difficult it can be to repair the damage. Powerful stuff.

Looking forward to getting Lucy Barton from the library - it has been great to see so much enthusiasm for it on the threads. Hopefully now that it has been long listed for the women's fiction prize, it will be found by even more readers - it's certainly given me a nudge to get on with reading it.

Wonderful reviews, Laura! Love that you can't wait to read the last of the Ferrante series. And Lucy Barton sounds like one not to miss, too. Both on my list, waiting not-so-patiently.

>29 charl08: I was pleased to see it listed for the Baileys Women's Prize as well, Charlotte. The long list is quite long though isn't it? It will be interesting to see how they whittle down to 6.

>30 lit_chick: thanks Nancy, I hope you enjoy Lucy Barton. And I can't wait for your take on the Ferrantes.

The long lists are pretty imposing these days with 20 books to get stuck into. I have not got many of them either on the shelves or available in the shops, but I will slowly see which ones I can get to. Funnily enough I do have My Name is Lucy Barton and your review has done it's chances of an early read no harm at all.

Have a lovely Sunday, Laura. xx

Oh now I am very intrigued by Lucy Barton. I tend to avoid books with my name in them, but I can't miss this one I think.

Off to check out ficfac...thanks for the lead! And I really have to move Lucy up my TBR tower. Nice reviews. : )

I really need to pick up a copy of Lucy Barton.

So, what I'm hearing you say is that there is a book before Barchester Towers. Hmm... I clearly need to do a bit of research before I dig into the series. The last thing I want to do is read them out of order! *shudders* I own Barchester Towers but I do see now that The Warden is actually first in the Barsetshire Chronicles. So. I'll nab a copy of that for summer vacation. :-)

Happy Weekend!

>35 EBT1002: Ellen, I'm sure you would have survived if you had read Barchester Towers first but yeah, it's always good to start at the beginning, isn't it? Plus, The Warden is shorter. :)

>36 DianaNL: ooh a spring lamb! How sweet! Unbelievably we are forecast to get a bit of snow on Sunday. I'm hoping it passes us by and we see daffodils soon.

12. The Tunnel ()
My Review
Source: My Virago Modern Classics collection
Why I read this now: It’s the current selection in a year-long group read in the Virago Modern Classics group

The Tunnel is the fourth novella in Dorothy Richardson's semi-autobiographical work, Pilgrimage. Miriam Henderson is now in her early 20s and has left teaching behind for an administrative position in, of all places, a dental surgery. She manages appointments, keeps the books, and even performs duties that would fall to a trained dental hygienist today. My first reaction to these scenes was, "thank goodness for advances in dentistry during the 20th century!” And yet Miriam finds community in this setting, and greatly enjoys her new-found independence. She enjoys the company of women friends, and ventures into “adventuresome” new territory by learning to ride a bicycle. And wearing knickers!

This was a period of significant growth for Miriam, and many times I reveled in her happiness. But I also struggled more with the stream of consciousness style than in the earlier novellas. The reader is so deep inside Miriam’s head that external details are often not described. New characters appear on the scene with little introduction. We can infer she has feelings for a certain gentleman, and that the relationship ends, but there's little “story arc” associated with this -- just breadcrumbs left along the way. Likewise changes in setting receive little explanation. Miriam might be in London one moment and the countryside the next, but the narrative does not include the journey or her reason for taking it.

Towards the end of this book I found myself longing for more traditional narrative structure. I think it will work better for me to read the remaining novellas in small doses.

A happy bookish development this week:

For the first time in more than 10 years, I have found a real life book group! This one came about through a golf & tennis club we belong to. We meet at the club and pay a small fee for wine & nibbles. Our first meeting was last night, and we discussed My Name is Lucy Barton, which I recently read (>28 lauralkeet:). The group was made up of 10 women, only 3 I'd met before, ranging in age from 40ish to 60-somethings. Opinions on the book were evenly divided and some really good conversation ensued about the plot, characters, writing, etc. Discussion turned to our next book; in most cases people were recommending books they had read already but would enjoy discussing. I used LT on my phone to read book descriptions as needed, which also gave me a chance to peek at LT ratings. For April we'll be reading The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah, with LT average rating of 4.5 stars. That's promising!! The book discussion then turned into chatting in groups of 2-3, getting to know each other better. It was a very satisfying evening.

Oh, that sounds so nice, Laura! I am a little jealous :)

I've started a book club which is going ok but the level of discussion isn't quite what I was hoping for. I also found one to join in Dallas, but I've yet to make a meeting... *sigh* that group's last book was The Nightingale, which I've heard very good things about!

Laura, great review of The Tunnel even though it was not a stellar read for you. I, too, struggle with stream of consciousness writing; am not a huge fan to be honest, in spite of the fact I've read some very good work.

RL Book Club sounds wonderful! Great cross-section of ages and opinions should make for engaging conversation. I've had The Nightingale in my iPad for ever so long, waiting patiently. As you point out, it's well received here on LT.

Hi Katie and Nancy!

>40 katiekrug: I was encouraged by the level of discussion, Katie, and I hope it continues. I went to a group at my library once, very excited to talk about the book, and the discourse was god awful. That's so frustrating.

>41 lit_chick: well Nancy, we seem to like a lot of the same books so watch this space for comments on The Nightingale. Will it be another South Riding?! Time will tell!

Have a wonderful Easter.

I've added The Warden to my wish list.
And I wish you a Happy Weekend!

>39 lauralkeet: The book group sounds great. Hope your next meeting is as fun.

>28 lauralkeet: I'm sure I'll get around to reading Lucy sometime! Sounds like it was a worthwhile read.

So glad you have found a RL bookclub...yay!!

>43 PaulCranswick:, >44 DianaNL:, >48 Berly: Thanks for the Easter greetings Paul, Diana and Kim! I hope you have a nice holiday, too.

>45 EBT1002: Oh goody Ellen, I hope you enjoy The Warden. And the weekend!

>46 charl08: Me too Charlotte. I'm optimistic.

>47 thornton37814: Lori, I really liked Lucy Barton. There are aspects of it that I'm still thinking about, and that kind of "staying power" is unusual for me.

Earlier this week I was patting myself on the back because I had acquired hardly any books this year, and have been reading those I acquired pretty much right away.

Well ... our local used bookshop had a bag sale today ($30 for a large paper bag). My daughter Kate is home for the weekend so of course we had to go. I made a nice haul:
* Three by Anita Brookner: The Misalliance, Visitors, and Falling Slowly. I enjoyed Hotel du Lac very much, and since Brookner passed away this week I've been thinking of reading more of her work.
* Cleopatra's Sister, by Penelope Lively. I've enjoyed several of her books too.
* The Murder of Harriet Krohn, by Karin Fossum, part of the Inspector Sejer series.

I also picked up two Barbara Pyms: Crampton Hodnet and A Glass of Blessings. Even though I read them ages ago, I liked the editions. I should have checked LT on my phone because I already have the very same edition of Crampton Hodnet and a Virago edition of A Glass of Blessings. Oops!!

I also found a copy of The Better Homes and Gardens New Cookbook, which I received at my wedding shower more than 30 years ago. It fell into disrepair, but like most cookbooks there are one or two recipes that became part of the rotation during our early married days so it might be fun to make them again.

13. Phoebe Junior ()
My Review
Source: My Virago Modern Classics collection
Why I read this now: It's the last book in a series, and I just wanted to wrap it up.

While Phoebe Beecham’s roots are in the town of Carlingford, she had not spent much time there before arriving to care for her ailing grandmother. Phoebe’s parents are of a higher social standing than her grandparents, who are shopkeepers. But duty calls, and Phoebe gladly rises to the occasion. In Carlingford she meets Ursula May, who had once admired Phoebe from a distance, at a ball. The two become friends despite differences in both class and religious practice. Ursula’s father, a clergyman, tends to live beyond his means and accepts an offer to tutor Clarence Copperhead, son of a wealthy, arrogant London businessman. Both Clarence and Ursula’s elder brother Reginald set their sights on Phoebe. At the same time, Ursula is being courted by a young man for the first time, and her father has run into serious money trouble.

Margaret Oliphant keeps all three storylines in motion and they eventually converge in fairly standard Victorian fashion. Like the rest of Oliphant’s Chronicles of Carlingford, this book is filled with small-town church politics and romance, with a dose of wit and satire. The beginning showed promise but lost momentum when a fairly basic story was extended to a full-length novel. Although not quite as good as some of the earlier books in the series, Phoebe Junior is still a pleasant read.

Currently Reading - Update



* The Story of the Lost Child - About halfway through my previous book, I started thinking about reading this one. I just couldn't wait! The third book ended on a real cliffhanger so I am eager to dive back in. But I'm also sad that this is the last book in the series.

Happy Easter everyone!

Woohoo, a book sale, and your daughter home for the weekend! Great fun, and great haul!

I'm not quite hallway through the second novel in the Ferrante series. Enjoying very much. Sounds like these just keep getting better.

Happy Easter!

Happy (relatively) New Thread, Laura! I came over to see the specifics of your great bag book buy! I have a copy of Cleopatra's Sister too that has been calling me as I walk by that particular shelf.
I'm happy that you're so happy with the Ferrantes. I wish I could have been - seems like I'm missing a lot. Oh well.
That's good news about Mrs Oliphant too. She isn't calling me so forcefully.....
Oh! May sends greetings to pretty Alys - they look a lot alike.

>51 weird_O: Hi Bill! I meant to say hello earlier but my mouth was full of peeps :)

>54 lit_chick: we had a nice visit with Kate this weekend, Nancy. And I managed to sneak in some reading time too, because let me tell you the Ferrante was calling me!

>55 LizzieD: happy Easter Peggy! Alys had a busy day today finding some dead thing in the yard (frog? Bird? Hard to say). I'm sure she would have enjoyed sharing it with May (ha).

>50 lauralkeet: One day I'm going to find one of these bag sales. They just sound brilliant. I'm a Brookner fan so I think those most appeal of your haul. Hope they are good reading.

I loved Cleopatra's Sister when I read it last year.

>57 charl08: Charlotte, a friend and fellow Brookner fan told me I started with her best (Hotel du Lac), and that the others are still quite good. I'm hopeful.

>58 katiekrug: good to know, Katie. It was a total impulse buy based on 3 very good previous reads.

The book sale sounds wonderful and your haul worthwhile, even if it is accompanied by a bit of guilt.
I'm glad you're enjoying the last in the Ferrante series. As you may remember, I read the first two and decided that they are not my cup of tea. But those who love them seem to really love them, so that is a good thing.

>60 EBT1002: Ellen, my guilt dissipated pretty quickly. Funny thing, when Kate was packing her things yesterday she came downstairs and announced, "I pulled a mom." Turns out she also acquired a duplicate book!

I pulled a mom. Oh, that made me chuckle!

I have never acquired a duplicate book.

Never.

>62 lit_chick: kids, eh?

>63 EBT1002: said no LTer, ever!!!

^LOL!

>61 lauralkeet: Cute!

14. The Story of the Lost Child ()
My Review
Source: On my shelves
Why I read this now: I have thoroughly enjoyed these novels and while this is the last one, I just couldn’t wait to read it.

Elena Ferrante’s Neapolitan Novels explore, in great depth, the lifelong friendship between Elena Greco and Lila Cerullo. The women are two sides of the same coin, and although their lives take them in very different directions and the depth of their friendship waxes and wanes, the magnetic bond between the brings them together time and time again.

In this fourth and final novel, the women mature from their mid-30s into their 50s. Elena has followed the path she set for herself in the first novel and become a successful writer. She also challenges traditional views of motherhood, striving to have a career while raising her children. As always, Lila’s life has been subject to many more twists and turns. Despite her impoverished upbringing and lack of education, she is now a successful businesswoman and has found a supportive partner. She does not hesitate to share her candid opinions with Elena, even (and especially) when they touch on aspects of Elena’s life. Whether she does this out of love or rivalry is left to the reader to decide.

While reading The Story of the Lost Child, I found myself focusing on Ferrante’s literary techniques; the plot carried me along but I was alert to the way the story was being told. For example, the Neapolitan Novels are narrated by Elena, who has proven to be somewhat unreliable. She constantly questions herself, fails to spot signs of trouble or distress in others, and often grossly misinterprets the behavior of those around her. Her narrative is more focused on telling Lila’s story than on making herself look good; Elena’s selfish acts are presented in a matter-of-fact way as if she cannot see the potential consequences of her behavior.

Ferrante also repeatedly shows the good and bad sides of Lila and Elena and the ways that “good” events can have “bad” consequences, and vice versa. Sometimes she revisits a situation from a different vantage point in order to shed new light on it; for example, the “lost child” of the title, a very emotional moment in the novel, became even more so when seen from a different angle. The ending also brought surprises, making me want to re-read the series from the beginning for new details and insights. I love it when that happens and just might do so someday.

Fabulous review of the last of the Ferrante novels, Laura. I love it when this happens too: The ending also brought surprises, making me want to re-read the series from the beginning for new details and insights. Thumb-up : ).

Well, Laura, you make me feel that I was totally off-base in not particularly liking the first Ferrante. I didn't though. I do think that I might eventually try again. I hate to deprive myself of that much pleasure.
Never bought a duplicate! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

>68 lit_chick: Thanks Nancy. I had a helluva time writing the review. There was so much I wanted to say, but I just couldn't convey the effect these books had on me without lots of spoilers. So I focused more on her writing and the way she told the story, rather than specifics of the story itself. As I read this series, I found myself reflecting on my best friend in high school, who was also the maid of honor in my wedding. We went our separate ways in adulthood, and while we kept in touch it was also evident our lives had gone in very different directions, much like Elena and Lila. It was interesting to think about what was similar, and what was different, in my experience. Anyway, thanks for the thumb!

>69 LizzieD: Peggy, do you "do" audiobooks? I don't, but it seems the Ferrantes really click with folks on audio (Nancy & Donna are two that come to mind). Might be something to try if you every decide to revisit them. And yeah, I'm pretty sure Ellen's pulling our leg up there in >63 EBT1002: :)

>67 lauralkeet: Love your review, and miss that series so much already! Yes, wasn't it an impressive ending?
Some of book 3 and 4 still feel a bit like filler for me, though never boring. I believe the whole thing was planned as a trilogy at the beginning (I read that in some older review, like "part 2 of the trilogy is out now"), and it was a bit like the beginning and ending were planned and then she had to add some more twists for a 4th book. Still haven't found a single RL Italian who's read them! :(

Totally belatedly sharing in the happiness about the RL book group and hoping that it will bring you many great reads and discussions.

A used book sale and a good RL book club - both very good additions to your reading world!

Very nice week indeed! I buy duplicate Viragos if I don't check LT!

Your review of the Elena Ferrante series makes me think I should get back to it. I finished the first last summer, and never really felt compelled to continue.

>71 Deern: Interesting comments about the Ferrante originally being planned as a trilogy, Nathalie!

>72 Familyhistorian: You bet Meg! It was a nice confluence of bookish events.

>73 sibylline: Lucy, I don't know what possessed me. I nearly always check LT when I'm in a bookshop. I just got carried away, what can I say?

>74 NanaCC: Colleen, I read the first book in September. From October to the end of the year I just kept reading more and more about them in the press, which piqued my interest so I bought the remaining three. The second book was the one that really sucked me in.

Laura, I am so happy that the Ferrante books were such a hit for you. I also found it difficult to write about them without spoilers. I was let down when the series ended and still miss listening to the stories of a long and sometimes troubled friendship.

I hope your book club continues to work for you. I was so lucky to join a new group at the library years ago and meet some wonderful people who love to read as much as I do. They also enjoy (for the most part) literary works that lead to intense discussions. I haven't read The Nightingale but it is a favorite of some of my friends who are not big readers so I plan to read it someday soon.

I can't believe Alyse has been with you for over a year now. Where does the time go anyway?

>76 Donna828: Thanks Donna! It's nice to see you around here. I'm looking forward to my next book club meeting and in fact just picked up The Nightingale at the library yesterday.

15. Crow Lake ()
My Review
Source: On my shelves
Why I read this now: Nancy (@lit_chick) raved about it earlier in the year (check out her excellent review), and I snapped up a copy at a used bookshop.

Kate Morrison lost both her parents when she was only 7 years old. Her oldest brother Luke, then 19, decided to set aside his plans to attend teacher college and convinced their extended family to allow him to serve as guardian over Kate, her brother Matt (then 17), and sister Bo (2). Matt was the family scholar, and Kate idolized him. All eyes were on Matt to graduate from high school and achieve the greatness that was his destiny.

But this story is told by Kate, who is now in her late 20s, and a university professor living 400 miles from her home in rural northern Ontario. Kate is “the one who left”; she doesn’t see her family often, and doesn’t share details about her family or their tragic history with her boyfriend, Daniel. When Kate receives an invitation to her nephew’s 18th birthday party, it causes her significant anxiety and strains their relationship. And then the story begins to come out …

The chapters in Crow Lake switch between past and present, slowly revealing what happened in the year after Kate’s parents died, and how those events shaped the adult Kate. The community of Crow Lake comes alive with a varied cast of characters, and a subplot filled with dramatic tension. By the time of the nephew’s birthday party, it seems like the whole story has been told, but author Mary Lawson deftly weaves in elements that dramatically change the reader’s understanding. This complex family drama was “unputdownable.”

I cried so ugly at the end of Crow Lake, I was so caught up in the story and characters and sacrifice. Her other books are good too, but this one just broke my heart it was so good. I'm so glad you loved it too!

I am so thrilled that you loved Crow Lake, Laura! Excellent review, and thumbs up! Elizabeth, you are spot-on, too.

>79 raidergirl3: yeah, I was caught up in it too. And for some reason it never occurred to me that Kate might be an unreliable narrator, that she might have broken Matt's heart with her behavior over the years.. That hit me like a ton of bricks.

>80 lit_chick: well Nancy, it was your amazing review that started it all -- I had never heard of this book until you mentioned it.

>39 lauralkeet: Oh, nice to have a RL group. And wine.

Hi, Laura! Wow! It has been awhile since I have been by. Sorry, for the long delay.
I am also a fan of Crow Lake. I am glad you loved it. Good review.

My DVR did not pick up CTM. Are we sure the new season started?

>78 lauralkeet: I've add Crow Lake to my wishlist.

>82 qebo: The wine is an added bonus for sure, Katherine!

>83 msf59: Hi Mark! It's always nice to see you here. As for Call the Midwife, the episode I watched last Sunday was Season 5, Episode 1. I'll leave more info on your thread.

>84 NanaCC: You'd love it Colleen.

>79 raidergirl3: I'm not sure that Kate was an unreliable narrator. When I read my review, from 2008, I think it may just be how everyone has their own perception of events. She viewed, and judged the brother, in her own way. Of course, I am forgetting details so it may be what you said.

>86 raidergirl3: You're right Elizabeth, maybe I used the wrong phrase. I agree with the way you stated it: the story was Kate's perception of events, and others may have seen it differently.

Well, I lost your thread for a while...that's been happening to me a lot lately, and I'm not happy about it!

>50 lauralkeet: Our library had its "spring" book sale today (to which I drove in blowing snow--but it's less than 5 minutes away), and I was very very bad. So bad I checked out with one bag full, put them in the car and returned with another empty bag. I came home with 3 duplicates (and a quad- or -quintuplicate), but they were all intentional, as I mean to give them to people. I tried a different approach this time, and started with the non-fiction tables. Usually I start with trade paperbacks, and then go to NF, which by that time is picked over and scrambled terribly. I was early enough today to get a very good selection, and I wasn't stumbling over people (they were all over there taking all the good trade paperbacks, of course). I found 10 excellent titles, and left 5 or 6 more behind after my pause to reconnoiter. Then I snagged 11 fiction titles. Like you, I wasn't going to do this kind of thing, BUT.

>88 laytonwoman3rd: oh, naughty Linda!

Your post reminded me that we were actually 3 for 3 on duplicate book purchases. The other day my husband found a copy of one of his "finds" on our shelves!

Very nice review of Crow Lake, Laura. I'll add it to my wish list.

>89 lauralkeet: Oh NO!

Intrigued by Crow Lake.

Add my name to the Call The Midwife Fan Club. Was devastated by the season opener. The way it was handled was just perfect. Can't wait for tonight!

Hooray for Library Book Sales! Inevitably end up with duplicates. It's gotten so as I just expect one or two to turn up after a good sale!

>39 lauralkeet: Lovely to hear you have found what sounds like it will be a good book club, Laura.

>67 lauralkeet: Excellent review of the final Neapolitan novel, Laura. That's definitely a series on my list.

>91 sibylline: Sigh. Oh yes!

>92 michigantrumpet: Oh I agree with you about CTM, Marianne. They've introduced a very interesting storyline this season concerning thalidomide. In fact, I think it was hinted at last season and I remember wanting to reach out and stop the doctor.

>93 souloftherose: Heather, I hope you enjoy the Neapolitan Novels. I lent the first one to a friend and was pleased when she came back and asked if she could borrow the next one.

16. Interim ()
My Review
Source: My Virago Modern Classics Collection
Why I read this now: It’s the current selection in a year-long group read in the Virago Modern Classics group

Interim, the fifth novella in Dorothy Richardson's semi-autobiographical work, Pilgrimage, revolves around Miriam Henderson’s residence in a London boarding house and her interactions with a number of new residents. Miriam initially keeps to herself, observing from a distance and continuing to take meals elsewhere on her own. But she is gradually drawn into the little community, first as a French tutor for the landlady’s daughter, and then through mealtime conversations, especially with a group of doctors training in London. She seems to appreciate the company of these well-educated men and holds her own with another gentleman who enjoys speaking with her in French.

Events are told not just from Miriam’s point of view, but as if you are in the midst of her very thoughts. Details that are already known to Miriam are often not explained to the reader, and the setting and timeframe are sometimes unclear. Every time I finish one of these books I’m not quite sure what to make of it, but I am interested enough in Miriam’s story to keep reading.

After reading the Pilgrimage novellas, I seem to need some sort of palate-cleanser. So even though I've picked up my book club book from the library, I decided to read something light first. Angela Thirkell's August Folly looks to be just the thing. I love her witty depiction of the early 20th century English countryside and its people (stereotypes, every one of them).

>89 lauralkeet: Yes, well in cataloging my new trove this afternoon I discovered 2 more duplicate which were not intentional. It's getting harder and harder to remember what I have when so many of my books now are in boxes under beds and I don't see them or handle them constantly.

Catching up here...Hi!

>97 laytonwoman3rd: oops! I feel your pain, Linda.
>98 Berly: Hey there Kim, back at ya!

17. August Folly ()
My Review
Source: On my shelves
Why I read this now: I needed something light after my last book.

Angela Thirkell's Barsetshire novels are set in an early 20th-century reimagining of Anthony Trollope's Barsetshire, populated with the gentry, their servants, and various rural folk. August Folly is the fourth book in the series introducing new characters while making casual references to people from earlier books to give a sense of community. The book representative of the series with its romantic storyline unfolding in the midst of traditions common to rural life, in this case, a play being staged during the summer holiday. The play brings out the worst in village gossip and politics, but also provides a gathering place for young people that naturally leads to summer love. Richard Tebben has just returned home after finishing his studies at Oxford and is unsure of his next steps in life. He inexplicably falls for Rachel Dean, the mother of several children around Richard's age. Richard's sister Margaret is thrust into close contact with Rachel's son Laurence, due to their respective roles in the play. Laurence's sister Helen has caught Mr Fanshaw's eye, but when she begins spending time with Richard he doubts his own prospects. Everything is set up nicely for a series of misunderstandings, but there is never any doubt that things will work out in the end.

Angela Thirkell writes a brilliant comedy of manners, and I have come to depend on her books as light, fun reads.

>100 lauralkeet: I enjoy Thirkell too, Laura. Light hearted, quick reads when you need them.

Exactly, Colleen! I noticed your review posted right before mine ...

Great review of August Folly, Laura. I've had Thirkell recommended to me by a couple of readers, given that I adore Trollope. But I've yet to read any of her work. Your endorsement will perhaps be the nudge I need: ngela Thirkell writes a brilliant comedy of manners, and I have come to depend on her books as light, fun reads.

>100 lauralkeet: etc. I'm in the midst of Trollope's Barsetshire series, so I'll keep Thirkell in mind.

I adore the Tebbens - they are among the most truly comical and wonderful of Thirkell's characters. Mrs. Tebben's cooking. That donkey!!!!

>103 lit_chick:, >104 rebeccanyc: Nancy and Rebecca, if you like Trollope I definitely recommend Thirkell's novels. The writing is very different and the books are (thankfully!) much shorter, but they are fun.

>195 NanaCC: oh yes Lucy, I agree! I should have said more about the Tebbens in my review. I don't know where my head was yesterday ...

Wonderful review of The Story of the Lost Child, Laura. It makes me want to read the third in the series with a more open mind....

And Crow Lake is going on the wish list.

Yours is one of those "dangerous" threads. :-)

>107 EBT1002: *diabolical laugh* My work is done!

Hi Laura - I've just caught up on your thread. (School holidays here!)

I read about half the first Ferrante novel last year, but while I was at the hairdresser, with lots of annoying interruptions. I didn't get into it enough to keep going but now I think I will try again.

#103 Nancy, I have read just one Thirkell but really enjoyed it. I bought a couple more for my Kindle straight after I read the first one, High Rising.

#88 Linda, I am laughing at your description of the book fair. I always go to them with great intentions of restraint. I will come over to your thread and see what you found!

>100 lauralkeet: Glad you enjoyed that one, Laura - I think I am probably due another Thirkell. I have one left before I have read all the Virago published ones but I think they are publishing another set this year.

>109 cushlareads: woo hoo, Cushla stopped by! It's always nice to see you.

>110 souloftherose: Heather are Virago publishing the Thirkells in order? I think they started with the first 3 and I'm wondering if they will continue or jump around. I will look out for them, for sure.

Hmmm..... I'm supposed to be resisting the purchasing of books. But I go right past the bookstore on my way to my 11:00 meeting.....
I wonder if I'll come back with a copy of Those Who Leave and Those Who Stay....

>112 EBT1002: did she or didn't she? The suspense is killing me!!

>113 lauralkeet: Well, I picked it up and carried it around the store for a while! :-)
But I resisted buying it. I think I'm too firmly on the fence about whether I want to give the series a third try. I did buy two other books, though. Heh.

A Cushla sighting is always nice and ever rarer these days.

Glad to have gotten myself up to date over here Laura.

Have a splendid weekend. xx

Virago is publishing Thirkell? There are very few later on in the series I never did find. I was so lucky to start reading her back when she was out of fashion, so I have a lot of beautiful hardcovers with intact covers, lovely print and thick paper. Rare luck!

>114 EBT1002: I understand, Ellen. It's better to buy the books that are calling to you at the moment.

>115 PaulCranswick: Hi Paul, thanks for stopping by!

>116 sibylline: Yes Lucy, Virago has published several Thirkells over the past couple of years. They are not "classic green" editions, but they are quite nice.

18. The Nightingale ()
My Review
Source: My local library
Why I read this now: This month’s book club

The Nightingale is the story of sisters Vianne Mauriac and Isabelle Rossignol living in Nazi-occupied France. At the start of the war Vianne, 28, lives in the countryside with her husband Antoine and daughter Sophie. Her 18-year-old sister Isabelle is in Paris with their father Julien. Both women have a difficult relationship with Julien, an alcoholic war veteran who abandoned them after their mother died. The sisters’ relationship is also filled with childhood baggage. When the Germans move into Paris, Julien forces Isabelle to leave the city to live with Vianne, forcing them to acknowledge their differences and try to make the best of the situation.

Antoine is soon sent to the front, and the Germans spread across France, eventually occupying Vianne’s village. Vianne is forced to billet a young soldier, Captain Beck. She recognizes that compliance with Nazi orders is essential to survival, but Isabelle is unable to accept this. She becomes involved in the resistance and eventually leaves to join the movement. She plays an important role in transporting downed Allied pilots out of France, under the code-name Nightingale. Meanwhile, Vianne experiences the Nazis first-hand, including food shortages, brutality, and the deportation of Jewish citizens. The sisters’ paths diverge and converge at points throughout the war.

The Nightingale opens in 1995. An old woman living on the Oregon coast is examining items stowed away in a trunk many years ago. Her son comes to check on her … and then the reader goes back in time, becoming immersed in Vianne and Isabelle’s story. Every so often the narrative returns to 1995 and drops a few more clues about the old woman’s identity. It’s an interesting device that enriches the Vianne/Isabelle narrative.

This combination of plot, character, and narrative technique would typically inspire a 4-star rating or higher. Instead, they kept me from assigning a 3-star rating (which is still acceptable, but not great). There were several flaws in the writing which, once spotted, could not be ignored. The prose was sometimes flowery and melodramatic, and repetitive in places: doors and gates always closed “with a click,” and Julien was never far away from a “half-empty brandy bottle.” Captain Beck, a “kind Nazi,” was not completely believable not because he was kind, but because he always turned up at the most convenient moments, producing exactly what was needed (food, medicine, etc.) to rescue Vianne from a bad situation. An inevitable and somewhat predictable rape scene failed to convey the traumatic impact on the victim. And finally, the war’s end, the liberation of concentration camps and prisoners of war, and the present-day denouement all felt rushed and overly tidy. And yet, despite these flaws, this book was an emotional page-turner that I would recommend to others.

Currently Reading



* Phineas Finn - the second in Trollope's Palliser series. Thank goodness for the 2014 tutored read thread, explaining the ins and outs of Victorian parliamentary politics which are central to this novel. Surprisingly, even though it sounds like it would be very dry, it's not, and I've managed about 100 pages over the weekend.
* The Portable Veblen - because the Trollope is a 700+-page chunkster, I will tuck this book -- a Baileys Women's Prize nominee -- into my bag for lunchtime reading at work. It just so happens my daughter bought a copy and left it behind the last time she visited.

Superb review of The Nightingale, Laura. Thumb-up, and thanks for that : ). Disappointed that the very attributes which make for a better rating were the cause of a lower one. Still, I'm glad to hear it's worth the effort in spite of its shortcomings. Looking forward to this one; have been for a while, actually, I just haven't gotten to it.

Enjoy Phineas Finn. You'll be tired hearing that I adore Trollope! I've got The Portable Veblen on request at my library. Have just finished another one from the Women's Prize LL and am about to lose myself in a third.

>120 lit_chick: Nancy, thanks for the kind words about my review of The Nightingale. I'm looking forward to the book club discussion on Wednesday to see what others thought of it.

I also adore Trollope, and really loved the Barchester books. The Portable Veblen is a bit of an impulse read because it happened to be lying around the house. Reviews have been a little mixed. But that makes me curious.

Morning, Laura! Hope you had a good weekend. We finally caught up with CTM. As usual it is very good, but also very dark. Poor babies. This show always strikes the right balance.

I have been interested in The Portable Veblen. I will watch for your thoughts.

>122 msf59: Good morning Mark! I found last night's episode especially emotional. All 3 storylines (baby, young couple, Trixie/Barbara/Tom) packed punches.

Just passing through, Laura, trying to get caught up!

I'll watch for your thoughts on The Portable Veblen, as I am conflicted about giving it a try....

>123 lauralkeet: I completely agree, Laura! This show is so remarkably consistent.

>124 katiekrug: okay Katie! I am conflicted as well. The first chapter was good, though. We'll see.
>125 msf59: Mark, I'm impressed they can keep cranking out such great episodes every season, even after significant turnover in the cast. That doesn't happen often.

Good morning, Laura. I just wanted to let you know that I'm finally about to start Can You Forgive Her?. I love Trollope, so I'm quite happy.

>127 NanaCC: hurray! I am happy to have a Palliser reading buddy.

My book group met tonight to discuss The Nightingale. It was well liked by everyone. I raised my issues with the writing using the Captain Beck reference in my review, but others didn't see it the same way so I didn't pile on. My issues with the book are ones LTers would understand, but would mark me as a literary snob anywhere else!

I'll be interested in your thoughts about The Portable Veblen. I had it from the library but took it back unread, due only to overwhelm (not lack of interest). But I'm also not quite sure how it will land on me.

>129 EBT1002: Ellen, this week The Portable Veblen was my "take to work" book so I was just reading bits at a time and reading the Trollope in the evening when I have more time. I am on the fence so far, but I think I'll devote more time to it over the weekend. There are some interesting characters and relationships, and it may start to grow on me.

I am also planning to read The Portable Veblen in May, Laura, so I will be looking out for your thoughts upon it too.

Have a lovely weekend. xx

>128 lauralkeet: Laura, I appreciate your honest impressions. I proudly call myself a literary snob…at least around here. My canasta group has been urging me to read The Nightingale, and I fully intend to, but I suspect that I will notice the flaws more than the emotions. At least my expectations aren't too high so maybe I won't be disappointed. I think my book group is pickier than I am. We are reading Bettyville for next week's discussion. I am not impressed.

>131 DianaNL: Hello Diana, that's a very cute kitty! Hope you are having a nice weekend.

>132 PaulCranswick: Paul, I've read quite a bit more of The Portable Veblen now and I'm still not sure what I think of it! It's holding my interest, if for no other reason than it being a rather odd book.

>133 Donna828: Hi Donna! Thanks for stopping by. I hadn't heard of Bettyville, but having just read description I can say I'm not exactly drawn to it. Good luck with your book group discussion.

I'd agree with the view that Veblen is 'a rather odd book'. Look forward to your comments when you've finished it. Must make a real contrast to the Trollope.

Currently Reading - Update



No reviews this week, because I'm still reading both of these books:
* Phineas Finn - I've read 25 of 79 chapters and still have more than 400 pages ahead of me. Oof. I like it well enough, because it's Trollope after all, but by the weekend I felt like I needed to spend more time in the 21st century.
* The Portable Veblen - This was my lunchtime read at work, which meant I didn't make too much progress during the week, but turned my attention to it this weekend for a change of pace. This is a very quirky novel and I'm not at all sure what I think of it, but I am a little over halfway through and I think I'm starting to see where the author is going with it.

>111 lauralkeet: Virago seem to republishing them in order - the next ones to be published are:

May 2016 - Before Lunch, Cheerfulness Breaks In and Northbridge Rectory
Nov 2016 - Marling Hall, Growing Up, The Headmistress, Miss Bunting

But Cheerfulness Breaks In and Growing Up look like they will only be available as ebooks.

>118 lauralkeet: Happy to dodge The Nightingale.

Thank you for the Virago information Heather, I will keep an eye out for those editions.

>118 lauralkeet: Some of my patrons have compared The Nightingale to All the Light We Cannot See and at least one has said they liked the former better. Interesting that your book group didn't have the same issues you did. I think I'd tend to agree more with your assessments and may keep it farther down on the TBR list as a result (I do want to eventually read a book by Kristin Hannah since she seems to be so well-liked by my patrons).

>136 lauralkeet: "...I am a little over halfway through and I think I'm starting to see where the author is going with it."
Hmm. Well. I shall wait and see. I have plenty of other things lying about begging me to read them.

Happy Weekend, Laura!

>139 bell7: I can see the comparison, that makes sense. I enjoyed both, although neither one knocked my socks off.

>140 EBT1002: Well Ellen, here comes my review. I think you can take a pass on The Portable Veblen ...

19. The Portable Veblen ()
My Review
Source: My daughter -- she left it behind the last time she visited us
Why I read this now: It made the Baileys Prize shortlist

I tried really hard to like this book, but there’s only so much quirkiness I can handle. Veblen earns a small income translating Norwegian and does clerical work as a temp. Paul, a scientist, invented a device that may be useful in treating traumatic brain injury and is about to start clinical trials. Veblen and Paul are planning to get married, although it seems there’s still a lot they don’t know about one another. There is the inevitable exploration of each partner’s quirky past, which includes meeting members of their quirky families. The family trees include hippies, hypochondriacs, disabled siblings, absent parents, and stepparents. Their histories are rife with mental illness, marriage breakups, mother-daughter tension, family secrets, you name it. Veblen has a bit of a squirrel obsession and believes the squirrels in their yard are trying to communicate with her. At the same time, Paul-the-innocent-and-well-meaning-scientist runs up against evil-big-pharma, also personified by -- you guessed it -- a very quirky woman.

I kind of liked Veblen and Paul as a couple. Some parts of this book held my interest, especially when I could see the connections between past and present, and how childhood experiences affected their relationship. But most of the book, while attempting to be fresh, witty, and creative, came across as a self-conscious and over the top.

>142 lauralkeet: Well, I won't be getting to this one any time soon, Laura. Thank you for taking one for the team. :)

Have a lovely weekend!

Great review of The Portable Veblen, Laura. I pondered over this one, then finally decided that I'd request it from the library if it was available. But it doesn't sound at all like my thing, so that's one less for the list! (for a change)

Laura - Great comments - I have The Portable Veblen from the library and plan to give it a try, but you've managed my expectations. :)

Hooray for a RL book club. What will you be reading next?

I should try Thirkell; I think I will like her.

>142 lauralkeet: Great review. I struggled with the oddness but am hoping her next book might get the problems sorted out and be as good as Veblen sometimes promises!

>143 NanaCC:, >144 lit_chick: Colleen & Nancy, happy to do you the favor.

>145 BLBera: Greetings Beth. I would hate to scare you away because you might feel quite differently about it. Reviews seem really mixed. As for book group, May's book is Me Before You, and it's been made into a film which will be released in early June. So, I'm kind of intrigued. This book group seems to gravitate towards the NYT Bestseller list (not uncommon, it was my go-to source pre-LT), and Me Before You has been near the top.

>146 charl08: Charlotte, I agree with you about the promise of Veblen. Her character and her relationship with Paul had a lot of promise. I'm kind of surprised the book earned a Baileys Prize nomination. But I will be watching for more books by the author to see how they fare.

Currently Reading - Update



* Phineas Finn - I feel like I'm in the home stretch now! This time last week I had read 25 of 79 chapters, with over 400 pages to go. As I write, I've just finished Chapter 52 and have about 200 pages left. And I'm still enjoying it! Trollope is amazing, but his books do tend to be on the long side.

I will be traveling later this week to visit my parents and am looking forward to some airplane reading time. So Phineas will come along, and I will pack my Kindle. I might download Ruby for my next read; it's another Baileys nominee which has been most favorably reviewed by Nancy (@lit_chick) and Ellen (@EBT1002).

Hurray for airplane reading! I made a huge dent in Phineas Finn while traveling and then hunkered down in my hotel to finish it last night.

20. Phineas Finn ()
My Review
Source: This was a gift from Colleen/@NanaCC in the 2015 Virago Secret Santa
Why I read this now: I’m working my way through the Pallisers; this is book #2

Phineas Finn is a young Irishman who decides to make his career in politics and takes the unusual step of obtaining a seat in Parliament without first building his career as a barrister. Parliamentary positions did not come with a salary; nevertheless, Phineas sets off for London sure that everything will work out. And because this is Trollope, it does. Phineas starts out rather naive, eventually finds his footing and earns respect by being “useful,” and becomes deeply involved in the central issues facing the British government in the mid-1860s.

At the same time, Phineas is also trying to find his place in society, and because he is such a dashing young man, he has no shortage of marital prospects. There’s “hometown honey” Mary Flood-Jones, his beautiful London contemporaries Laura Standish and Violet Effingham, and the wealthy and influential young widow, Madame Max Goesler. Phineas pursues or is pursued by them all, and is fickle as can be all the way to the end. Should one marry for love and stability? Or should one pursue ambitions of wealth or position in society? Is it possible to have both? Trollope explores each of these alternatives, which also provides an opportunity to showcase several quite different women.

The political aspects of this novel were rather dense at times. The women made this book enjoyable for me. For the first time in his career, Trollope gave his female characters more depth and was sympathetic to the difficulties women faced in Victorian society: the need to marry for financial security, the control men had over women’s lives, and the challenge of living independently when circumstances require it. I’m looking forward to continuing with this series.

>150 lauralkeet: I'm so glad you enjoyed Phineas Finn, Laura. I have still not started Can You Forgive Her?. I am constantly distracted by other books. My chances of completing the Pallisers this year are dwindling away.

Wonderful review of Phineas Finn! So delighted you are enjoying the Palliser novels. This line from your review is what I love about Trollope: Should one marry for love and stability? Or should one pursue ambitions of wealth or position in society? Is it possible to have both? Trollope explores each of these alternatives, which also provides an opportunity to showcase several quite different women. Great women characters in this one, too!

>151 NanaCC: First off Colleen, THANK YOU for giving me this book! Even if you aren't going to be my Palliser reading buddy lol. Seriously, I totally understand. I was planning to read one every other month but I started this one late in April, so it spilled over into May, and now June feels like it's just around the corner and I'm not ready to start a new one yet. I've also been tempted by some contemporary reads, like Ruby (yes I'm looking at you, Nancy!!)

>152 lit_chick: I loved the women in this book, Nancy. They were wonderful strong characters. I followed the group read thread from a couple of years ago, and Liz had several insightful comments along the way about Trollope's evolving thinking about women's role in society.

Glad you enjoyed Phineas Finn.

I remember greatly liking Phineas Finn. I do hope I get the chance to reread Trollope one day.

Hi Rebecca & Lucy! Well, I read the description of the next Palliser, The Eustace Diamonds, and it sounds like another winner. So it may not be June, but it probably won't be long either.

I'm on The Prime Minister (book 5 of the palliser series) and I've loved all of them. I'd give a slight edge to the Barsetshire series over the Pallisers, but I think it's just because I read them first.

>157 japaul22: I could see that, Jennifer. Both series are great, but the one you read first has the added boost that comes with discovering a new author.

Reading Update

It's been a very busy week. I was traveling last week (Wed-Fri) to visit my parents, which was more work than play since I was there to address some care issues. I then had a business trip Mon-Tues this week.



* Ruby - Stellar. !!! The good news is that air travel provides ample reading time, and I have definitely been reading. The bad news is, my brain is fried and my body is tired. I can't summon the energy to write a review yet. Hopefully soon.

* Me Before You - This month's book club read. Good so far, if a little lightweight.

So, so happy you thought highly of Ruby! I won it from the ER program ages (or so it seems) ago and loved it. I was incredibly pleased to see it nominated for the Bailey's Prize and that more people are reading it now.

I have MBY on my Kindle and am waiting for the perfect "I need something not too taxing" moment... It may be coming soon!

So delighted that Ruby was a 5* read for you, Laura!

You certainly have been on the fly! Hope all went well with the visit to your parents. I can so understand this: my brain is fried and my body is tired. That's year-end for me in the mad business of education.

Happy Friday, Laura! 5 stars for Ruby? That is good enough for me. Funny, it seems to be getting more LT love, the second time around, which is good, because it snagged me this time.

Hi Katie, Nancy & Mark! I'm still thinking about Ruby, and enjoying Me Before You for what it is. I hope to post review(s) this weekend.

Both of these are books I want to read. I just picked up Ruby from the library. Glad to see you gave it 5 stars!! Happy Friday. : )

Agree with you Laura - Ruby was stellar, even though it still irritatingly produces a touchstone every time for Wuthering Heights - WTH?

Have a lovely weekend.

Sounds like Ruby is a book I need to read. Always looking for new strong female authors!

Hi Kim, Paul, and Jennifer ... I finally got around to writing my reviews. Here you go!

21. Ruby ()
My Review
Source: My local library’s Kindle collection
Why I read this now: I was enticed by reviews from several LTers, including Nancy (@lit_chick) and Ellen (@EBT1002)

I finished Ruby a few days ago, and it has occupied my thoughts since. This stellar novel tells a harrowing story, so well written it felt like I was there. Ruby is a complex and enigmatic character, a black woman who returns to her east Texas hometown in 1963 after several years away, and over the next decade unravels completely. She becomes fodder for town gossip, and nearly everyone gives her a wide berth. Except for Ephram, a middle-aged man still living with his older sister Celia, who raised him. Ephram remembers Ruby from their childhood and finally works up the courage to defy the gossipers and visit her shack in the woods.

But oh, there are so many secrets in this community, with racism and abuse looming large. The stories of Ruby, Ephram, Celia and others unfold slowly, through tiny details dropped in a non-linear fashion as the point of view shifts from one character to another and the novel moves between locations and time periods. There were moments of joy, but also moments of horror, as the puzzle of Ruby’s life -- and the lives of many others -- begins coming together. I don't want to say much more because this captivating novel can't easily be summarized and just needs to be experienced.

22. Me Before You ()
My Review
Source: My local library
Why I read this now: For my RL book club

Louisa has led an ordinary life, never traveling far from her hometown. When she loses her job in a coffee shop, the only available position is working as a companion caregiver for Will, who became a quadriplegic as the result of an accident two years earlier. Louisa is tasked with bringing joy and meaning to his existence. The “twist” in this novel is the way Louisa’s job and her relationship with Will changes both of them.

Although the story is enhanced by family drama on both sides and a traumatic episode in Louisa’s past, the writing is far from subtle. Will is the “perfect” man who led a “perfect” life before his accident, traveling the world and taking part in extreme sports. Louisa is his complete opposite but has unconscious yearnings to make more of herself. Will, of course, picks up on those yearnings and somehow manages to drag himself out of deep despondency to set about trying to change Louisa’s life for the better. It was easy to see where this novel was going. Occasionally the point of view would shift from Louisa’s first-person narrative to one of the other central characters, like Will’s mother or Louisa’s sister. It was like Jojo Moyes had painted herself into a corner: in order to advance the narrative, she needed to tell the reader things Louisa didn’t know. But these chapters were so sporadic and sudden, they interrupted the flow.

Still, I was ambivalent about this book before I started reading, and enjoyed it more than I thought I would.

Nice review of Ruby, Laura. It's already quite high on my wish list, and I'll probably buy it soon.

>168 lauralkeet: I was also impressed by Ruby. I hope it finds a wide reading audience, as it's not like any other novel I've come across.

Hi Laura - I must read Ruby soon. Why does the touchstone give me Wuthering Heights?

Regarding the Moyes - it's nice to be pleasantly surprised by a book...That has happened to me with some of our book group choices.

I find it hard to balance the wonderful qualities of the story and writing in Ruby with the horrendous abuses (power and sex) that happened. Is the beauty in contrast to the evil?

I have Ruby from the library. Trying to get to it...!

I'm happy I've piqued people's interest in Ruby (now if only LT could get the touchstone right we'd all be happy!)

The abuses are hard to read about but so integral to the story that I somehow didn't mind, if that makes any sense at all. I've only read two books from the Baileys Prize shortlist (the other being The Portable Veblen), and Ruby is the far superior work.

Woot! Thumb-up for a wonderful review of Ruby, Laura! So delighted you enjoyed this one as much as I did! (speaking of touchstones, I'm being directed to Withering Heights, gah! ... I've fixed this instance ...)

eta: I felt the same about the abuse: The abuses are hard to read about but so integral to the story that I somehow didn't mind, if that makes any sense at all.

That's the second rave review of Ruby.

I've come to feel there really is a place for books like Me Before You, that is, books that don't go deep, but have a kind of gentle genuineness about them.

>176 lit_chick: I feel that way about violence in any kind of "entertainment" - if it really is part of the story, I can usually stand it.

>176 lit_chick: Thanks Nancy. Oh how I wish the touchstone would fix itself! Thanks for correcting your instance.

>177 sibylline: Lucy, I really like that phrase, "gentle genuineness." It describes Me Before You to a "T". That said, I watched the trailer for the upcoming film and it was so sappy it made me gag. I'll stick with the gentle genuineness of my reading experience, thank you very much!

23. Deadlock ()
My Review
Source: My Virago Modern Classics collection
Why I read this now: Part of a year-long group read

Deadlock is the sixth of thirteen novellas in Dorothy Richardson's Pilgrimage series, which follows the life of an English woman at the turn of the 20th century. In the early chapters, Londoners are excited about seeing a comet which, presuming it is Halley's Comet, sets this novella in 1910. Miriam Henderson is still working as a sort of business manager in a dental surgery, and living in Mrs Bailey's boarding house. She is an established, independent woman and while not well off, has shed some of the financial worries that plagued her in earlier books. She has also developed strong opinions on social issues. When she discovers a book called Lovely Woman lying open in the dentist's office, she launches into a most enjoyable inner monolog:

Because women had corns, feminine beauty was a myth; because the world could do without Mrs Hemans's poetry, women should confine their attention to puddings and babies. The infernal complacent cheek of it. This was the kind of thing middle-class men read. Unable to criticize it, they thought it witty and unanswerable. That was the worst of it. Books of this sort were read without any one there to point thing out. It ought to be illegal to publish a book by a man without first giving it to a woman to annotate. But what was the answer to men who called women inferior because they had not invented or achieved in science or art? On whose authority had men decided that science and art were greater than anything else? The world could not go on until this question had been answered.

This was all well and good as long as Miriam kept these thoughts to herself; later in the novel, her strong opinions get her into hot water, which further illustrates her point about women's place in society.

In Deadlock Miriam also finds companionship in Mr Shatov, a Russian boarder. Their relationship begins with Miriam teaching him the finer points of English, but progresses steadily to companionship based on intellectual give and take, and then to something more. There were long passages of philosophical discourse which I found hard to follow, not least because Richardson doesn't make clear which party is speaking and I tired of trying to keep up. But there were also moments of joy and sadness for Miriam that provided emotional depth that was lacking in previous books.

Currently Reading - Update



* London Belongs to Me - this chunkster, a Virago Secret Santa gift from Colleen (@NanaCC), is set in London in 1938 and focused on the residents of a lodging house. It looks to be just my thing and the first 30 pages sucked me in. It's over 700 pages so I may be some time ...

>180 lauralkeet: Oh I love that cover. Very atmospheric. Hope it continues to be a good read (more importantly! )

Lovely review of Deadlock, Laura, even if it did not overly impress. Richardson's Pilgrimage series sounds well worthwhile!

I am absolutely passing on The Portable Veblen. Thanks for taking one for the team, Laura.

And I'm really glad that Ruby touched you -- and stayed with you -- in much the same way it did me.

Good luck making your way through your most recent Virago chunkster! If the rest is as good as the first 30 pages, all will be well.

>181 charl08: yeah isn't that a great cover, Charlotte? It's definitely one of the reasons this book has been calling to me since I received it.

>182 lit_chick: thanks Nancy. by this point I have a love/hate relationship with the Pilgrimage series. There are times I wonder what in the world is going on, and other times where the reading is easier and I enjoy it. I like the protagonist and I like the way the novels place you squarely inside her thoughts. So I guess that keeps me going.

>183 EBT1002: Happy to help everyone avoid The Portable Veblen, Ellen. :) I tried pitching Ruby to my book group last week but even though I could tell people were intrigued, I had to admit it's not exactly what you'd call "summer reading," and might be a better selection at another time of year.

Happy Saturday, Laura! Still trying to finish up CTM. The wife has been busy this week, so no time for watching anything.

I have to add Ruby to my audio rotation. It looks too good to pass up, unlike...The Portable Veblen.

I am enjoying The Summer Before the War. This might be your cuppa. Just sayin'...

>180 lauralkeet: I know that London Belongs to Me is a chunkster, Laura, but I find it a fairly quick read despite that. I hope you continue to enjoy. :)

>185 msf59: I'll have to check that out Mark. I always get good recs from my LT pals.

>186 NanaCC: it's definitely easy going Colleen. Very enjoyable.

Okay, I am beginning to cave on Ruby. I passed it over because of the abuse. It looks like I need to "woman up" and just read it!

>188 Donna828: Donna, I can understand your reluctance. It is pretty intense and horrific in parts. You have to do what feels right to you. If you decide to give it a try, you can always back off if it's too much and no one will judge you for it.

Hi, Laura! I'll finish London Belongs to Me tomorrow after having eked it out for way too long. I have a lovely, very foxed 1949 copy, and it has been fun. Anyway, I read 159 pp of it today, so I believe you can say that it's easy reading!
You make me very happy that I have Ruby and Crow Lake waiting on the shelves. What a great place this is!

>190 LizzieD: Peggy, I am about halfway through London Belongs to Me, thanks to both the 3-day weekend and its general readability. I'll be watching your thread, eagerly awaiting your thoughts on it.

What a great place this is!
You bet. Nearly everything I read these days is due to LT recommendations. My RL book group members rely on the NYT bestseller list; I remember those days and the persistent feeling of "is that all there is?" when I perused the Book Review each week. I'm so thankful for all of my LT friends!

Currently Reading - Update



* London Belongs to Me - I finished this on Sunday, thanks to a storm-related power outage that made it difficult to do much of anything else. I really enjoyed it and like Peggy (>190 LizzieD:), found it easy reading. I hope to get to a review soon.

* When Breath Becomes Air - my name finally rose to the top of my library's Kindle loans, and I started this one last night as well. The subject matter is difficult but it's received such rave reviews from LTers that I decided it was a must-read.

Looking at those cover images, I am reminded of Lucy/@sibyx 's often unintentional color-coordinated reading. Except mine is a study in black and white. :)

24. London Belongs to Me ()
My Review
Source: On my shelves
Why I read this now: This was a Virago Secret Santa gift from Colleen/@NanaCC, and it kept calling to me from the bookshelf.

London Belongs to Me had everything I look for in a book: well-drawn characters, a vivid setting, and interesting storylines. Throw in some history and I’m pretty well set. The novel opens on Christmas Eve, 1938, as Fred Josser is retiring from his long career as a bookkeeper. His entire adult life has been shaped by daily routine, and one can imagine he will have difficulty coping with retirement. Mr Josser returns home to celebrate Christmas with his family, introducing the reader to the other tenants of 10 Dulcimer Street. Besides Mr & Mrs Josser and their adult children Ted and Doris, there’s Mr Puddy, Mrs Boon and her son Percy, Connie the aging former actress turned hatcheck girl, spiritual medium Mr Squales, and landlady Mrs Vizzard. Each has a story that will play out gradually over two years and more than 700 pages.

The Jossers are very much at the center of this novel. They look out for their neighbors and seem to be involved to some degree in most anything that happens. This is not always by choice -- Connie has a way of putting her nose into everyone’s business, to amusing effect. But when Mrs Boon and Percy fall on hard times, the Jossers work tirelessly on their behalf, setting their own dreams aside. When Mrs Vizzard suffers a betrayal, Mrs Josser overcomes her natural reserve to provide comfort. And then there’s the war and its far-reaching impact on everyone’s lives.

This book makes for easy, relaxing reading, thanks to a pleasing rotation of chapters focused on the many characters, and ending with mini-cliffhangers that made me eager to keep reading to learn what would happen next.

I feel as though you and Colleen and I are in a very selective sorority, Laura. Glad you enjoyed NC as much as I did, and that's a very helpful review, I think.

>193 lauralkeet: I'm glad you enjoyed London Belongs to Me, Laura. It really does seem to be a very little known gem.

>195 NanaCC: Thank you again, Colleen, for such a wonderful gift!

>194 LizzieD: you and Colleen and I are in a very selective sorority
I found a few others who want to be in our selective (reading) sorority. I'm the one at the top right, checking out the daily news. :)

I have London Belongs To Me on my shelf, Laura. Guess I should bump it up!

Wonderful review of London Belongs to Me, Laura. Hear, hear!: everything I look for in a book: well-drawn characters, a vivid setting, and interesting storylines.

>193 lauralkeet: I must get around to London belongs to Me. We had it as a RL book club choice a few years ago, but I didn't have time to read such a long book at the time, and so I gave it a miss.

>197 katiekrug:, >198 lit_chick:, >199 SandDune: Hello Katie, Nancy, and Rhian!! Thanks so much for dropping by. I would say, if you have London Belongs to Me on your shelves, it's well worth your time. As Rhian noted, it's long, but I found it easy reading and finished it more quickly than other works of similar length -- like Trollope.

25. When Breath Becomes Air ()
My Review
Source: Local library Kindle loan
Why I read this now: This was making the rounds on LT earlier this year, with rave reviews.

This is a short memoir by a neurosurgeon diagnosed with lung cancer at the age of 36, just as he was completing his residency. Paul Kalanithi describes the notoriously difficult and intense educational path he followed; his personal drive is unbelievable. When he is diagnosed, that same drive guides how he faces and manages his illness, and how he comes to understand what is most important to him. The book ends with a moving epilogue by his wife, Lucy. I first thought this book would be a quick read, but almost immediately realized I needed to pace myself. This is partly because Kalanithi’s thoughts and experience merit reflection, but I also felt profoundly sad. I am glad I read this, but am looking forward to something light and easy for my next read.

>201 lauralkeet: Oh gosh, I've *got* to move this one up on the list...

Laura, When Breath Becomes Air sounds fantastic, and, yes, terribly sad. Thanks for another great review.

>202 scaifea:, >203 lit_chick: Hi Amber & Nancy. I wasn't as "wowed" by this book as many LTers, but I think that's likely because I've come to it several months later, and it's been so widely talked about. It's a very worthwhile read that might provoke thoughts about whether you are currently living your life according to your values, and really taking care of what matters most.

You got me with both London Belongs to Me and When Breath Becomes Air. I've had the latter on the radar for a while but am now putting it on actual hold at the library.

Happy Sunday to you, Laura!

>201 lauralkeet: That looks a good one, Laura.

Have a great weekend.

>193 lauralkeet: The comnbination of you and Peggy has added London Belongs to Me to my wishlist. Sounds like good summer reading.

>205 EBT1002: hi Ellen! I hit you twice eh?! Sorry not sorry!

>206 PaulCranswick: thanks for stopping by Paul!

>207 souloftherose: I think you'd enjoy it Heather.

Morning, Laura! Happy Sunday! I am so glad you loved When Breath Becomes Air. It is a special book, isn't it?

We finally watched the CTM finale. For some reason that episode never recorded, so we had to wait to find it somewhere. It was terrific, as usual and the tears flowed. The wife sniffled away through most of it. They plan on continuing it, right?

H Mark and happy Sunday back at ya! Yes, CTM will continue.mwe watched it during the regular broadcast time and they frequently promoted the next season, coming about the same time next year. Traditionally there has also been a Christmas special. I hope I remember to look for it.

26. Summer Half ()
My Review
Source: On my shelves
Why I read this now: I wanted to read something light.

Angela Thirkell's Barsetshire novels are set in an early 20th-century version of Anthony Trollope's Barsetshire, and are typically a comedy of manners with a romantic storyline. Summer Half fits the formula perfectly. Colin Keith has recently accepted a position in a boys' school, even though his father wants him to study law. As he takes up his new duties, Colin, his parents, and his sisters become acquainted with the headmaster, his beautiful but vapid daughter Rose, and the other schoolmasters. Summer Half also marks the reappearance of Tony Morland, the eponymous demon of The Demon in the House. Fortunately, Tony has grown up a bit and is not quite the pest he once was. The plot, such as it is, takes place primarily during a holiday period and focuses on Rose's engagement to one of the schoolmasters, and a quietly developing romance involving Colin's sister Kate. There are picnics, parties, boating, croquet, and schoolboy hijinks, with everything tied up neatly at the end. The Barsetshire novels are light, fun reads and can be a perfect "palate cleanser" after reading something a bit heavy.

" Tony has grown up a bit and is not quite the pest he once was." Ah, well, that's a relief!

I adore Rose -- she is just terrible and it is fun to watch her (over a couple of books, I think) actually (sort of) grow up (a little).

You killed me with bb's this visit! I'm ready to jump into London Belongs to Me right now, except, well, I don't have it!

Happily I am immersed in Troubles which is in some way an unusual book, such a blend of comic and pathetic.

>212 laytonwoman3rd: you bet it is, Linda, especially since he will reappear from time to time in later books.

>213 sibylline: Rose ...(over a couple of books, I think)
This comment reminded me of a website I found ages ago, which I went looking for again: Angela Thirkell's Books.

On the surface, this appears to be a simple list of her novels, but each of the Barsetshire novels links to a Companion with a plot summary, characters, and a list of all the other books each character appears in. The character "bios" have some spoilers (marriages, deaths), but it's still a treasure trove of information.

Currently Reading - Update



Once again, I find myself reading two books which may take a while to finish.

* Revolving Lights - The seventh Pilgrimage novella, the second in volume 3 of Virago's 4-volume set. I am developing a love/hate relationship with this series. I love the novellas with "action" -- the protagonist goes places, meets people, does stuff -- and I hate the ones that spend too much time inside her head. This is one of the latter. It's only about 165 pages, but after slogging through the first 30-40 I decided to try a "10 pages per day" approach.

* The Eustace Diamonds - Next up in the Pallisers series, and the usual Trollope chunkster (over 700 pages). I've only read the first few chapters, which are an extended dramatis personae, but it's been enjoyable so far. Once again, I plan to make frequent visits to the group read thread from 2015 to enhance my reading experience. Liz (@lyzard) describes this book as "a full and ugly dissection of marriage as a commercial transaction, as a business, and of the emotional and psychological scarring that can be caused by it." Oh yes, I'm intrigued ...

Summer Half was enjoyable, Laura. They really are great little books to read after the longer ones.

I see that you are doing much better than I am with my goal of reading the entire Palliser series this year. I'm about half way through Can You Forgive Her?, which I am really enjoying, but finishing the series this year is seeming more and more unlikely.

The Eustace Diamonds as only Liz could summarize: a full and ugly dissection of marriage as a commercial transaction, as a business, and of the emotional and psychological scarring that can be caused by it. Glad you continue to enjoy the Palliser novels.

>216 NanaCC: I'm pleased with my THirkell progress Colleen. I've filled in the reading gaps for the earlier books and am now current through book 8. I have the next 4 on my shelves and then I will need to go hunting again. Fun. I'm glad you're enjoying Trollope!

>217 lit_chick: Nancy, I didn't expect to start this Palliser so soon, but as it happened I requested a library book with a longer queue than I expected, and as a result was in need of something to tide me over.

I think I'll go read now ...

Oh! Thank you for the A. Thirkell link, Laura. I've favorited it and will use it happily.
Just thought you ought to know that in my Shakespeare's Lives, I've just come across the early 19th century German scholar August Wilhelm von Schlegel, who advocated using the sonnets as clues to WS's inner life.
I should think that the Pallisers will tide you over ----

>219 LizzieD: I'm glad you enjoyed the Angela Thirkell link, Peggy. The information there reminds me of a similar guide to Dance to the Music of Time, a wonderful work of literature that you introduced me to. The companion is called Invitation to the Dance, and discusses the characters as well as artwork and other miscellany featured in the books. I think we may have discussed it before.

Currently Reading - Update



I've made decent progress this week ...

* Revolving Lights - The "10 pages per day" approach is working pretty well for me. I only have about 50 pages left so I should finish this week.

* The Eustace Diamonds - I'm really enjoying this book and have read 18 of 80 chapters. The story concerns a young widow, an unlikeable character, who insists on keeping a diamond necklace which belonged to her late husband's family even though it was not explicitly left to her in his will. There are some other subplots and romances, and I've been moving through it at a decent pace.

>201 lauralkeet: I caved today and added this one to my WL. : )

Just popping in to say hi, and admiring your Trollope and Angela Thirkell reading. I have the first Pilgrimage volume, I think, but it definitely does not sound like the right kind of book for me during term time!

>222 DianaNL: Hi Diana! We are definitely enjoying summer in my part of the world.

>223 Berly: yay! I hope you like it.

>224 cushlareads: Hey there Cushla! Nice to see you. I can't remember how much Trollope and/or Thirkell you've read, but they are definitely your cuppa. Thirkell would be easier going during term time. And um, yeah, I can't really recommend Pilgrimage to someone in your situation. Once I cottoned on to its similarity to Proust (which only just happened), I was able to view the work differently and press on. In fact, I finished Revolving Lights last night. I'm so far in now that I can't bear the thought of not finishing it, but it can be very hard to follow and takes commitment.

What a marvelous website (about Thirkell) -- thanks for that link.

You bet I have Invitation, Laura!

>226 sibylline: Isn't it fab, Lucy? I could get lost in there ...

>227 LizzieD: I thought so! Hi Peggy!

I overheard someone talking about Trollope and had to drop by ... Morning, Laura!

Hi, Laura. Just wanted to let you know I'm on the last chapter of Can You Forgive Her. I've loved this one, but that isn't surprising. I'm headed to Maine for a month next week, and hope to read at least one more of the Pallisers while there.

>229 lit_chick:, >230 NanaCC: Hey it's the Trollope Fan Club! Hi Nancy & Colleen, hope you've had a great week. And I'm looking forward to Colleen's thoughts on her introduction to the Pallisers soon.

Meanwhile ... The Eustace Diamonds is a great read and I'm looking forward to getting stuck in it this weekend.

27. Revolving Lights ()
No Review
Source: My Virago Modern Classics collection
Why I read this now: Part of a year-long group read

I'm finding it increasingly difficult to review these novellas. There's something about the reading journey that I kind of like, but also a fair amount of frustration with the author's style and the lack of characterization and setting. I'm not likely to convince anyone to read them and I'm not even sure why I keep going, except that I'm now invested in Miriam Henderson, the protagonist, and want to see where life takes her.

So henceforth I will note each book as completed, with just a short comment as above, and move on.

Currently Reading - Update



* The Eustace Diamonds - Just one book on the go again, and I'm halfway through (I've read 40 of 80 chapters). This book is unusual for Trollope in that the main character (Lizzie Eustace, the one in possession of the diamonds) is not a good person. And now it appears she may have made a rather impetuous move toward marriage, for the wrong reason. The man she now prefers is already engaged to someone who is a far better person than Lizzie, but he "needs" to marry money. And in Victorian times, breaking off engagements just wasn't done. The story went into this cul de sac for quite a while but a country house hunting party introduced several new characters which I suspect will ultimately play a part in resolving the issue.

This week I bought the remaining two Pallisers that I didn't already own, in lovely Penguin Classics editions (see >20 sibylline:). I may also have bought books 1 & 3 in the same editions. Sorry not sorry! I now have a complete matching set. And they were used (aka cheap).

Sorry not sorry! That made me chuckle! What's not to love about a complete matching set of Trollope, LOL.

I do love the editions of Trollope that you are reading. While I have his complete works on my Kindle (the price was right at $2.99), holding those lovely editions in the store makes them very tempting.

>234 lit_chick:, >235 NanaCC: I hold Colleen responsible for my matching set! She gave me a pristine new copy of Phineas Finn in the Virago Secret Santa, and it put my very old & tatty copies of Can You Forgive Her? and The Eustace Diamonds to shame. I put the Penguin Classics editions on my Amazon wish list, and recently received one as a gift. So at that point, I had two tatty old Penguins (old like from the 1970s) and two pretty new Penguin Classics. The newer Penguin Classics look nice, even in used editions. I knew I needed to pick up the books I haven't read yet, and then I just couldn't bear the thought of those older editions sitting alongside the prettier ones. But as I said, the four volumes I just bought were all used, and cost about $20 total. So I don't feel toooo guilty.

I'm going to look for Virago Classics at Powell's this Wednesday. I still don't have any sense of whether I would like them, but I love the look and feel of them.

28. The Eustace Diamonds ()
My Review
Source: On my shelves
Why I read this now: I'm working my way through the Palliser novels, reading one about every other month.

In The Eustace Diamonds, Anthony Trollope explores the dark side of marriage in the Victorian era. Our heroine, Lizzie Eustace, is a very unlikeable young widow who, thanks to her husband's fortune, has a roof over her head and a steady income until her son comes of age and inherits everything. She is also in possession of a diamond necklace, which she insists was a gift from her husband but by law is not rightfully hers. A lawsuit is brought against her concerning the necklace, and Lizzie pouts and stamps her feet and refuses to deal with it. Her fiance, Lord Fawn, begins to regret his proposal. Meanwhile, Lizzie's cousin Frank Greystock has fallen in love with Lucy Morris, who works as a governess in the Fawn family and is Lizzie's complete opposite: kind, honest, and poor. Frank is a lawyer and Member of Parliament, but in the eyes of his family "needs" to marry money. In that respect, Lizzie would be a much better match and while Frank finds her attractive, he knows Lucy is the better person. When Lizzie's necklace is stolen, the pace picks up and Lizzie becomes further entrenched in selfish deceit.

I liked this book less than the earlier Palliser and Barchester novels. It was darker and lacked the satire Trollope is known for. The characters were unlikeable or boring, and familiar faces from previous books were not sufficiently present to compensate. There was also a strong anti-semitic thread involving jewelers, money-lenders, and a clergyman and while I understand the views expressed were typical of that time period, it made for unpleasant reading. But at least now I can say I'm halfway through the Palliser novels, and look forward to the next one.

And now we are halfway through the year! Clearly there's no way I will even come close to reading 75 books this year; even 60 is looking ambitious at this point. But I've also been reading more chunksters. Year to date I've read 7 books between 400-500 pages, and 5 books that were more than 500 pages. Last year I read 6 between 400-500 pages, and 7 books that were more than 500, for the entire year. So I suppose chunkiness makes up for overall book count. That's my story and I'm sticking with it. :)

New thread coming soon!

Reading chunksters if fatal to the 75 book goal. Lucky for me I'm on a terrible knitting/St.Cyr jag and that is boosting my book level with remarkable speed!

Quality > quantity.

>240 sibylline: Lucy, knitting is my primary distraction from reading, so another positive side of fewer books is that I'm making good progress on my projects.

>241 kidzdoc: I agree, Darryl!

Wonderful review of The Eustace Diamonds, Laura, and thumb-up for that. Sorry it did not appeal to you as much as the previous Palliser novels.

>243 lit_chick: Hi Nancy, thanks! I didn't dislike it, I just wasn't as enthralled as I usually am with Trollope. But it's not stopping me, I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series.