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1kiwidoc
Having watched lots of my friends in this group, I have finally decided to take the plunge as well. The best thing about formalizing all this, is that it will force me to review those books I did not like so much, as I have tended to pass them over in the past.
So number 1 is:
The Slave Ship - a human history by Marcus Rediker
This is a nonfiction read about the history of the slave trade, and my reading of the latest Bookmarks reviews in February prompted my interest. I gave it 41/2 stars.
My review is here
So number 1 is:
The Slave Ship - a human history by Marcus Rediker
This is a nonfiction read about the history of the slave trade, and my reading of the latest Bookmarks reviews in February prompted my interest. I gave it 41/2 stars.
My review is here
2kiwidoc
My number 2 book is a fiction book by the Scottish author John Burnside, which I also thoroughly enjoyed:
2. The Devil's Footprints by John Burnside
and my review is here
2. The Devil's Footprints by John Burnside
and my review is here
3christiguc
You can link to your review without linking to your edit page. Go to the main book page and click on the paper-clip looking thing by your name. That will take you to your review's permanent page. E.g., here for The Slave Ship (/work/4017639/reviews/26655590). (That way, we can't see any private comments you might have on your "edit book" page.)
4kiwidoc
For my third book, a nonfiction precise by the well-known Bill Bryson, which I enjoyed:
3. Shakespeare: The World as Stage by Bill Bryson
My review is here
3. Shakespeare: The World as Stage by Bill Bryson
My review is here
6kiwidoc
Also, read the following books this year, unaccompanied by a review yet:
4. Deceived With Kindness: A Bloomsbury Childhood
by Angelica Garnett
which is an autobiographical look at Angelica's life with her mother, Vanessa Bell, her husband (and her mother's lover) David Garnett, and the Bloomsbury crowd.
5. Siegfried by Harry Mulisch
A Dutch author. Read his book called The Assault last year and really enjoyed his prose. This was good too, but not as engaging as The Assault
6. The Forger by Cioma Schonhaus
This book was autobiographical and described the Jewish author's survival underground as a forger in Nazi Germany.
7. The Master by Colm Toibin
This well-known masterful author gets into the mind of Henry James in a most clever way.
8. In the Dutch Mountains by Cees Nooteboom
In my exploration of Dutch authors, prompted by the Dutch reading group, I read this fairy tale story. Great prose, in a style that got me thinking.
4. Deceived With Kindness: A Bloomsbury Childhood
by Angelica Garnett
which is an autobiographical look at Angelica's life with her mother, Vanessa Bell, her husband (and her mother's lover) David Garnett, and the Bloomsbury crowd.
5. Siegfried by Harry Mulisch
A Dutch author. Read his book called The Assault last year and really enjoyed his prose. This was good too, but not as engaging as The Assault
6. The Forger by Cioma Schonhaus
This book was autobiographical and described the Jewish author's survival underground as a forger in Nazi Germany.
7. The Master by Colm Toibin
This well-known masterful author gets into the mind of Henry James in a most clever way.
8. In the Dutch Mountains by Cees Nooteboom
In my exploration of Dutch authors, prompted by the Dutch reading group, I read this fairy tale story. Great prose, in a style that got me thinking.
7tiffin
Really interesting and different books, karenwardill. I really appreciate your reviews but you are playing Hob with my resolution not to buy more books until I finish my TBR pile!
8almigwin
Karen. part of the deception in Deceived by Kindness was that Angelica Bell was raised to believe that Clive Bell was her father. Her parents didn't divorce, and Bell kept a room at Charleston. Her husband, David Garnett, was present at her birth, and had been her biological father's lover (Duncan Grant). Grant was the lifetime love and artistic partner of her mother, Vanessa Bell, but a committed homosexual.
Homosexuality was rife in the Bloomsbury crowd, and caused great pain to the heterosexual women who loved the homosexual men as did Vanessa Bell, or Dora Carrington who loved Lytton Strachey, and killed herself when he died. Or leonard woolf's
pain at recognizing Virginia Woolf's love for Vita Sackville-West. When the Woolfs married, I don't think they recognized or understood that Virginia Woolf was a lesbian. Or Ralph Partridge giving up Lytton Strachey to marry Frances Partridge.
The sexual complications were enormous, but the relationships were powerful and lasted for lifetimes, as did the one between Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant.
Homosexuality was rife in the Bloomsbury crowd, and caused great pain to the heterosexual women who loved the homosexual men as did Vanessa Bell, or Dora Carrington who loved Lytton Strachey, and killed herself when he died. Or leonard woolf's
pain at recognizing Virginia Woolf's love for Vita Sackville-West. When the Woolfs married, I don't think they recognized or understood that Virginia Woolf was a lesbian. Or Ralph Partridge giving up Lytton Strachey to marry Frances Partridge.
The sexual complications were enormous, but the relationships were powerful and lasted for lifetimes, as did the one between Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant.
9kiwidoc
Thanks for the comment, Miriam.
Duncan Grant was a homosexual but also did have a complicated relationship with Vanessa, managing to father a child ie: Angelica.
What amazes me about these complicated bohemian relationships, is how these couples stayed married and committed to each other, despite their sexual orientation making a conventional relationship untenable. They all seemed so forgiving and accepting of their 'adultery' (if that is the right word). Leonard stayed supportive of Virginia, and Vanessa lived most of her life together with Duncan and her husband Clive (who came and went a lot).
It seems that their committal to each other stemmed more from a compatibility in art and ideas than a sexual compatibility?
Duncan Grant was a homosexual but also did have a complicated relationship with Vanessa, managing to father a child ie: Angelica.
What amazes me about these complicated bohemian relationships, is how these couples stayed married and committed to each other, despite their sexual orientation making a conventional relationship untenable. They all seemed so forgiving and accepting of their 'adultery' (if that is the right word). Leonard stayed supportive of Virginia, and Vanessa lived most of her life together with Duncan and her husband Clive (who came and went a lot).
It seems that their committal to each other stemmed more from a compatibility in art and ideas than a sexual compatibility?
10kiwidoc
9. In the Blood - A Memoir of My Childhood by Andrew Motion.
This is a memoir by the poet laureate of England. It was a poignant read - I am 6 years younger than Andrew so it was like re-living the past for me.
He captures the child's perspective beautifully and tells of his life before his mother's untimely death in a hunting accident - co-coincidently at the end of 1969, which is the month and year that my family emigrated from England.
He also explores his early development as a poet, including his response to various contemporary poets such as Larkin, Auden and EE Cummings. I really enjoyed this, because of the beautiful prose voiced in a child's simplicity/lucidity and the personal relevancy of the place/period.
...and my review is here
This is a memoir by the poet laureate of England. It was a poignant read - I am 6 years younger than Andrew so it was like re-living the past for me.
He captures the child's perspective beautifully and tells of his life before his mother's untimely death in a hunting accident - co-coincidently at the end of 1969, which is the month and year that my family emigrated from England.
He also explores his early development as a poet, including his response to various contemporary poets such as Larkin, Auden and EE Cummings. I really enjoyed this, because of the beautiful prose voiced in a child's simplicity/lucidity and the personal relevancy of the place/period.
...and my review is here
11christiguc
I'm glad you liked In the Blood!
12kiwidoc
Thanks for the comment on In the Blood - A Memoir of My Childhood Christina. I really thought his prose style was lovely, although I do know that he was criticized for the work - some people found it too slow, too uneventful. I really liked it - as a memoir it was true to the period and the person. Sometimes I think readers want a Hollywood style, reveal all expose, but honestly, I am truly not interested in that type of character assassination experience as a reader.
And to continue on my memoir read, have just finished my number 10 read:
10. Swimming in a Sea of Death: A Son's Memoir by David Rieff
This cathartic memoir about Susan Sontag and her end of life struggle with leukemia is told by her son. It is a rather chaotic read and discusses the grief and guilt of her son, and the difficult struggle that Susan had in her last few months. It outlines her absolute refusal to 'let it beat her ' and her fight to the last hour. The ideas are interesting and revealing, but the structure is repetitive and unorganized.
And to continue on my memoir read, have just finished my number 10 read:
10. Swimming in a Sea of Death: A Son's Memoir by David Rieff
This cathartic memoir about Susan Sontag and her end of life struggle with leukemia is told by her son. It is a rather chaotic read and discusses the grief and guilt of her son, and the difficult struggle that Susan had in her last few months. It outlines her absolute refusal to 'let it beat her ' and her fight to the last hour. The ideas are interesting and revealing, but the structure is repetitive and unorganized.
13kiwidoc
Also finished
11. The Uncommon Reader by Alan Bennett
This is really a novella, which celebrates the art of reader by comically portraying the Queen as she discovers the world of literature and reading. Enjoyable, short, amusing, (and expensive when you consider the book size).
As always, Bennett gets his inimitable and convivial style to shine through in his prose.
11. The Uncommon Reader by Alan Bennett
This is really a novella, which celebrates the art of reader by comically portraying the Queen as she discovers the world of literature and reading. Enjoyable, short, amusing, (and expensive when you consider the book size).
As always, Bennett gets his inimitable and convivial style to shine through in his prose.
15kiwidoc
12. Martin Birck's Youth by Hjalmar Soderberg
This is a semi-autobiographical book by Swedish writer Soderberg, published in 1901. I was surprised to find out the era it was written, as it has a more modern flavour, being at times quite decadent, sad and reflective. I enjoyed this read. It makes me want to move to his next book, Doctor Glas.
This is a semi-autobiographical book by Swedish writer Soderberg, published in 1901. I was surprised to find out the era it was written, as it has a more modern flavour, being at times quite decadent, sad and reflective. I enjoyed this read. It makes me want to move to his next book, Doctor Glas.
16kiwidoc
13. Frankenstein by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley
Surprised to discover the theme lay more in the evil of parental neglect than in the innate evil of the monster created by Victor. Nature vs nurture, etc.
I was prompted to read this book by my daughter, who had it as an English assignment. We had some interesting discussions about causes of evil and responsibilities of parenting, as well as the abandonment and neglect faced by Mary Shelley. Very worthwhile read.
Surprised to discover the theme lay more in the evil of parental neglect than in the innate evil of the monster created by Victor. Nature vs nurture, etc.
I was prompted to read this book by my daughter, who had it as an English assignment. We had some interesting discussions about causes of evil and responsibilities of parenting, as well as the abandonment and neglect faced by Mary Shelley. Very worthwhile read.
17amandameale
I'm enjoying your reviews Karen. Thank you.
18kiwidoc
Thanks Amanda.
My next two books were from my massive TBR pile!
14. The Gathering by Anne Enright
This is probably familiar to all readers, as it was the 2007 Booker Prize winner. So dutifully bought it to read, but honestly did not enjoy it. Enright has a piercing, honest, clever, almost biting prose style. The content was depressing, the genital fixations annoying and distracting and I was glad to finish it! Not to my taste.
15. Mozart by Peter Gay
Retreated to non-fiction for a break. Enjoying the style of Peter Gay and his latest tome about Modernism and art. Still not finished, so decided to get a little diet of Mozart with this well written biography. Enough detail for the lay person as a summary work, not enough for the scholar, but a nice precise. Recommended.
19kiwidoc
16. The Invention of Dr. Cake by Andrew Motion
This is a slim prose read by the English poet, Andrew Motion.
Motion weaves a delightful story of two doctors in the 19th century, who meet when one is very ill and dying. They discuss poetry and the meaning of life, including the life of Keats. I polished it off in a night and will return to read it again as the prose was so wonderful.
Highly recommended.
This is a slim prose read by the English poet, Andrew Motion.
Motion weaves a delightful story of two doctors in the 19th century, who meet when one is very ill and dying. They discuss poetry and the meaning of life, including the life of Keats. I polished it off in a night and will return to read it again as the prose was so wonderful.
Highly recommended.
20kiwidoc
17. Imagined London - a tour of the world's greatest fictional city by Anna Quindlen
This is a travelogue book by the American journalist, Quindlen. I enjoy her non-fiction style, and she is accessible and intelligent. This book started off with promise, but did not deliver the goods, being too superficial for my taste.
I think it was also not a good choice for an English person as the comparison between English and American language was too glib, too superficial, and the usual language commentary on boot/trunk, lift/elevator was a bit cliqued. Also the passing commentary on the English aloofness showed a rather superficial observation of 'Englishness' that could have been better developed.
Not a bad read, a bit too much of a light touch for me, may appeal as an introduction to London to an American audience.
This is a travelogue book by the American journalist, Quindlen. I enjoy her non-fiction style, and she is accessible and intelligent. This book started off with promise, but did not deliver the goods, being too superficial for my taste.
I think it was also not a good choice for an English person as the comparison between English and American language was too glib, too superficial, and the usual language commentary on boot/trunk, lift/elevator was a bit cliqued. Also the passing commentary on the English aloofness showed a rather superficial observation of 'Englishness' that could have been better developed.
Not a bad read, a bit too much of a light touch for me, may appeal as an introduction to London to an American audience.
21kambrogi
Wonderful comments, Karen, on all your reading. You cut to the chase very well, and it is also nice to check the review for more detail. A nice balance. I have read a lot about the Middle Passage, but am still tempted by all you have said about The Slave Ship. That may have to go on my wish list.
22kiwidoc
18. The Observations by Jane Harris
This was a light 'beach' read. I quite enjoyed it, for the narrator's voice was well done, for the most part believable and the life of a servant girl in the 19th century authentically portrayed. Reminiscent of Sarah Waters Fingersmith, but perhaps could have been shortened. Expected a bit more punch at the end and felt a bit anti-climactic to finish. Overall entertaining and often funny.
Recommended if you are in the mood for a light interlude.
This was a light 'beach' read. I quite enjoyed it, for the narrator's voice was well done, for the most part believable and the life of a servant girl in the 19th century authentically portrayed. Reminiscent of Sarah Waters Fingersmith, but perhaps could have been shortened. Expected a bit more punch at the end and felt a bit anti-climactic to finish. Overall entertaining and often funny.
Recommended if you are in the mood for a light interlude.
23kiwidoc
19 Shutter speed by Erwin Mortier
This book is a translation from Flemish. Mortier uses the clever device of photography to allow the narrator to expand on his childhood images of absent parents, particularly his father. I enjoyed this read, and can recommend it. My review is here
This book is a translation from Flemish. Mortier uses the clever device of photography to allow the narrator to expand on his childhood images of absent parents, particularly his father. I enjoyed this read, and can recommend it. My review is here
24kiwidoc
20. The Day of The Triffids by John Wyndham.
Possibly nothing more needs to be said of this well-known superlative classic, published in 1951 and relevant today as it predicts some of the global issues we have faced since the book was written - the Cold War, ecological disasters, role of women, role of technology (satellite warfare).
I love this genre of book - dystopia, logical fiction, science fiction - it is also beautifully written.
Despite the premise of walking plants, it is also very believable. I found the moral dilemmas facing the characters interesting and yet not over-burdening the story. Excellent book. Highly recommended.
Possibly nothing more needs to be said of this well-known superlative classic, published in 1951 and relevant today as it predicts some of the global issues we have faced since the book was written - the Cold War, ecological disasters, role of women, role of technology (satellite warfare).
I love this genre of book - dystopia, logical fiction, science fiction - it is also beautifully written.
Despite the premise of walking plants, it is also very believable. I found the moral dilemmas facing the characters interesting and yet not over-burdening the story. Excellent book. Highly recommended.
25kambrogi
I loved this book when I read it in middle school! I, too, love the genre, and consider this one outstanding. Nice to know that it still works today.
26kiwidoc
21. The Mayor of Casterbridge by Thomas Hardy.
OK - so I admit that this is a re-read, but I was really hankering after an infusion of Hardy, who is one of my favourite authors.
If you have not read Hardy, then you are missing out. His protagonists are always very conflicted and flawed characters, and the Mayor of Casterbridge is no exception. Highly recommended.
OK - so I admit that this is a re-read, but I was really hankering after an infusion of Hardy, who is one of my favourite authors.
If you have not read Hardy, then you are missing out. His protagonists are always very conflicted and flawed characters, and the Mayor of Casterbridge is no exception. Highly recommended.
27kiwidoc
Kambrogi - glad you liked The Day of the Triffids. Science fiction only works for me when it is 'logical' and perhaps moralistically styled. I am not one for the more fantasy based sort of Sci Fi. Perhaps shows my lack of imagination.
I also loved H.G. Wells as a child and read through his science fiction in a straight run.
I also loved H.G. Wells as a child and read through his science fiction in a straight run.
28tiffin
Re # 20: have you read We by Zamiatin, karenwardill? It is one of my all time most favourite books, very much a dystopian novel. I like many of Wyndham's books.
29amandameale
Karen: I also enjoyed the narrator's voice in The Observations . Very amusing.
30kambrogi
I'm with you, karenwardill. I like a lot of science in my sci-fi, or a serious discourse on "what if?" scenarios for a society -- very much the traditional genre. I really have no interest in fantasy.
31kiwidoc
21. The Carhullan Army by Sarah Hall
This is a dystopian, feminist, science fiction fable set in England and the book won the Rhys Llewellyn prize last year. I was impressed with the prose but my review is not a shining one. I am sure that many people will disagree with my views on this one, but HEY..... that is what makes the world go round, non?
My review here
This is a dystopian, feminist, science fiction fable set in England and the book won the Rhys Llewellyn prize last year. I was impressed with the prose but my review is not a shining one. I am sure that many people will disagree with my views on this one, but HEY..... that is what makes the world go round, non?
My review here
32kmbooklover
messages 22 and 29 karen and amanda
Just finished The Observations; really loved it and thought Bessy's narration was great! Will be looking forward to more from Ms. Harris!
Cheers!
Kathy
Just finished The Observations; really loved it and thought Bessy's narration was great! Will be looking forward to more from Ms. Harris!
Cheers!
Kathy
33kiwidoc
Thanks for the comment, Kathy. I enjoyed the tempo and atmosphere of The Observations too. I thought it was very similar in atmosphere to Sarah Waters debut, Fingersmith.
I also wondered if the narrator character was lesbian, wrt to the intense and unremitting attachment that she had for her mistress? It was never defined, unlike Waters book.
Also thought that the last third of the book was disappointing, as I thought there was a big lead up to something, or she was trying to illustrate something important, and then it did not happen, as it was very much a plot-driven story.
I also wondered if the narrator character was lesbian, wrt to the intense and unremitting attachment that she had for her mistress? It was never defined, unlike Waters book.
Also thought that the last third of the book was disappointing, as I thought there was a big lead up to something, or she was trying to illustrate something important, and then it did not happen, as it was very much a plot-driven story.
34kmbooklover
Hi Karen!!
Heard a lot of good things about Fingersmith - Ms.Waters is probably another author whose work I'll want to read all of (which won't be doing me any favours with regards to my TBR pile :) (which includes An Instance of the Fingerpost by Iain Pears, The Meaning of Night by Michael Cox, War and Peace, the Outlander series and a whole host of others...
Happy reading!!
Kathy
Heard a lot of good things about Fingersmith - Ms.Waters is probably another author whose work I'll want to read all of (which won't be doing me any favours with regards to my TBR pile :) (which includes An Instance of the Fingerpost by Iain Pears, The Meaning of Night by Michael Cox, War and Peace, the Outlander series and a whole host of others...
Happy reading!!
Kathy
35kiwidoc
All great books to have on your TBR list, Kathy. Out of those, I have read War and Peace, and have the Michael Cox book waiting on an interminably long TBR list.
My next two books waiting for me are the new Rose Tremain book which was longlisted for the Orange Prize, and who I really enjoy. Also, Fifth Business as a group read, as I have always meant to get to the wonderful Robertson Davies
My next two books waiting for me are the new Rose Tremain book which was longlisted for the Orange Prize, and who I really enjoy. Also, Fifth Business as a group read, as I have always meant to get to the wonderful Robertson Davies
36kiwidoc
22. Middlemarch by George Eliot
This is my second attempt at this classic. I managed to get a quarter way through last year, and this year finally did the whole read. Still not a great favourite of mine - I do recognize her great talent, but somehow it is a plow-through for me.
This is my second attempt at this classic. I managed to get a quarter way through last year, and this year finally did the whole read. Still not a great favourite of mine - I do recognize her great talent, but somehow it is a plow-through for me.
37kiwidoc
23. The Great Man by Kate Christensen
I have just finished reading this book today. Bought it based on the fact that it just won the 2008 Pen Faulkner Award. I might have to think about it for a while before passing judgment, but this is a writer known for more 'chick lit' style fiction. This makes her win a surprise.
Christensen is obviously a clever, well-read and very intelligent women. Her writing, nevertheless, is rather brassy for my taste. Her three main characters are elderly women. They meet, talk, reflect, with the aid of two biographers, on the life of Oscar. Oscar's character is painted from his grave - famous painter, womanizer and general selfish 'jerk'.
Firstly, I really did not find the tone and language of the elderly women believable. The general behaviour and use of language reflected more the 30 year old women in this modern day - so I found that disappointing. It was good, not great, readable, philosophical reflection on life with a philandering male.
My review is here
Recommended to a selected audience. Not a prize-winner in my opinion, as it is not ground-breaking.
I have just finished reading this book today. Bought it based on the fact that it just won the 2008 Pen Faulkner Award. I might have to think about it for a while before passing judgment, but this is a writer known for more 'chick lit' style fiction. This makes her win a surprise.
Christensen is obviously a clever, well-read and very intelligent women. Her writing, nevertheless, is rather brassy for my taste. Her three main characters are elderly women. They meet, talk, reflect, with the aid of two biographers, on the life of Oscar. Oscar's character is painted from his grave - famous painter, womanizer and general selfish 'jerk'.
Firstly, I really did not find the tone and language of the elderly women believable. The general behaviour and use of language reflected more the 30 year old women in this modern day - so I found that disappointing. It was good, not great, readable, philosophical reflection on life with a philandering male.
My review is here
Recommended to a selected audience. Not a prize-winner in my opinion, as it is not ground-breaking.
38amandameale
Karen: Have you read Music and Silence by Rose Tremain - I adored that book.
39kiwidoc
No I have not read Music and Silence yet. I will ASAP. I enjoyed The Colour and really like her style. Very talented lady.
40cabegley
Karen, I loved Fingersmith, so have put The Observations on my wish list. Thanks for the recommendation!
41aluvalibri
The Observations sounds very intriguing, Karen. Thanks!
:-))
:-))
42kiwidoc
Paola and Chris,
I thought that The Observations was a flawed but enjoyable novel for a light interlude. I liked the first half much more than the second but maybe should not say more if you are all going to read it.
I thought that The Observations was a flawed but enjoyable novel for a light interlude. I liked the first half much more than the second but maybe should not say more if you are all going to read it.
43aluvalibri
Karen, I just bought a copy on Half.com.
I will let you know what my thoughts are once I read it.
I will let you know what my thoughts are once I read it.
44kiwidoc
24, Twelfth Night by Shakespeare
25. Henry V by Shakespeare
26. Romeo and Juliet by Shakespeare
27. Macbeth by Shakespeare
28. The Stranger by Albert Camus
The Shakespeare was on audio with great explanatory pieces which really illuminated the text and made it enjoyable. I plan to repeat all of these.
I have been meaning the read The Stranger for years and finally came to it this weekend. The epitome of existentialistic, nihilist novels, I found it a very interesting read. I felt like the protagonist did not possess a frontal lobe, he was so emotionally flat. Glad to have finally read it.
25. Henry V by Shakespeare
26. Romeo and Juliet by Shakespeare
27. Macbeth by Shakespeare
28. The Stranger by Albert Camus
The Shakespeare was on audio with great explanatory pieces which really illuminated the text and made it enjoyable. I plan to repeat all of these.
I have been meaning the read The Stranger for years and finally came to it this weekend. The epitome of existentialistic, nihilist novels, I found it a very interesting read. I felt like the protagonist did not possess a frontal lobe, he was so emotionally flat. Glad to have finally read it.
45kiwidoc
29. The Road Home: a novel by Rose Tremain Touchstones not correct
Finally found a really enjoyable read after the last three contemporary female writers made me want to give up reading anything published after 2000.
Rose Tremain has an amazing talent with her prose, she is spare yet vivid and precise. She is one of those authors that puts you completely into the mind's eye of the characters.
The immigrant experience is well portrayed by the protagonist, who arrives penniless on streets of London, and works his way through several well illustrated themes - struggle with poverty, personal loss, grieving, and cultural clash. London society does not fare well in the comparison.
Tremain manages to inject a humorous element to her portrayal of the characters, which acts to entertain and relieve the intensity of some of the themes.
An excellent book, well worth the read. Highly recommended.
My review is here
A long list nominee for the Orange Prize this year (and worthy winner IMO although I have not yet read any others on the list).
Finally found a really enjoyable read after the last three contemporary female writers made me want to give up reading anything published after 2000.
Rose Tremain has an amazing talent with her prose, she is spare yet vivid and precise. She is one of those authors that puts you completely into the mind's eye of the characters.
The immigrant experience is well portrayed by the protagonist, who arrives penniless on streets of London, and works his way through several well illustrated themes - struggle with poverty, personal loss, grieving, and cultural clash. London society does not fare well in the comparison.
Tremain manages to inject a humorous element to her portrayal of the characters, which acts to entertain and relieve the intensity of some of the themes.
An excellent book, well worth the read. Highly recommended.
My review is here
A long list nominee for the Orange Prize this year (and worthy winner IMO although I have not yet read any others on the list).
46tiffin
You and Marise are convincing me that I have to pick up a Tremain, karenwardill. I'll have to look for this one.
47kiwidoc
Yes Tiffin, she is a writer that combines difficult thematic portrayals and makes the characters more 'alive' by giving comedic relief and internal 'reflectiveness' to her characters. Softens and relieves the struggles of the characters and makes it easier to identify with them. I need it easy!!!!!
Some writers are brutally clever and topical and have a great turn of phrase but lack that ability to humanize (thinking of Enright and Sarah Hall and Kate Christensen as examples of this difficulty I encountered in contemporary punchy novels just read).
Her Restoration book was made into a movie and I am really keen to read her Music and Silence asap. I think this latest is one of the few times Tremain has turned to a modern setting.
Some writers are brutally clever and topical and have a great turn of phrase but lack that ability to humanize (thinking of Enright and Sarah Hall and Kate Christensen as examples of this difficulty I encountered in contemporary punchy novels just read).
Her Restoration book was made into a movie and I am really keen to read her Music and Silence asap. I think this latest is one of the few times Tremain has turned to a modern setting.
48marise
karenwardill, I just finished Music and Silence and recommend it highly! Now I am looking for Restoration!
49kambrogi
karenwardill, you really sell Rose Tremain well! I am thinking I must read something by her. I like how you express this: "Some writers are brutally clever and topical and have a great turn of phrase but lack that ability to humanize." I love clever and complex, but the great writer is one who can also humanize. I am thinking of Midnight's Children vs A Fine Balance. Both brilliant, but only one made me cry.
50kiwidoc
Thanks, Kambrogi for your comments.
I am now wondering which of those two did connect with you - having read neither of them I am guessing A Fine Balance?
I am now wondering which of those two did connect with you - having read neither of them I am guessing A Fine Balance?
51kiwidoc
and #28 Tiffin - so sorry to have ignored your thoughtful question about the book We. No I have not read it, or even heard of it, and have just ordered it online so will read ASAP.
52kambrogi
Karenwardill, I actually liked both of those books about India, but Rushdie's work (Midnight's Children) seemed cool and distant and Mistry's Fine Balance (admittedly somewhat less complex) was full of heart. I actually wanted to compare Possession (a very complex book with heart) to something comparable that is brilliant but doesn't move the reader -- but couldn't think of anything that compares to Possession! :-)
53amandameale
Karen: I agree with your comments on The Observations but I wouldn't have missed that main character for anything. I'm really glad I read it.
54kiwidoc
Yes Amanda - I read The Observations in very short order. When I got to the end and thought about it, I decided I had just read a beach read, which made me feel guilty, but I did feel the main character was very real and alive. I just wish she had edited it down a bit - esp the ending.
55cabegley
Karen, I'm late to the Rose Tremain party, but I have recently started reading and loving her historical fiction. I read one of her modern-set novels, The Way I Found Her, a number of years ago, but it didn't stick with me. Based on your comments on The Road Home, I think I'll give her contemporary stuff another try!
56kiwidoc
Hope you will not be disapppointed, Chris.
It can be risky recommending books, 'cos sometimes the writer's voice appeals and sometimes it mysteriously does not, despite other rave reviews!!
It can be risky recommending books, 'cos sometimes the writer's voice appeals and sometimes it mysteriously does not, despite other rave reviews!!
57kiwidoc
30. Fifth Business by Robertson Davies
Yes - a few of us have read this book at the same time and it seems that we all seem to have enjoyed it.
I did. I liked his writing style, his intellect and his exploration and development of characters. Well worth the read. I will think about it for a few days and come back to link to my review when done.
Yes - a few of us have read this book at the same time and it seems that we all seem to have enjoyed it.
I did. I liked his writing style, his intellect and his exploration and development of characters. Well worth the read. I will think about it for a few days and come back to link to my review when done.
58kiwidoc
31. Rough Crossings by Simon Schama.
This was a natural progression from my first non fiction read of this year about the slave ships.
I enjoy Schama's writing style and did like this book. However, the subject lacked vital focus points and it was a bit of a slog with all the names and dates and intertwining connnections. I found there was somewhat of a blunting in interest for a reader like me who needs refocusing periodically. As a read, The Slave Ship - a Human History by Marcus Rediker was more cohesive, shocking, narrowly focused and therefore more palatable read for me.
Schama presents an interesting synthesis of the events leading to the emancipation of the Blacks in America and the role of the English at the end of the American Revolution. The development of Nova Scotia and Sierra Leone as colonies for free blacks is well explained.
I think it was a balanced and commendable work of history. Perhaps not something for the reader of history without a deeper interest in this subject.
Recommended for a select group of historians interested in this subject.
This was a natural progression from my first non fiction read of this year about the slave ships.
I enjoy Schama's writing style and did like this book. However, the subject lacked vital focus points and it was a bit of a slog with all the names and dates and intertwining connnections. I found there was somewhat of a blunting in interest for a reader like me who needs refocusing periodically. As a read, The Slave Ship - a Human History by Marcus Rediker was more cohesive, shocking, narrowly focused and therefore more palatable read for me.
Schama presents an interesting synthesis of the events leading to the emancipation of the Blacks in America and the role of the English at the end of the American Revolution. The development of Nova Scotia and Sierra Leone as colonies for free blacks is well explained.
I think it was a balanced and commendable work of history. Perhaps not something for the reader of history without a deeper interest in this subject.
Recommended for a select group of historians interested in this subject.
59kiwidoc
32. The Man Who Turned Into Himself by David Ambrose
This was an advanced reading copy kindly sent to me.
I enjoy science fiction, and I have to say this book was a fun read. It took the premise of quantum physics and parallel universes, and created a plot-driven story that was quite captivating.
If you like science fiction, this is a quick and fun read - it was all done in under two hours. It creatively explained and illustrated actual theoretical scientific theories of time travel and parallel universes.
Maybe some of those psychotic patients are actually visitors from another dimension?
My review is here
This was an advanced reading copy kindly sent to me.
I enjoy science fiction, and I have to say this book was a fun read. It took the premise of quantum physics and parallel universes, and created a plot-driven story that was quite captivating.
If you like science fiction, this is a quick and fun read - it was all done in under two hours. It creatively explained and illustrated actual theoretical scientific theories of time travel and parallel universes.
Maybe some of those psychotic patients are actually visitors from another dimension?
My review is here
60laytonwoman3rd
You may be the greatest danger to my book budget * on this site! You consistently put me on to books I have not heard of before, and you are so concise in your descriptions that I feel I instantly know whether I would want to read any given one. Keep going!
*ETA: My husband passed through, saw the words "book budget" and burst out laughing. "As if you had any idea about such a thing as a 'budget' when it comes to books!"
*ETA: My husband passed through, saw the words "book budget" and burst out laughing. "As if you had any idea about such a thing as a 'budget' when it comes to books!"
61kiwidoc
Laytonwoman the third - you make me laugh! and thanks for the compliment.
I totally connect wrt to book budget and better half.
My internet purchases have highlighted my buying so that often when arriving home, if it is really excessive, the books are prominently displayed in their brown parcels in a precarious wobbly tower. I swear the postman saves them all up and brings them on my hubbie's day off!!!!!!!
I totally connect wrt to book budget and better half.
My internet purchases have highlighted my buying so that often when arriving home, if it is really excessive, the books are prominently displayed in their brown parcels in a precarious wobbly tower. I swear the postman saves them all up and brings them on my hubbie's day off!!!!!!!
62kambrogi
Karenwardill, the Ambrose book is my kind of book -- time travel and sci-fi that's heavy on the sci! Must read!
63Nickelini
Karen,
I have The Master in my TBR pile, and I'm wondering if I should read more Henry James before reading it. So far I've only read Washington Square and Turn of the Screw, and I own the movie The Wings of the Dove. Does it matter if I don't know more about James's work?
I have The Master in my TBR pile, and I'm wondering if I should read more Henry James before reading it. So far I've only read Washington Square and Turn of the Screw, and I own the movie The Wings of the Dove. Does it matter if I don't know more about James's work?
64Nickelini
Hi again, Karen
I'm doing the Middlemarch LT read and have made it to page 111. So far I'd agree that it's a "plow-through" too (great term, by the way). I'm really just trying to figure out what the point of the whole book is. Any encouraging words of wisdom?
I'm doing the Middlemarch LT read and have made it to page 111. So far I'd agree that it's a "plow-through" too (great term, by the way). I'm really just trying to figure out what the point of the whole book is. Any encouraging words of wisdom?
65Nickelini
Me again, sorry to monopolize your thread . . . but I just have to agree with your review of Imagined London. I recently read it too, and thought it showed promise, but was ultimately disappointing. Parts of it I could really relate too--I've too had this "thing" about London and England since I was a child (alas, no family connections or relatives to go visit there!), but a lot of it seemed like it was directed to Americans who knew very little about London or English culture. (Which is all pretty much what you said.)
66kiwidoc
Hello Nickelini,
Honoured and flattered to have you visit my thread so frequently!!
The Master is a evocation of the working of Henry James mind, on his travels. I think it would help to have read some of his books, for sure. At least it would put you fair and square into his era. It sounds like you are not doing too badly with his read as it is.
Middlemarch must be worth the read - everyone tells me so!! I think it is just the kinda book you need to have a quiet two weeks to concentrate on! I have tried to start it twice so far, so one of these days......
My roots are English, my parents brought me up in a very 'English' household and I always identify with my British heritage. Having said that, I think I mean the British heritage we left behind, not the current reality, of which I have a distorted BBC programmed view..... (Oh I guess that means I think it is like the 'North and South' dramatization I saw recently, or Bertie and Wooster, or Spooks or ....??
Thanks for all the attention, Nickelini.
Honoured and flattered to have you visit my thread so frequently!!
The Master is a evocation of the working of Henry James mind, on his travels. I think it would help to have read some of his books, for sure. At least it would put you fair and square into his era. It sounds like you are not doing too badly with his read as it is.
Middlemarch must be worth the read - everyone tells me so!! I think it is just the kinda book you need to have a quiet two weeks to concentrate on! I have tried to start it twice so far, so one of these days......
My roots are English, my parents brought me up in a very 'English' household and I always identify with my British heritage. Having said that, I think I mean the British heritage we left behind, not the current reality, of which I have a distorted BBC programmed view..... (Oh I guess that means I think it is like the 'North and South' dramatization I saw recently, or Bertie and Wooster, or Spooks or ....??
Thanks for all the attention, Nickelini.
67kiwidoc
33. The Voluptuous Delights of Peanut Butter and Jam by Lauren Liebenberg
This is a book that has appeared on the Orange Prize longlist as well as the New Writers Orange list. Can an author win both?? I often like the Orange list so took the plunge.
Reviewing the book, I realized that I could not spell VOLUPTUOUS!! I can now.
It is well worth the read, with good character development and an evocative depiction of Rhodesia of the time. She seems to avoid many of the pitfalls of first books.
My review is here
I would be interested to hear of any other comments about the book - although I note that only 4 people on LT have entered this so far.
This is a book that has appeared on the Orange Prize longlist as well as the New Writers Orange list. Can an author win both?? I often like the Orange list so took the plunge.
Reviewing the book, I realized that I could not spell VOLUPTUOUS!! I can now.
It is well worth the read, with good character development and an evocative depiction of Rhodesia of the time. She seems to avoid many of the pitfalls of first books.
My review is here
I would be interested to hear of any other comments about the book - although I note that only 4 people on LT have entered this so far.
68amandameale
Enjoying your reviews Karen.
69avaland
Karenwardill, it has taken me a while to get over here but I love your short comments on all these books (I know you write fab reviews, too). Interesting about the Sarah Hall, which just arrived in the mail from the Book Depository just yesterday. I know the reviews are somewhat mixed, but it's not a terribly large book so I may get to it in the near future.
I saw the Liebenberg on the OP list also and was sorely tempted but I decided to hold off until a paperback is available, especially since I would be getting it from the UK.
I saw the Liebenberg on the OP list also and was sorely tempted but I decided to hold off until a paperback is available, especially since I would be getting it from the UK.
70kiwidoc
Thanks avaland and amandameale for your kind comments. I understand from citizenkelly that the first Sarah Hall book was the preferable one in her view - Haweswater - but I have not read it.
71kiwidoc
34. Agent Zigzag by Ben Macintyre
This is a really interesting true life spy story about Chapman, a double agent in WW2 who starts his life as a criminal. He becomes a fearless and brave spy in WW2 and has quite an amazing few years around Europe during this time.
The book is well written and engrossing - so it doesn't take long.
A recommended real life spy thriller.
This is a really interesting true life spy story about Chapman, a double agent in WW2 who starts his life as a criminal. He becomes a fearless and brave spy in WW2 and has quite an amazing few years around Europe during this time.
The book is well written and engrossing - so it doesn't take long.
A recommended real life spy thriller.
72kiwidoc
35. The Weather Makers by Tim Flannery
Will I ever be able to take my groceries home in a plastic bag again? I think not!
This is a very interesting book that takes a good in depth view into the history and science of global warming. Really well done, most superior to the Guns, Germs and Steel book that I read last year that I found very dry.
Makes me want to rush out and buy a hybrid car - or just get on a bike. It is a very good analysis of human interference with the carbon cycle and all the consequential fall-out.
Will I ever be able to take my groceries home in a plastic bag again? I think not!
This is a very interesting book that takes a good in depth view into the history and science of global warming. Really well done, most superior to the Guns, Germs and Steel book that I read last year that I found very dry.
Makes me want to rush out and buy a hybrid car - or just get on a bike. It is a very good analysis of human interference with the carbon cycle and all the consequential fall-out.
73kiwidoc
36. The Palace of the Snow Queen by Barbara Sjoholm
This is a non-fiction book written by a Seattle resident, formerly called Barbara Wilson. It explores her travels in Lapland over several years. There are visits to the IceHotel, a dogsledding trip, a visit to the home of Santa Claus in Finland, to the Norwegian Fjords, reindeer herding and ice-sculpture contests.
Most importantly she devotes a large portion of the book to the Sami. She discusses the plight of this only indigenous population of Europe, their history and political fights with the Scandinavian countries and so on.
Overall it was an interesting read. For me, however, the startling lack of humour in the book made it a bit of a slog after the first hundred pages. Her writing is good, her descriptions of cold and ice vivid, but the characters she encountered remain one dimensional for me, and that is usually the essential part of a travel book - illuminating and bringing alive the culture. That is where I missed being engaged as a reader.
I also found the organization of the book a bit choppy, darting back and forwards on topics rather disjointedly.
I never really felt that I came to know the writer in any depth. There was never anything reflective or self-deprecating or intriguing wrt to her or the people she met. I did discover that she had a failed relationship at the beginning of the book, she lived in Seattle, she had re-modelled her kitchen, she had two cats and she was lesbian. But maybe too much about herself would have been distracting and this was done with that in mind.
If this is a part of the world you are intrigued with, as I am, it is perhaps a worthwhile read. Recommended to a select audience wanting an outsider's view of Lapland in the winter.
This is a non-fiction book written by a Seattle resident, formerly called Barbara Wilson. It explores her travels in Lapland over several years. There are visits to the IceHotel, a dogsledding trip, a visit to the home of Santa Claus in Finland, to the Norwegian Fjords, reindeer herding and ice-sculpture contests.
Most importantly she devotes a large portion of the book to the Sami. She discusses the plight of this only indigenous population of Europe, their history and political fights with the Scandinavian countries and so on.
Overall it was an interesting read. For me, however, the startling lack of humour in the book made it a bit of a slog after the first hundred pages. Her writing is good, her descriptions of cold and ice vivid, but the characters she encountered remain one dimensional for me, and that is usually the essential part of a travel book - illuminating and bringing alive the culture. That is where I missed being engaged as a reader.
I also found the organization of the book a bit choppy, darting back and forwards on topics rather disjointedly.
I never really felt that I came to know the writer in any depth. There was never anything reflective or self-deprecating or intriguing wrt to her or the people she met. I did discover that she had a failed relationship at the beginning of the book, she lived in Seattle, she had re-modelled her kitchen, she had two cats and she was lesbian. But maybe too much about herself would have been distracting and this was done with that in mind.
If this is a part of the world you are intrigued with, as I am, it is perhaps a worthwhile read. Recommended to a select audience wanting an outsider's view of Lapland in the winter.
