Caroline's 2021 Reading Hammock (part 4) Winter Hibernation

Thomas Hardy's Cottage, Dorset

I'd certainly enjoy hunkering down in Hardy's cottage for sure. I'm definitely planning to read one of his novels over the winter. Probably Far from the Madding Crowd.

Other reading plans:

I love the idea of challenges, but am such a mood reader, I rarely complete them. However, Winter reading plans:

- will start The Nakano Thrift Shop this week, a shared read with Stasia and Paul, from the Classics by writers of colour list:

https://www.theguardian.com/books/2021/oct/03/akala-bernardine-evaristo-ben-okri...

- I have Albert Murray's quartet of novels from the American Author Challenge (AAC) and plan to read those

- Mark (msf59) and a few others are planning to read Swann's Way, so I pulled it from the shelf.

- The new biography of Sylvia Plath is due out here in paperback in February, Red Comet (Heather Clay), so I plan to read her complete poems, and reread The Bell Jar by then.

Let's see how far I get with all that in the next four months.

Read in 2021



Fiction

A Saint in Swindon (Alice Jolly) (01/01/21) ****
Summerwater (Sarah Moss) (03/01/2021) ****
The Sleeping Beauty (Elizabeth Taylor) (07/01/21) ***1/2
Nightwoods (Charles Frazier) (13/01/21) ****
The Story of the Night (Colm Tóibín) (23/01/21) ***1/2
Restoration (Olaf Olafsson) (28/01/21) ****
Moon Tiger Penelope Lively (31/01/21) (reread) ***1/2
Love and Other Thought Experiments (Sophie Ward) (08/02/21) ****
The Road to Lichfield (Penelope Lively (15/02/21) **** (Reread)
The Green Road (Anne Enright) (25/02/21) ****
Nick (Michael Farris Smith) (06/03/21) ****
Bride of Pendorric (Victoria Holt) (15/03/21) ***
The Uncommon Reader (Alan Bennett) (17/03/21) (reread) ***
You Will Be Safe Here (Damian Barr) (27/03/21) ****
Gratitude (Delphine de Vigan) (18/04/21) ***1/2
The Signature of All Things (Elizabeth Gilbert) (03/05/2021) ****1/2
The Porpoise (Mark Haddon) (12/05/21) ***1/2
The Lamplighters (Emma Stonex) (16/05/21) ***1/2
The Vanishing Half (Brit Bennett) (28/05/21) *****
The Guest Book (Sarah Blake) (05/06/21) *****
The Liar's Dictionary (Eley Williams) (10/06/21) ***1/2
The Last Bookshop in London (Madeline Martin) (27/06/21) ***1/2
The Copenhagen Trilogy: Childhood; Youth; Dependency (Tove Ditlevsen) (09/07/21) ****
Crampton Hodnet (Barbara Pym) (15/07/21) ***
Light Perpetual (Francis Spufford) (21/07/21) ****
How Much of these Hills is Gold (C Pam Zhang) (27/07/21) ****
Three Rooms (Jo Hamya) (29/07/21) ****
Migrations (Charlotte McConaghy) (02/08/21) ****1/2
Transcendent Kingdom (Yaa Gyasi) (08/08/21) ****
Klara and the Sun (Kazuo Ishiguro) (13/08/21) ****1/2
Winter Flowers (Angélique Villeneuve (29/08/21) *****
All the Light We Cannot See (Anthony Doerr) (08/09/21) ****1/2
The Ghost Clause (Howard Norman) (13/09/21) ***
A Town Called Solace (Mary Lawson) (16/09/21) ****
The Inseparables (Simone de Beauvoir, trans Lauren Elkin) (20/09/21) ****
Beautiful World Where Are You (Sally Rooney) (22/09/21) ****1/2
The Magician (Colm Tóibín) (05/10/21) ****1/2
Bewilderment (Richard Powers) (11/10/21) *****
The Performance (Claire Thomas) (15/10/21) ***1/2
The Man Who Died Twice (Richard Osman) (18/10/21) ***1/2
The Keeper of Lost Things (Ruth Hogan) (23/10/21) ***
Matrix (Lauren Groff) (02/11/21) ****
The Maiden Dinosaur (Janet McNeill) (06/11/21) ****1/2
The Nakano Thrift Shop (Hiromi Kawakami) (13/11/21) **1/2
The Fell (Sara Moss) (14/11/21) ****
The Crime Writer (Jill Dawson) (25/11/21) ***1/2
An Island (Karen Jennings) (02/12/21) ****
Still Life (Sarah Winman) (09/12/21) ****1/2
Address Book (Neil Bartlett) (17/12/21) (Short stories) ****
Intimacies (Katie Kitamura) (19/12/21) ****1/2
Howards End (E M Forster) (reread) (29/12/21) *****
The Great Gatsby (F Scott Fitzgerald) (41st reread) (31/12/2021) *****

Non-Fiction

You Can Heal Your Life (Louise Hay) (17/01/21) ****
Begin Again: James Baldwin's America and his urgent lessons for today (Eddie S Glaude jnr) (05/02/21) *****
Quite (Claudia Winkelman) (11/02/21) ***1/2
handiwork (Sara Baume) (17/02/21) ****
Frostquake: The frozen winter of 1962 and how Britain emerged a different country (Juliet Nicholson) (23/02/21) ****
On Seamus Heaney (R F Foster) (11/03/21) ****1/2
Silence: Harnessing the restorative power of silence in a noisy world (Joanna Nylund) (16/03/2021) ****
Intimations: Six Essays (Zadie Smith) (04/04/21) ****
Two-Way Mirror: The Life of Elizabeth Barrett Browning (Fiona Sampson) (07/04/21) ****
The Hare With Amber Eyes (Edmund de Wasl) (08/05/21) ****1/2
Letters to Camondo (Edmund de Waal) (10/95/21) ***1/2
How to Live. What to do: In Search of Ourselves in Life and Literature (Josh Cohen) (14/05/21) ****1/2
Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear (Elizabeth Gilbert) (21/05/21) ****1/2
A Well-Read Woman (Kate Stewart) (30/05/21) ****1/2
The Wild Silence (Raynor Winn) (01/06/21) ****
Fully Human (Steve Biddulph) (13/06/21) ***1/2
The Adventures of Miss Barbara Pym (Paula Byrne) (20/06/21) ****1/2
Notes on Grief (Chimamanda Ngosi Adichie) (20/06/21) ****1/2
Being Heumann (Judy Heumann) (24/06/21) ****1/2
Vincent's Books (Mariella Guzzoni) (26/06/21) ****1/2
Things I have Withheld (Kei Miller) (25/07/21) (essays) ****1/2
Tom Stoppard: A Life (Hermione Lee) (23/08/21) ****1/2
A Year of Living Simply (Kate Humble) (28/08/21) ****
Four Thousand Weeks: Time and How to Use It (Oliver Burkman) (31/08/21) *****
The Tick of Two Clocks (Joan Bakewell) (10/09/21) ***1/2
No. 91/92: notes on a Parisian Commute (Lauren Elkin) ****1/2
The Wine Lover's Daughter (Anne Fadiman) (04/11/21) ****
The Writer's Library (eds Nancy Pearl and Jeff Schwager) (09/11/21) *****
Manifesto: On Never Giving Up (Bernardine Evaristo) (18/11/21) ****
These Precious Days (Ann Patchett) (30/11/21) ****1/2
Together: 10 Choices for a Better Now (Ece Temelkuran) (14/12/21) ****1/2

Poetry

The Seven Ages (Louise Glück) (13/02/21) ****1/2
The Wild Iris (Louise Glück) (16/02/21) ****
Helium (Rudy Francisco) (22/02/21) ****
How to Love The World (Various, ed James Crews) (04/04/21) ****
Healing the Divide: Poems of Kindness and Connection (ed James Crews) (17/04/21) ****
Dialogues with Rising Tides (Kelli Russell Agodon) (15/11/21) ****
A Light Song of Light (Kei Miller) (18/11/21) ***

Total read: 91

Female: 60
Male: 26
Non-binary:
Various: 2
Fiction: 51
Non-Fiction: 30
Poetry: 7

Reread: 5

UK: 39
US: 26
Iceland/US: 1
Ireland/NI: 4
Finland: 1
France: 3
Tasmania: 1
Nigerian-American: 1
Italy: 1
Danish: 3
Jamaican/British: 1
Asian/American: 2
Australia: 2
Gambian-American: 1
Japanese/British: 1
French/American: 1
Japan: 1
South Africa: 1
Turkey: 1

By Gwen John.

Welcome.

Love the Hardy thread topper, Caroline. So quintessentially English, that cottage.

Happy new one, Caroline.

>1 Caroline_McElwee: That does look like a gorgeous place to read and disconnect.

Happy new thread! That is one beautiful place.

Happy new thread, Caroline.

>1 Caroline_McElwee: A lovely cottage with a beautiful garden, would be a nice place to spend some time.

>4 AlisonY: >5 PaulCranswick: >6 Oberon: >7 drneutron: > 8 Thanks Alison, Paul, Erik, Jim and Anita.

I definitely feel ready for hibernation, though by the end of January I want Spring to have arrived!

Happy new thread.

I'm not a Hardy fan. I think I was put off slogging through Under the greenwood tree at school. bleurgh. I have since tried another and while I can see the skill, he's not my cup of chai.

>10 Helenliz: Yes, he seems to be a love or hate writer. I've not read him extensively, though have read both Return of the Native and The Mayor of Casterbridge more than once, and seen dramatisations of some of his other novels Helen.

Happy new thread Caroline! Loving the posted pictures!

Happy new thread, Caroline. I love your toppers, especially >3 Caroline_McElwee:.

Congrats on reaching and passing 75.

>12 mdoris: Thanks Mary.

>13 BLBera: Thanks Beth. I love the delicacy of Gwen John's work.

Love the photos up top. It has come to my attention that I totally lost track of your threads very early in the year. I have a lot of catching up to do. But I vow to KEEP up, from here on. I'm interested to see up there in your lists that you read Bride of Pendorric back in March. I remember that being a very immersive read back in my teens. I wonder if I'd still love Victoria Holt now. I think I will have to revisit her.

77. The Writer's Library (eds Nancy Pearl/Jeff Schwager) 09/11/21) *****



Snaffled this up in two days. I was amazed to find I had only read 7 of the 23 American authors interviewed.





At the end of each interview is a list of about a dozen favourite books or writers, of these I had read many, and owned many more.

Most mentioned authors: Ray Bradbury/James Baldwin and Toni Morrison. Faulkner not far behind.

Most mentioned books: Watership Down (Richard Adams) and The Great Gatsby (F Scott Fitzgerald).

Thanks to Mary (mdoris) whose review lead me here.

>16 Caroline_McElwee: Clearly, I need to have that one on my shelf.

>17 laytonwoman3rd: You do Linda.

Happy new thread, Caroline.

I just a few minutes ago finished listening to an author talk with Susan Orlean. It was delightful. >16 Caroline_McElwee: looks like a BB for me, too!

>16 Caroline_McElwee: I have that one slated to read in February. I am really looking forward to it.

Happy new thread, Caroline!

>19 jessibud2: Interview sounds good Shelley. Well no reader can resist a book about reading.

>20 alcottacre: You will enjoy Stasia.

>1 Caroline_McElwee: That's a lovely topper. I enjoyed Far from the Madding Crowd. The film starring Carey Mulligan is pretty good, too.

>17 laytonwoman3rd: ooh, that might be a nice Christmas gift for my writer-daughter. Off to investigate.

Happy new thread! Hardy's cottage is beautiful.

I couldn't resist the hardback of Red comet and read it early this year. It is superb. Definitely a good idea to reread the poetry and The bell jar beforehand.

>16 Caroline_McElwee: Sounds like an interesting book. I think I saw it on a forthcoming book list. Since I'm not participating as a writer in NaNoWriMo, I decided instead to honor the month by reading a book on writing. I picked one by Francine Prose that's been on my list for a good while but is available at my public library. It's basically one that teaches you how to read a book like a writer. She offers several tips. She demonstrates writing by showing techniques other authors used. Last night's reading included a 181-word sentence that one author managed to use.

>22 lauralkeet: I liked both films Laura.

The book would make a good gift.

>23 Sakerfalcon: My wrist was just not up to the hardback Claire.

The paperback was due late summer, but was postponed. At least I have the chance to reread her work. I read diaries years ago, and an earlier biography. I'm not a 'blame Ted' gal (though not saying he had no responsibility either), she had mental health problems from childhood is my recollection. I'm looking forward to reading this.

>24 thornton37814: I have that book Lori, it's been unread too long.

>26 Sakerfalcon: I found the author to be very balanced in her treatment of Sylvia and Ted, resisting the temptation to cast them as angel and devil, as so often seems to be the case.

>26 Sakerfalcon: That's good to hear Claire.

I think some of Plath's previous biographers had to deal with Ted Hughes (who owned the rights to her literary estate etc), his sister or others with an interest. It might be easier to get more balance now than it was.

Shared read with Stasia and Paul


The Nakano Thrift Shop (Hiromi Kawakami)

I've not really done a shared read on LT before, I should probably have started this earlier. I'm just over half way now. But with this novel I don't think it really matters as in many respects it is a set of stories about a set of characters, rather than being especially plot driven.

Mr Nakano owns a thrift shop. A secondhand shop, not an antiques emporium. He is very particular about this.

Hitomi, the narrator, works in Mr Nakano's Thrift Shop, along with Takeo, who helps the owner with the pickups, collections from those wishing to disperse with items, generally after the death of a family member.

Mr Nakano is in his 50s, Hitomi and Takeo in their late 20s/30s. The other main character is Masayo, Mr Nakano's sister.

Most of the chapters dance round an object from the shop, though occasionally other things, as when Mr Nakano goes to another city and spends a lot of time on a bus. Or about a dog they know about.

As with some other Japanese novels I've read, the narration is very flat. Has quite a monotonous quality to it. Very matter of fact. And yet often the characters are speaking inexplicitly as well. They are not so much hiding things as talking through holes perhaps. They seem to want the people they are talking to, to know what they mean, which isn't always the case.

I perceive these characters as a group of people with interconnections, rather than relationships, although Hitomi and Takeo are trying to make an awkward fist of something more.

I look forward to your thoughts Stasia and Paul.

The Writer's Library sounds interesting. I'll have to look for it.

>29 Caroline_McElwee: I am finding this book to be - odd, I guess is the word I want. It is very segmented with no clear narrative line. The jury is still out with me as to whether I like it or not. I am a little over halfway through with the book.

>29 Caroline_McElwee: & >31 alcottacre: Then the three of us are pretty much on the same page (figuratively and literally). I am also about half way and slightly bemused. I often find Japanese authors a bit obtuse and whilst I agree this is fairly direct in a language sense, its subject matter is in fact obtuse when you consider the normal content of the novel form.

Not an unpleasant reading experience but a quirky one.

>40 Caroline_McElwee: I have no doubt you will enjoy Beth.

>41 alcottacre: >42 Caroline_McElwee: Yup, we are all on the same page. If it hadn't been a shared read I may have pearl ruled it. But I will finish it, probably tomorrow as I am out tonight. I have another of her books I note, but suspect both will make an exit.

Happy Friday, Caroline. Happy New Thread! I love the Hardy cottage topper. I have never read him either.

I read her Strange Weather in Tokyo and wasn't exactly rushing to pick up another one. Wonderfully striking covers though.

Hardy's cottage makes me wonder why he was so grumpy in his books: it looks so lovely. (Although maybe not before uninterrupted heating options? IDK)

>29 Caroline_McElwee: I'm sorry you are not enjoying Nakano Thrift Shop. I enjoyed the quirky humor and, rather than obtuse, I felt that the language mirrored the contextual and abbreviated way that close acquaintances talk to one another. Ah well, fortunately there are lots of books in the world! I hope your next read is more to your liking.

>34 msf59: Well, he's not the happiest chappie, see Charlotte's note >35 charl08:, though the two I have read (>11 Caroline_McElwee:) are not the darkest Mark.

>35 charl08: It looks like this writer splits readers Charlotte. I've certainly seen some good reviews (see Lisa below), and I think maybe JoeW.

>36 labfs39: It's funny when something just doesn't do it for you Lisa. I'm not big on comedic books, though there have been a few that have hit my funny-bone (anything by Spike Milligan).

A book that doesn't hit the spot doesn't put me off trying new things of course. Though maybe I should wish it would, so I'm not drowning in books.

>37 Caroline_McElwee: I loved Milligan's war memoirs, Caroline, and I would laugh out loud so often that it became as common as turning a page. I didn't however find his celebrated novel Puckoon nearly as funny.

Have a lovely weekend.

BTW I didn't read any of Nakano last night but will finish it for sure over the weekend.

>38 PaulCranswick: Yes, it was the war memoirs. I remember I was laughing out loud so much at Hitler, my Part in his Downfall that I set my dad and uncle off just laughing at me laughing, until they were crying with laughter.

78. The Nakano Thrift Shop (Hiromi Kawakami) (13/11/21) **1/2



Shared read with Stasia and Paul

Not much more to add to >29 Caroline_McElwee: above. This novel just didn't do it for me. Not enough warmth I think.

There was an inordinate amount of food/eating, without much description of it or pleasure in it really, beyond a character putting on or losing weight.

So for me meh, though I know others loved it. It happens.

>78 Caroline_McElwee: I rated it slightly lower than you, Caroline, at 2 stars. I got very frustrated with the whole thing and the "I love him/I hate him" really grated on me by the end of the book. I do not mind quiet books, but this one seemed to have no point whatsoever.

>41 alcottacre: I agreed with one LT reviewer's word. Bland.

It is splitting readers though. There are 2/2.5 stars v 4* and one 5*!

79. The Fell (Sara Moss) (14/11/21) ****



Another fine novel from Sara Moss. Set in the time of the pandemic, rather than specifically being about the pandemic, though of course it can't help but be both.

Kate is a single mother who is self-isolating as she came into touch with someone who had covid. Someone who is used to being out doors and walking in the landscape, she finally cracks, and leaving her teenage son at home 'escapes' to walk on the fells.

As ever, Moss is so good with weather, literal and metaphorical.

Almost read in one sitting (gave up at 3am, and finished this morning).

>43 Caroline_McElwee: I have yet to read any of Sarah Moss, but I don't think I'll start with that one. Somehow I can't be entertained by anything covid-related at this point in time.

>44 laytonwoman3rd: Totally understandable Linda.

I don't expect I will want to read a lot of the literature that is likely to appear in the coming years, I will be very selective, but I have liked her past two novels. I think I have two earlier ones, and a non-fiction.

>42 Caroline_McElwee: Paul pointed out that since the 3 of us share similar tastes it was somewhat inevitable that we would either all like it or all loathe it.

So, shall the 3 of us try another shared read? If so, what would we like it to be? I would not mind reading through all of the books on that list together.

>43 Caroline_McElwee: Adding that one to the BlackHole. Thanks for the review and recommendation, Caroline. I have never read anything by Sarah Moss that I can recall.

Happy Sunday!

>46 alcottacre: Hi Stasia

Well I was planning to read one a month, and have just ordered
Redemption Ground: Essays and Adventures (Lorna Goodison) chosen by Margaret Busby. I think I noted somewhere else that you too enjoyed essays?

I'll read this next month.

Does this appeal Paul? Maybe we take it in turns to choose.

>47 Caroline_McElwee: Generally speaking, I love reading books of essays. I will have to order the book as my local library does not have it, so it will be a December book for me for sure.

>47 Caroline_McElwee: & >48 alcottacre: I'm up for it. I will order the book from Book Depo today so I should get it for December.

>47 Caroline_McElwee: Sounds intriguing, looking forward to hearing what you (all?) make of the essays.

>47 Caroline_McElwee: >49 PaulCranswick: I could not find a copy here in the States, so I have had to order from Book Depo as well. I think it will probably take the longest for me to get it. I will keep you posted as to when I have it in hand.

I've loved everything by Moss that I've read. The Fell won't be published here until next year.

>43 Caroline_McElwee: Having taken a book bullet from you for her previous book, which was satisfyingly good, I'm putting this on on the list as well.

>48 alcottacre: >49 PaulCranswick: Great. Any anyone else is welcome to join too.

>51 alcottacre: No problem Stasia, we'll wait until we hear you have it.

>52 BLBera: It will be worth the wait Beth.

>53 Helenliz: Yay Helen. I do like sharing book bullets.

80. Dialogues with Rising Tides (Kelli Russell Agodon) (15/11/21) ****



This volume speaks to things deep and dark within humans, maybe especially women. In the end I couldn't choose a poem in isolation to represent the volume.

Agodon's pulse is deep, but flutters to the surface for air before returning to the depths.

Thanks Mark (msf59) for the heads up on this new to me poet.

>55 Caroline_McElwee: What a great cover.

>52 BLBera: Ditto Beth's comments about Sarah Moss. I'll definitely read The Fell when it's available here.

>55 Caroline_McElwee: Lovely thoughts on this collection. I am glad you enjoyed it, Caroline.

I should be able to read a healthy chunk of the Proust this week, as I get back into my usual routine.

>56 AlisonY: I agree Alison. It made me think of Stevie Smith's poem 'Not Waving but Drowning'.

>57 lauralkeet: It is probably her most straight forward narrative Laura, but certainly has all the qualities we have come to expect in her writing.

>58 msf59: I will certainly return to this volume Mark. Thank you for warbling about it.

Two films this weekend, both based on novels:

Friday evening:



Mothering Sunday based on Graham Swift's novel. Which I thought was very good. Slow, observed. Allowing you to watch the characters think.

Two families have had their children decimated in the first world war. One son remains, who is expected to marry the girlfriend of one of his lost brothers. He is however in love with his neighbours maid.

Plenty of cinematic metaphor.

Wonderful performances.

The reviewers are conflicted about it, almost seem not to want to like it. Some reviews said there was lots of sex. There was a fair bit of nakedness and a little sex. Can't even get things that don't involve an opinion right! The friend I went with texted the next day 'I think some of the reviewers were watching a different film'.

Then today Dune, based on Frank Herbert's book:



Visually wonderful. I still haven't read the book. I will. I hadn't realised there is to be at least another movie, if not more. Nearly three hours long, but I didn't notice.

Definitely needs to be seen at the cinema.

>60 Caroline_McElwee: I have slated Mothering Sunday to read next March. Maybe I will watch the film after.

I have no interest at all in the Dune movie since I did not like the first book in the series and never went any further.

Have a marvelous Monday, Caroline!

>61 alcottacre: I enjoyed the book of Mothering Sunday too Stasia.

>48 alcottacre: >49 PaulCranswick: Both: As we are going to work through 20 books, I'll set up a dedicated thread for the list, at the beginning of next month, and post the link to it here.

I'll consolidate our thoughts on The Nakano Thrift Shop and put them there too.

>60 Caroline_McElwee: We saw Dune today as well. Really enjoyed it.

I'm glad that you liked The Fell, Caroline. My copy of it was dispatched from The Book Depository on the 10th, so I should receive it this week. If so I'll read it next week, as I'm off from work all of Thanksgiving Week.

>62 Caroline_McElwee: Sounds good, Caroline. Thank you!

>63 SandDune: I love when something comes up to expectations Rhian.

>64 kidzdoc: I'm sure it will be a hit if you liked her earlier work Darryl.

>65 alcottacre: Pleasure Stasia.

81. Manifesto: On Never Giving Up (Bernardine Evaristo) (18/11/21) ****



A concise, interesting gallop through Evaristo's life, and her 'manifesto' that evolved out of her lived experience, as a biracial woman, and a writer.

82. A Light Song of Light (Kei Miller) (18/11/21) ***



My favourite poem is still, 'The Law Concerning Mermaids' posted earlier in the year. There were fewer poems in this volume that stood out for me, than I normally hope, but I shall certainly continue to watch for his work (his essays reviewed in the last thread were stand-out).

If this short poem stretches beyond
its first line, then already, already,
it has failed, become something else,
something its author did not intend
for it to become, a misbehaving,
rambunctious, own-way thing,
its circuitous journey a secret known
only to itself, its tongue its own.
The author is destined, I am afraid,
to write poems that escape him.
This, for instance, was to be just one
line long, or even one long line,
dedicated to Mervyn Morris and his love
of brevity, but it has become something else
entirely. The poem sings its own song,
reaches its own end in its own time.

>67 Caroline_McElwee: Too bad my local library does not have the Bernardine Evaristo book. I will have to look further afield for it.

>96 Caroline_McElwee: Love the poem.

So much good reading here! I've added Dialogues with Rising Tides to my list. I read some of the Dune books years ago and would be interested in the film.

The Evaristo book sounds interesting. I loved Girl, Woman, Other.

>67 Caroline_McElwee: Looking forward to reading this one. And I'm reminded that I still have some of her edited penguin collection to read.

Happy Saturday, Caroline. We share the same thoughts on Dune. Joe also just saw it on the big screen. That is the way to go. I also like the Miller poem.

>68 alcottacre: >69 BLBera: I guess there is no guarantee your libraries would stock the majority of UK books, I'd have thought they might have had recent Booker winners though.

>69 BLBera: I hope you like Dialogues with Rising Tides Beth. I will certainly be revisiting it this year.

>70 charl08: I think I have two from that collection Charlotte, and others on the wishlist. Next years are to be six non-fiction books.

>71 msf59: There were a few really good poems in the Miller collection Mark, but not enough for me to rave about the whole volume. I do have another volume of his work, which I may pick up next year, which I think won some awards.

There are some films you must just see on the big screen. This was the first half of book 1 I'm told. The second film comes out in October 2023, feels like a way off.

>72 Caroline_McElwee: Bernardine Evaristo's memoir is pretty hot off the press, as in being published very recently even in the UK. I find it can take libraries a few weeks/months even to get the books which seem like quite obvious purchases. And Girl, Woman, Other was her breakthrough book. I heard some of it on the radio and I definitely want to read it but haven't looked in library catalogues for it yet, as I'm trying to catch up with current loans and a priority list of books I borrowed but had to return unread before getting to them.

>73 elkiedee: I enjoyed Girl, Woman, Other Luci. I think I have her Loverman on the shelf, which I will probably read early next year.

Mr Loverman was the first one of hers I read Caroline. Looking forward to your comments.

>75 charl08: me too, on both counts.

>75 charl08: >76 Helenliz: I will definitely report once I get to it Charlotte and Helen.

I'm definitely on a roll with good movies at the moment. Went to see 'King Richard' which was very good.



What an extraordinary family.

Hi, Caroline. I’m sorry Nakano Thrift Shop didn’t work better for you. I’m with Lisa (>36 labfs39:); I enjoyed the quirky humor, and the dialogue felt natural to me. Unlike Charlotte (>35 charl08:), after reading Strange Weather I couldn’t wait to read another of hers, and I’ve ended up a big Hiromi Kawakami fan.

For those who enjoyed those, Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshkazu Kawaguchi is another good Japanese novel with a similar tone.

>72 Caroline_McElwee: >73 elkiedee: My local library does not have any books by Bernardine Evaristo, either recent or older titles, which is unfortunate. I have been pleasantly surprised how many titles that it has for the Asian 2022 Challenge so that I do not have to buy them all.

Happy Sunday, Caroline!

>79 jnwelch: I will look for Before the Coffee Gets Cold, Joe. Deborah (arubabookwoman) also liked it.

>79 jnwelch: Good to see you padding about Joe. It's funny that some books just don't hit the right spot sometimes. Glad you enjoyed it though.

>80 alcottacre: Thanks Stasia. Annoying about your library. I have a vague recollection you mentioned somewhere you don't like to use interlibrary loan. I remember there were generally long delays here with that, by which time the mood to read something had passed.

>81 labfs39: I look forward to your thoughts Lisa.

This evening I went to see Ralph Fiennes performing Four Quartets.



As you would expect, a very fine rendition, it makes me want to read it again, it has probably been nearly 40 years since I did. It is the first time I've seen Fiennes live.

I've only had a quick glance, but the programme is one of the best I've had in years.

Caroline, just a heads up regarding our read of Redemption Ground - I still do not have my copy and I will be out of town all of next week (from the 29th until December 5th), so if I do not have my copy before I leave, it will be later in the month before I can start on it.

Have a terrific week!

>84 alcottacre: No problem at all Stasia. Second half of the month is fine. It is only a short volume.

>85 Caroline_McElwee: OK, that sounds good then.

83. The Crime Writer (Jill Dawson) (25/11/21) ***1/2



An interesting novel using the writer Patricia Highsmith as the narrator/character. Is this the novel she is writing, is this the story? Playing riffs on elements of Highsmith’s life and writing, Dawson explores a complicated personality.

I have read several of Dawson’s books, and they generally engage me, but somehow they have yet to totally satisfy me.

>87 Caroline_McElwee: I have read several of Dawson’s books, and they generally engage me, but somehow they have yet to totally satisfy me.

I understand what you mean by this, but I think a couple of her books have been excellent. The rest I would agree are enjoyable but not life-changing.

Yes, this one didn't move me either.

I've just snaffled two tickets to Zadie Smith's Wife of Bath in January. It's a small theatre but given everything else I was impressed how few there were left. Not entirely sure how I'm going to get there yet (or even if Covid will interrupt) but seemed worth a try.

>88 AlisonY: What were the ones that were a big hit for you Alison?

>89 charl08: I look forward to your report on the play Charlotte. The plays I have seen in the last couple of months have been pretty full.

>90 Caroline_McElwee: I really enjoyed The Great Lover and also Wild Boy. The latter I read nearly 20 years ago so I wonder if I'd enjoy it just as much if I were to pick it up now, but I thought it atmospheric and well researched.

>91 AlisonY: Thanks Alison, I've not read either of those, so will give one a try.

I think you would like The Great Lover, Caroline. It's about Rupert Brooke.

>93 AlisonY: Aha, yes, I have read that one Alison.

Just to let you know, my copy of Redemption Ground arrived today, so I will be ready to start it when I return from my travels on December 6th.

>95 alcottacre: Perfect Stasia. Slated to start reading then.

It is 30 years since the inimitable Freddie Mercury died (24 November 1991) and over the past week I have watched a couple of fine documentaries, and filled my ears with his music and that of Queen.

Still missed. Still loved.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sUJkCXE4sAA

>97 Caroline_McElwee: - Thanks for that, Caroline.

>49 PaulCranswick: >51 alcottacre: Hi Paul/Stasia, I've set up a thread going forward for this challenge.

https://www.librarything.com/topic/337035

Anyone else wanting to participate is more than welcome, as a challenge, or just pitching in if a volume tempts you.

>99 Caroline_McElwee: I haven't come across most of those on the list. However Search Sweet Country is on the shelves to read, so hopefully this list will give me a nudge, Caroline.

Hi Caroline! I’ve never visited your thread before – at least I don’t think I have – but Shelley mentioned that you posted a link to Love of My Life and I decided to finally come visit.

>2 Caroline_McElwee: I read You Can Heal Your Life in 1984, along with quite a few other self-help books and think this is one of the best – it’s actually the only one still on my shelves.

>11 Caroline_McElwee: Hardy is a fav or mine although I haven't read him in a while. I have A Pair of Blue Eyes and Jude the Obscure waiting for the right time.

>60 Caroline_McElwee: Mothering Sunday got 4 stars from me in March of 2020 although I can’t remember a single thing about it.

>97 Caroline_McElwee: Queen all the way. I’ve been listening to songs and watching YouTube videos for the last week or so. 30 years. As you say, still missed, still loved. One of my favorites is this song, live. They changed it up on the album, unfortunately. You Take My Breath Away

>100 charl08: I don't think I knew many at all on the list, or some of the choosers either Charlotte.

>101 karenmarie: Lovely to have you peep around the door Karen.

I'd forgotten that Queen song, thank you. Because they wrote their own music they really wrote for Freddie's voice, which could jump three octaves, hence not everyone can cover their music.

Funny, I didn't remember much about Mothering Sunday either Karen. They focused more on the relationship and the loss in the film I think, from reviews.

Went to see 'House of Gucci' this afternoon, which was good. Gaga is certainly multi-talented. She gave a fine performance, which is saying something when you are working with Pacino, Irons etc, and are the lead, and almost only woman in the piece. I own, I find Adam Driver good on the eyes too. Especially good in 'Paterson' and 'Marriage Story'.

84. These Precious Days (Ann Patchett) (30/11/21) ****1/2



Another fine volume of essays from Patchett. You get a strong sense of who she is as a person, they are deeply personal pieces.

85. An Island (Karen Jennings) (02/12/21) ****



Samuel is in his seventies and tends the lighthouse on a solitary island. He is used to dead bodies washing up on the beach, and then one day a body shows signs of life. How does he cope with his solitude being broken?

Not a word wasted. Quiet yet atmospheric. One of those short novels that feels like a far bigger tome.

>104 Caroline_McElwee: Hi Caroline - both of these are on my TBR! An Island was the one Booker longlisted title about which I heard the least. I'm glad to read that you enjoyed it.

Went to the cinema to see 'Christmas with André' the André Rieu concert, I think filmed the Christmas before the pandemic. It was joyous.



Rieu is famous for great extravaganzas, and it is wonderful to see the happy, engaged audiences too. Many of his orchestra and choir have been with him for 35 years.

Short trailer here. I think it was recorded in 2019. I saw it at the local cinema.

https://cornexchangenew.com/event/andre-rieu-christmas-with-andre

>105 vivians: I hope you enjoy them too Vivian. I hadn't heard of Jennings before the longlisting either.

>104 Caroline_McElwee: I definitely need to get the Patchett book. I am a huge fan of hers.

I was just dropping by to say that I am back in town and ready to begin Redemption Ground whenever you are Paul are.

>104 Caroline_McElwee: You're making me want to pick both of these up right away. I am pooling forward to three weeks of having no work related interruptions to my reading!

>108 alcottacre: Yes, will wait until your book comes into land Paul >49 PaulCranswick:.

Reminder the thread is here >99 Caroline_McElwee:

Three weeks off Charlotte, lovely. I have almost 2 weeks. I'll be at my bro's for just over two days, then hibernating at home for the rest.

>106 Caroline_McElwee: Always fun to watch, Caroline.
He is hit hard by Covid, and does everything in his power to keep his orchestra together. Latest I heard was that he now considers selling his Stradivarius to get needed funds.

Hi, Caroline. I hope you had a good weekend. Glad to hear you liked House of Gucci. I am an Adam Driver fan too. He killed it in Marriage Story. These Precious Days sounds wonderful. I loved her last collection too. I think I will slate this for an audio listen.

>111 FAMeulstee: I'm very sorry to hear it Anita. I hope he can keep the Stradivarius. If I remember rightly he had two.

>112 msf59: i agree re 'Marriage Story'. I highly recommend 'Paterson' if you haven't seen it though Mark. He plays a poet!

You got me with both the Jennings novel and the Patchett essays, Caroline. My reading list for my break is getting long!

>114 BLBera: Always happy to add to the reading lists of my friends Beth :-)

>113 Caroline_McElwee: Another fan of Marriage Story here, and seconding Caro's rec for Paterson.

86. Still Life (Sarah Winman) (09/12/21) ****1/2



Following a group of characters from WWII to the 1970s as they live their lives which cross and recross as they find and loose and find each other. Shaped, formed and embraced by/in Firenze (Florence). Wonderful, colourful characters, and a deep sense of place.

Definitely makes me want to revisit the city.

Went to see Spielberg's version of 'West Side Story'. I enjoyed it, but having grown up with the original, it isn't going to replace that for me. Personally I think it stayed too close to the original. I want to see a riff on a theme. Something in addition. It's ages since I saw the original, so maybe I am misremembering how similar it is. Will have to view it again soon.



It seems to be getting high praise.

I went to a 4.45pm viewing and was one of only 4 in a large screen. The others sat at the back, so I was happily able to sing/hum along without disturbing anyone.

It was good to see Rita Moreno cast as the older female character.

>117 Caroline_McElwee: I have really got to get that one read!

>118 Caroline_McElwee: The only thing that chuffs me about that movie is that they cast Rita Moreno in it. She celebrates her 90th birthday tomorrow and it is wonderful to see she is still going.

Have a wonderful weekend, Caroline!

>119 alcottacre: I will certainly be buying it for a few friends when it comes out in paperback next year Stasia.

I was glad to see Rita too.

>117 Caroline_McElwee: Well you got me at Florence. Sounds like one to watch out for.

>121 AlisonY: Yay Alison. It's out in paperback in March.

>118 Caroline_McElwee: Yes, it is great to see that a role was created for Rita Moreno. I watched a Netflix documentary regarding her life. She truly is a fascinating woman!

>118 Caroline_McElwee: I would like to see this one as well, Caroline.

Winman does such a great job at creating characters we care about. I just reread When God Was a Rabbit, and I see similarities in the two books, not with the plot, but with her attention to characters and also her use of current events in the stories.

>123 Whisper1: Hi Linda. Will see if we get that docu on Netflix. She is amazing for her age.

>124 BLBera: It is the first of her books I've read Beth. I may read another next year.

87. Together: 10 Choices for a Better Now (Ece Temelkuran) (14/12/21) ****1/2



This was a book recommendation by Sarah Winman in a recent article.

Certainly not your standard 'self-help' guide, but a thoughtful exploration of the current state of affairs, and potential tools with which to improve our lives as human beings. The ten 'choices' aren't as straightforward as they appear (she is not talking religious faith, although not dissing it for those who practice):



and what I found most helpful was being reminded of a different perspective. Temelkuran is a Turkish journalist and writer. Very quickly I was made aware of how different a tenuous, fragile life can be. It is easy to forget.

I plan to begin rereading this straight away, more slowly. There was much that I likely missed, it's not a hard read, but it covers a lot of ground in a relatively short volume, and for me will require other reading in some areas to fulfil my curiosity. Isn't that one of the treasures of being a reader?

Went to see the live broadcast of Tosca last night. Wonderful.



Tosca played by the Russian soprano Elena Stikhina, Freddie De Tommaso stepped in to play Cavaradossi. As I am not familiar with the current opera artists, there was no disappointment, as they were all outstanding. It maybe twitched my interest in seeing some more live broadcasts in the new year.

I was glad not to be drinking anything when the so called specialist at the pre-show interview kept calling Puccini Porcini! Ooops, broadcast worldwide, she won't live that down in a hurry.

There were about 30 attendees, mostly women, well socially distanced.

The only live opera production I have seen was La Boheme at the Royal Opera House, the day before my 50th birthday.

>127 Caroline_McElwee: I love opera (in a very mass market / can't pretend to be overly knowledgeable sort of way). I really want to see a decent production once (if) COVID goes away. Opera is my go-to relax music at home - I find it incredibly moving (well, certain pieces anyway).

>128 AlisonY: That's my kind of way too Alison. Tosca was my mother's favourite opera. I'm familiar with the great arias, but not necessarily too many of the complete pieces. I'm dipping my toe back. I've been listening to it today.

>126 Caroline_McElwee: I am interested in reading that one. I will have to see if I can get my hands on a copy.

>127 Caroline_McElwee: I was lucky enough to be able to see a few live operas and plays back when I originally went to college in 1979. I fell in love with live theatre then, but rarely get to see it even when not under COVID conditions.

>130 alcottacre: Pre-Pandemic I tried to get to the theatre 7-8 times a year Stasia, and living in London meant a lot of choice, however, even then theatres were looking more to the tourist wallet than the local one, and prices had started to go up a lot. In current times they are going up even more as they are trying to make up for pandemic losses. It is catch 22, as ordinary folk might indulge initially at the outset, but won't be able to do so on their previous scale. I see myself managing 2-3 plays a year going forward.

88. Address Book (Neil Bartlett) (17/12/21) ****



A dexterous collection of Queer stories which shift tone, momentum, era, energy. Each linked to a (mostly different) address, and always different character/s.

From the postscript it appears these stories have strong links to real people, who Bartlett has held up a mirror to capture their variety, similarity, humanity.

About the author, who may be less known in the US/Canada:

https://www.neil-bartlett.com/

Some publications have described this as a novel (as they fear short stories don't sell), it is not. I love short stories, but if I want a novel, I am disappointed if I find them.

So much going on over here, Caroline - with cinema, theatre and - as always - great, great books.

The book by Ece Temelkuran caught my eye and some of his list got me thinking - faith over hope for example is an interesting distinction and one that makes sense when pondered carefully.

Have a great weekend.

>133 PaulCranswick: She posits that hope is less active Paul. With faith, secular or religious, you are more active. But the chapter is more detailed than that.

>131 Caroline_McElwee: We have probably been to the theatre 4-5 times a year in recent years. Usually London, but Cambridge as well. I had just about psyched myself up to go again post pandemic (we had been to see The Ocean at the End of the Lane and I was looking at booking some other stuff as well) and then along comes Omicron.

"Porcini" - I love it!
>126 Caroline_McElwee:, >132 Caroline_McElwee: Great comments, Caroline.
>126 Caroline_McElwee: I generally don't like these types of books, but the Temelkuran sounds interesting.

I've not been to the theatre in longer than I care to remember. I need to actually make an effort. Someone kick me occasionally.

>127 Caroline_McElwee: To see live opera is a very special experience.

The first opera I saw was Turandot at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City.

Dating Will for the first few months challenged me to put away previous hurt and move forward. Divorced five years, I still carried scars.

The first summer Will came into my life, I often played Andrea Bocelli's rendition of Nessun Dorma on my CD player.

Will searched and found that this was an aria from Puccini's opera Turandot. For my September birthday, he presented me with tickets to the opera.

When we came outside after the opera, we were greeted by an incredible full moon.

What a romantic evening! I then spent 22 years of my life with him until his passing in April of 2019.

I hope 2022 brings happiness and joy, and plenty of time to read the books you like.

I send all good wishes for a wonderful holiday!

>135 SandDune: Yes Rhian, I've put on hold booking more theatre, though I hope to do some more opera/theatre broadcasts at the local cinema in the new year.

>136 BLBera: I doubt I will shake porcini from my head now Beth.

The Temelkuran was valuable in reminding me what little bubbles we all live in, and seeing things through others eyes is vital. We do this with books of course, but I think sometimes, especially with novels, we sometimes leave them in their 'fiction' boxes more than we should perhaps.

>137 Helenliz: I'll kick you (gently) when the pandemic releases us a bit Helen.

>138 Whisper1: What a delightful memory to carry of Will's dear heart Linda.

Thank you for the festive greetings.

Hi, Caroline. Man, I’d like to see that stage adaptation of The Ocean at the End of the Lane!

Wow, you saw Ralph Fiennes do The Four Quartets. I’m envious. Makes me want to go re-read them, too.

>141 jnwelch: Me too Joe, it was Rhian that squeezed it in. Fiennes was fine though. I'm going to read the quartets between xmas and New Year.

89. Intimacies (Katie Kitamura) (19/12/21) ****1/2



An interesting layered novel about different kinds of intimacies, and about language and translation. About the spaces that occur in life and language, about the silences. Trying to find the right word when interpreting between languages. It doesn't always exist. About the intimacies that might form between the interpreter and those to whom they translate, and for whom they translate. To whom they attempt to offer understanding, for whom they attempt to give voice.

A short novel, that is somehow bigger than its pages.

Thanks Beth (BLBera), I discovered this on your thread.

Hooray for Still Life! What a joy that one was. I also liked West Side Story which we saw over the weekend. Of course, I liked the dark, grittiness of it. The Kitamura novel sounds really interesting.

>143 Caroline_McElwee: Great comments, Caroline. I like that you highlighted the "intimacies" between the speaker and the interpreter. So true.

Best wishes to you Caroline for 2022, Love following what you are reading over here!

Happy Holidays Caroline, and congratulations on reading 89 books this year! I send all good wishes for a warm and wonderful season of love!

Merry Christmas, Caroline! I hope you have the very best holiday the circumstances allow and that the new year brings with it only good things.

>146 mdoris: >147 Whisper1: >148 PawsforThought: Thank you Mary, Linda and Paws. I'm going to be with my siblings at my brother's. Heading there this afternoon.

Hi Caroline!

Enjoy the time with your siblings.

Merry Christmas, Caroline.

Hope you have a lovely family visit, Caroline.

Or in other words: Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year!

Have a lovely holiday, Caroline.

>150 karenmarie: >151 AlisonY:, >152 charl08: >153 SandDune: >154 ronincats: >155 PaulCranswick: Thank you Karen, Alison, Charlotte, Rhian, Roni and Paul. Had a very pleasant time with the sibs. I hope you too enjoyed whatever you did.

Re watched the original West Side Story (1961). I was 1 when it was made, I'm guessing I saw it first around the age of 13 and several times after. Having seen both films now, the original is still my favourite. There are very few differences.

In the Spielberg version:

I) They gave Tony the back story that he had just served a year in prison (for manslaughter I think).

II) Anibdy was a tom-boy in the original, and is a trans person, played by a trans creative in the new version.

III) In order to have Rita Moreno (amazing at 90, she played Anita in the original) it is Doc's widow for whom Tony works and the Jets hang out.

The original IMO is still cinematographically modern, so although the new versions intention was to grit it up more I don't think it does.

For me, a remake needs to be more of a reinterpretation, and while honouring the story, bring something different to the table (years ago, for example they might have done punks and mods).

It is still relevant as a piece, as we live in societies who still 'other' those who are/seem different.

The three version's of 'A Star is Born' achieve what I mean: Garland/Streisand/Gaga. All work, all different, but respectful of the material. My fave is Streisand, but will happily watch any.

Let me know when you've got your new thread on the go, Caroline.

>158 AlisonY: I will probably put something up tomorrow evening Alison.

90. Howards End (E M Forster) (reread) (29/12/21) *****



I always love a revisit to the Schlegels especially.

This is probably Forster's piece de resistance. Beautifully interwoven the coming together of the Schlegels, Wilcoxes and Basts. The primarily misunderstandings, and the ownership of a house on a bit of land.

>160 Caroline_McElwee: I've never read this (allergic to Forster) but I do love that cover.

>160 Caroline_McElwee: It has been forever since I read that one. I really need to do a re-read in the New Year!

Happy New Year, Caroline! I look forward to doing more shared reads with you (and Paul) in the new year.

>161 charl08: I love HE, and A Passage to India as well as some essays, need to track my copies of those down. I've seen the film versions of the rest of his oeuvre, as well as the two versions of HE.

I have an old hardback edition somewhere but couldn't put my hand on it Charlotte, hence had to treat myself to this.

>162 alcottacre: I think this was my fourth reread of HE Stasia, maybe every 7-8 years i get the itch.

Yes, looking forward to shared reads in 2022 from the classics by people of colour list. I'll put the link to the thread in my new 2022 thread when I make it tomorrow.

>163 Caroline_McElwee: Sounds good. I guess we need to decide if we are going to continue to wait for Paul's copy of Redemption Ground to arrive or move onto something else and come back to it?

I love the cover of your copy of Howard's End, Caroline. It is a wonderful book.

I love Howards End, especially the dramatizations -- both the film with Emma Thompson and Anthony Hopkins, and the newer TV series with Hayley Atwell and Matthew MacFadyen.

Also, my maiden name is Schlegel, and I was very surprised to see it used in the novel. Besides my grands/aunts/uncles/cousins, I've met one other Schlegel in my lifetime, who turned out to be a distant relative.

Sweet Thursday, Caroline. I enjoyed your thoughts on West Side Story. I think I liked the remake a bit more than you. I also loved Howard's End and the film is excellent too.

>166 lauralkeet: I had a similar experience when I came across Doc Smith’s Lensman series. Written in the 30s, so misogynistic and euro-centric space opera, but the hero’s last name Kinnison. I almost never come across a Kinnison in real life, so seeing it in a book was fun!

>166 lauralkeet: >168 drneutron: What fun to find your names in novel's Laura and Jim.

>167 msf59: I think another reason for a remake is to engage younger audiences who may not see the original Mark. There was an interesting documentary on the BBC called 'West Side Stories' about how it almost didn't happen at all, either on stage or screen.

Thanks for your comments about the new rendition of West Side Story. I will stick with the original. Interestingly, I watched a documentary regarding Rita Moreno. She told her life story in such a beautiful way that it brought tears. She talked about the sexual harassment she endured. Interestingly, I recently watched a HULU production regarding Harvey Weinstein. I flashed back to what she endured and couldn't help but wonder when this will end.

Yes, he was punished, but only after many, many terrible sexual exploits.

Opps, sorry I got off the topic to West Side Story. My mind went to the recent story of the life of Rita Moreno. She discussed filming the story a lot. She also talked about her cultural background and how very hard she had to work to gain what she did and to be recognized.

Sorry for the rambling

>170 Whisper1: >171 Whisper1: All rambling welcome Linda.

There is so much pain out there, in all industries. It takes guts to go public, but people get bored of hearing it and a backlash follows. We need to find a way of better educating young people to prevent the behaviours, and give the victims tools and support to deal with it, and heal it.

My 2022 thread is here:

https://www.librarything.com/topic/337997#

Where did 2021 go?

Went to see 'The King's Man'. Entertaining, and clearly a set up for a series, but suffers from not knowing whether it wants to be serious or funny. It doesn't quite get the balance right IMO, though I'd probably give the next a go.

Happy New Year, Caroline!

>175 NanaCC: And to you too Colleen.

Forget your stresses and strains
As the old year wanes;
All that now remains
Is to bring you good cheer
With wine, liquor or beer
And wish you a special new year.

Happy New Year, Caroline.