Caroline's 2024 Reading (Part 1)

By Carl Larsson

As with everyone here, I do love my books. I own far too many. Heading to my mid 60s but with 2.5 years of work to go. Can't wait to get there and claim more reading time. I also want to get back to more writing of my own, which I haven't done for a while.

Last years books read: https://www.librarything.com/topic/353378#8221464

Books Read in 2024

Fiction

House on Endless Waters (Emuna Elon (05/01/24) ****
Orbital (Samantha Harvey) (11/01/24) ****
City of Girls (Elizabeth Gilbert) (22/01/24) ****
I who have never known men (Jacqueline Harpman) (27/01/24) ****1/2
Day (Michael Cunningham) (31/01/24) ***1/2
Held (Anne Michaels) (02/02/24) *****
Novelist as Vocation (Haruki Murakami) (11/02/24) ****
When the Dead Come Calling (Helen Sedgwick) (19/02/24) ***1/2

Non-Fiction

Enchantment: Reawakening Wonder in an Exhausted Age (Katherine May) (20/01/24) ****1/2
Lifescapes: A Biographer's Search for the Soul (Ann Wroe) (08/02/2024) ****1/2
To Sir, With Love (E. R. Braithwaite) (14/02/24) (****)
Pure Wit (Francesca Peacock) (29/02/24 - leap year!) ****
Sara Shamma: Bold Spirits (Dulwich Picture Gallery) (02/03/24) *****

Poetry

Four Quartets (T S Eliot) (14/01/24) twice today *****

Rereads (already counted above (*))

*.

TOTAL: 15

Fiction: 08
Non-Fiction: 05
Poetry: 02
Female: 10
Male: 03
Non-binary/trans:
Various:

UK: 05
US: 02
Canada: 01
UK/American: 03
Israel: 01
Belgium: 01
Japan: 01
Syria: 01

84 reads this year

Fiction

The Great Fire (Shirley Hazzard) (07/02/23) ****1/2
The Colony (Audrey Magee) (09/02/23) *****
Stones from the River (Ursula Hegi) (12/05/23) ****1/2
The House of Doors (Tan Twan Eng) (15/07/23) *****
The Garden of Evening Mists (Tan Twan Eng) (31/07/23) *****
In Memoriam (Anna Winn) (28/12/23) *****

Non-Fiction

Humanly Possible: Seven Hundred Years of Humanist Freethinking, Enquiry and Hope (Sarah Bakewell) (16/04/23) *****
The Art of the Wasted Day (Patricia Hampl) (07/11/23) ****1/2
Tao Te Ching (Lao Tzu, interpreted by Ursula K. Le Guin) (19/11/23) ****1/2
The Letters of Seamus Heaney (ed Christopher Read) (30/11/23) *****
The Notebook: A History of Thinking on Paper (Roland Allen) (27/12/23) *****

Catalogue

Freddie Mercury: A World of his Own (Sotherby's) (03/09/23) *****

Poetry

Octopus Mind (Rachel Carney) (24/12/23) ****1/2

*****

A really fine year of reading.

This year back to almost 50/50 Female/Male and 50/50 Fiction/Non-Fiction.

BOOKS ACQUIRED 2024

27

08/14/05

(Last year's numbers: (16/14/15/11/09/14/11/10/08/13/21(oops)/21)



BOOKS RELEASED
1 book out for everyone in plus:

10 (4 weren't in my catalogue)

Last year 520 books went out plus 1 out for everyone in (160 in, a third of previous years, but too many). I've been abysmal at updating my catalogue though. I'm going to aim at no more than 59 in this year.

Welcome...

Happy first 2024 thread!!! : )

>6 Berly: Hi Kim, Good to see you peek around the door.

Welcome back!

Thanks Jim, and thanks for all your work keeping us up and running.

Looking forward to following along for another year of reading.

Your books released numbers are an inspiration. I need to do more of that in the coming year.

Happy New Year, and wishing you a great reading year in 2024. I know the feeling of looking forward to more reading time. I turned 60 this year, so that retirement is not that far off (thinking 3-4 years...).

I am looking forward to keeping you virtual company again Caroline and hopefully to achieve that oft stated ambition of a joint poetry spree across Old London Town at some stage in 2024.

>3 Caroline_McElwee: Some books to take close note of there.

>11 Familyhistorian: Thanks Meg. It's necessity more than desire. Hoping to top that in 2024.

>12 ctpress: I spent most of my life expecting to retire at 60 Carsten, so grumpy the rules changed. At least I mostly work from home now.

>13 PaulCranswick: Always good to see you here Paul. I hope you do get to the UK this year, not least to meet that grand-daughter in person. A poetry crawl would be a bonus though.

I think you would enjoy all on my faves list. A couple more may find their way to the list later.

Dropping my star off. Will prepare myself for the usual onslaught of book bullets. I think yours is the thread on LT that's most common to my own reading tastes, Caroline.

Helloooo! Your thread is gorgeous to scroll through as always. I'm kind of feeling behind (already!), but I hope to get a handle on things in the next few days. I'll be following along. :)

Goodness me, so much for getting fewer book-bullets in 2024. Caro's here...I'm doomed.

*smooch*

Happy New Year of reading, Caroline

>15 AlisonY: I'm always happy to issue book bullets Alison, I endlessly acquire them on my LT travels.

>16 ursula: Hard not to feel behind on the cusp of a new year Ursula. Glad to have you along.

>17 richardderus: I have a good few scars from your bullets RD, all's fair etc...

>18 Kristelh: Thanks Kristal, to you too.

*pulls up a chair and plumps the pillows*
This thread is so lovely I could stay here all day ...

Happy New Year, Caro! I look forward to your 2024 reading adventures.

>20 lauralkeet: Thanks Laura, glad you are sitting comfortably.

Dropping off my star and looking forward to wonderful book discussion in the coming year!

>22 EBT1002: Lovely to see you oh newly retired one...

Hi Caroline, wishing you a fabulous year of reading in 2024. Fun to look at your best reads for 2023 in >3 Caroline_McElwee:!

>24 mdoris: Thanks Mary. You too.

Happy New Year, Caroline. Nice best of list up there. This year will be hard to beat for sheer quality but we will try in 2024. 😁

>26 msf59: Yes, 2023 was certainly a good reading vintage Mark, all of the above will be reread in the future. The Tan Twan Eng sooner rather than later.

Happy New Year Caroline!

>28 SandDune: And to you Rhian.

First acquisitions of the year:



The 'one in/one out' policy will continue to apply this year. I have a few volumes for exit, so am ahead of the game.

Happy New Year, Caroline!

>30 Caroline_McElwee: Nice! I try for the same strategy, not easy.

>31 EllaTim: Thanks Ella, to you too.

The ‘one in/one out’ policy is admirable. Enjoy Demon Copperhead ~ it’s a good one.

Happy new thread and new year, Caroline. I've been hit by BBs already! (though some of your touchstones in >3 Caroline_McElwee: go to different books)

Happy New Year! Here’s a link to the 2024 CR POETRY thread - https://www.librarything.com/topic/355952#n8335768

>33 EBT1002: Not sure why it took me so long Ellen. We are reading it for my RL book group this year.

>34 jessibud2: Thanks for the heads up re >3 Caroline_McElwee: Shelley, put right.

>35 dianeham: Thanks Diane, you too.

And will hop over to star the thread.

Happy New Year, Caroline. I love the art at the top. I look forward to following your reading this year. I loved some of your list of favorites as well. I have my eye on the Heaney letters.

Good luck with finding new homes for books!

>37 BLBera: And to you Mary. If you are interested in creativity, the Heaney will work for you - as much via his beautiful responses to the work of friends and others.

Oh, I hope you enjoy Demon Copperhead as much as I did, Caroline. It was my first 5-star read in 2023.

Happy New Year! Happy New Thread! I am looking forward to a ton more great recommendations from you in 2024.

>39 alcottacre: Thanks Stasia. I'm hoping for another great reading year.

And Happy New Year!! I think you'll Enjoy Demon Copperhead. : )

Happy reading in 2024, Caroline!

I hope to find some gems again on your thread this year :-)

>41 Berly: Thanks Kim.

>42 FAMeulstee: Always happy to share a BB Anita.

Happy New Year Caroline! I hope it brings you great adventures in reading and all the other things you love!

>44 Sakerfalcon: Thanks Claire, to you too.

>30 Caroline_McElwee: One in/out policy sounds great in theory......I wish you best of luck with keeping it :)

>46 figsfromthistle: I succeeded last year Anita, so fingers crossed for a repeat success.

Dropping by belatedly to say that your review of The Notebook: A History of Thinking on Paper was a book bullet for me.

>48 Oberon: Perfect, you will love it Erik. Hope it didn't leave a bruise.

Happy new year, Caroline! Hope it'll be a good one.

That cup of tea in >5 Caroline_McElwee: looks very inviting.

And I like the Carl Larsson painting in the top post.

>50 PawsforThought: Thanks Paws. Good to see you here. The tea in that pot is always Jasmine. The pot is Polish.

Good luck with your 2024 reading. I also have a one in/one out policy on everything! I look forward to your review of Demon Copperhead as it's on my WL.

>52 Tess_W: Thanks Tess. I expect to get to DC in the Spring.

1. House on Endless Waters (Emuna Elon) (05/01/24) ****



Israeli author Yoel Blum has been avoiding visiting Holland all his life, part of a promise he made his mother, but when his novels are translated into Dutch he is persuaded to go there. He puts pressure on his older sister Hettie to tell him secrets his mother kept from him, and after the initial visit, he returns to Amsterdam a week later and takes up residence in an old hotel to begin researching what he plans to be his next novel, a story that evolves out of his origins.

An interesting novel about the treatment of the Jews in Amsterdam during WWII.

Elon is trying to do several things in the novel, as well as the history of the era, she is offering an insight into the creation of a work of fiction that may evolve out of a true story, and showing how one might choose to present/style a novel. As someone interested in creativity this would be of interest to me, but I wonder if it over weights an already weighty subject.

My other main criticism is that I can never keep Yoel in my head at the age he should be, a man in his 70s+. It's not a problem I have often.

That said, the Amsterdam described is an Amsterdam I recognise and have visited 7-8 times. She certainly gets the place right.

Because of other reading I was familiar with the history in Amsterdam in this era.

*****

Briefly mentioned in this novel is Etty Hillesum whose extraordinary diaries I read and reviewed in 2007. Time for a reread this year. My review from that time:

In Interrupted Life: The Diaries and Letters of Etty Hillesum, 1941-43
Persephone, 1999, 2007.
Originally published in Holland, 1981



What an extraordinary record of the life and musings of a young woman, and one living at a difficult and dangerous time. Etty Hillesum lives in Amsterdam and is 27 at the beginning of these writings.

This volume falls reasonably easily into two pieces, the diaries and the letters. The diaries are primarily concerned with the inner thoughts, explorations and challenges that Etty is pondering on. Her development and personal growth. Here we meet her friends and lovers, and especially meet with her psychological analyst ‘S’ who is almost twice her age, and as the introduction points out, behaves in ways that in our time we would perceive as horrifying in many respects in a doctor/patient relationship. But their relationship was far more than that, and Etty is not a weak victim in any sense of the word, either here or in what follows. The third part of the diaries we begin to feel the encroachment of time. Amsterdam was taken over by the Germans, and with the aid of the Dutch and their logical and organisational characteristic, found it very easy to be able to identify and impose regulations on the Jewish population. Yet Etty’s thoughts about life under such an increasingly crushing regime are rarely of fear. She keeps her will and attention on the bigger picture.

I marked a lot of her thoughts, but few stand alone outside the context of what she wrote, however, here are two that can be seen as universal musings, and were both intended to be so as well as to be specific ones to her own experience.

“The terrifying Thing is that Systems Grow too big for men and hold them in satanic grip, the builders no less than the victims of the system, much as large edifices and spires, created by men’s hands, tower high above us, dominate us, yet may collapse over our heads and bury us”. EH, pp105

“Humiliation always involves two. The one who does the humiliating, and the one who allows himself to be humiliated. If the second is missing, that is if the passive party is immune to humiliation, then the humiliation vanishes into thin air. All that remains are vexatious measures that interfere with daily life, but are not humiliations that weigh heavily on the soul”.EH, pp176

The second part of this edition (the last third of the volume) are specifically letters of someone who is now residing in a ‘transit camp’ before being moved to a concentration camp in Poland. Etty is there, and has some freedom, as she is working with one of the Jewish organisations which has been drawn together to attempt to make things more easy for their Jewish compatriots, although as one can see, this is also making the German task more inevitable as well. Etty is well down the pecking order, and is here because although she is aware that she could save herself, and has been bid to do so a number of times by friends. She has been able to come and go from the camp on two or three occasions, but she asks herself why she should be saved over the lives of others. Why she too should not experience what they are going through. Westerbok (pron Vesterbok) camp is not as horrific as one of the concentration camps, not as violent nor as final, but it is a very disturbing place to be imprisoned. Despite this Etty retains her sanity to the last, continuing to look outside her immediate experience to the universal, whilst acknowledging and writing about the detail of the situation she finds herself in. For Etty, as for millions of others, not just Dutch jews, there is to be no happy ending, but in reading volumes such as this, we can learn so much both of ourselves and of those whose lives were curtailed too soon. Etty refuses to flinch to the last, and our final sight of her is as she waves from a cattle truck on her way to Auschwitz where she is to die in November of 1943.


Etty at her oft mentioned desk in Amsterdam

Currently reading


For the Non-Fiction Challenge (January)


For the AAC Challenge (January)


Essays

Happier weekend-ahead's reads, Anita!

>54 Caroline_McElwee: - I agree with you that the author was trying to do too much in this novel and I felt that really detracted from what could have been an otherwise really good story. My review is here, post #30: https://www.librarything.com/topic/338476#n8309683

I know a lot of reviews I read rated it highly.

I do remember trying to read the Hillesum diaries many years ago and if I remember correctly, I stopped because of something like no paragraphs, or some such thing. Another quirk of mine. Sheesh, so many things annoy me, lol! I guess I should lighten up, but in truth, if those sorts of things interfere with my ability to read for enjoyment, I'd rather just move on. If I hadn't already attempted it, your lovely review might have been a BB!

>57 jessibud2: I think we had similar feelings about this Shelley. Maybe being familiar with and enjoying Amsterdam the other issues bugged me less, but I felt it needed another edit. Not a book I will keep, because I’ve read better (Harry Mulisch’s The Assault for example).

>56 richardderus: Waving at RD.

House on Endless Waters sounds like a good one.

>60 EBT1002: Yes Ellen, it will be an eye opener to anyone who doesn't know much about Amsterdam at that time.

>54 Caroline_McElwee: These sound great, Caroline. I have House on Endless Waters on my shelf, so maybe I will get to it soon.

>62 BLBera: I hope it works for you Beth.

>55 Caroline_McElwee: Hope you enjoy An Immense World -- I thought it was fascinating!!

2. Orbital (Samantha Harvey) (11/01/24) ****



Roman, Anton, Shaun, Nell, Chie and Pietro are 4 astronauts and 2 cosmonauts who are orbiting the earth for 9 months, 16 orbits a day. This short novel lets us into their thoughts and gives us the opportunity to sense what such a rare experience might feel like as each character explores their recent history and how they ended up on the project. Certainly the first half I found mesmerising, but sometimes the repetition, which would be hard to avoid baring in mind that the orbit occurs so often in a 24 hour period, dulled sometimes, which is probably the point. It did, and will continue to make me think about life, space, and what a possible future for humankind ‘out there’ might mean.

One of the final things Stephen Hawking said was that what we needed to plan for is a home for humankind in the future.

Not getting as much reading time so far this year, and have several books on the go. Two completions in 11 days is a bit light for me though.

>64 Berly: I am enjoying it Kim, but have to leave it til I have time for longer bites, so it will be a slower read for me.

I love that Larsson painting up top. I think I'd go absolutely stir crazy orbiting around for 9 months. "Here am I floating 'round my tin can/ Far above the moon/ Planet Earth is blue/ And there's nothing I can do" Guitar riff: dum de dum de dum de dum dum....

I've had the Etty Hillesum book sitting here for yonks. There are two things which are incredibly hard reads for me, leaving me gutted for days: the Highland Clearances, and the Holocaust. Well, at least it's here if I ever work up the courage.

>67 tiffin: Love that song Tui. While I don't like tight spaces, I do wish space and under sea travel were part of my experience strangely.

I know what you mean about holocaust and other war books, but I've been fascinated by many memoirs and first person accounts of the holocaust especially. How people were both heroic, and also often managed to live very ordinary lives despite it, especially young adults. I have been lucky enough to hear two survivors speak, both sadly now departed, but what struck me was their humility.

I went to see the bio-pic of Nicholas Winton, who aged 29, across 9 months, just before the start of WWII coordinated the rescue and fostering of 669 Jewish children from Czechoslovakia.

I saw the original programmes where his heroic work was first revealed in the 1980s. Heart rending.

The film and performances were fine, but I agree with some of the survivors family's it was a bit soft focus. I also, despite his good performance, question were there no 29-33 year old actors who could have played young Nicky. Flynn is 40. A younger actor would have made it more poignant and extraordinary. Flynn does not look 29.

I have a ticket for next Wed to see the original film about Winton, called Nicky's Family. I am on the verge of getting a ticket for One Life, as well. It was a huge hit at TIFF (Toronto International Film Festival) last fall. The friend I was going to go with has backed out but I may just go by myself.

>69 Caroline_McElwee: We are off to see One Life tomorrow.

Happy Saturday, Caroline. Glad to see you also enjoyed Orbital. What an interesting surprise and it is one that stuck with me for awhile.

>70 jessibud2: >71 SandDune: I hope you enjoy Shelley and Rhian.

>72 msf59: I liked her Dear Thief too Mark, and have an earlier novel still to be consumed.

Orbital sounds interesting, Caroline. I read a historical novel by her that I really like and am tempted by this one.

3 & 4. Four Quartets (T S Eliot) (14/01/24) *****



Finally I have settled to read this extraordinary volume. I saw Ralph Fiennes perform it on stage in 2022 (there is a short bite of that recording below, as well as Eliot reading the complete Quartets).

It really is difficult to say much about it. I read it twice today, and plan to read it at least once a month this year, I really want to know it. The rhythm is wonderful, and in its time original, but so many writers have been inspired by it since, its originality is less noticeable perhaps now. The language is mostly unfussy, but its meditation on time, nature, philosophy and life is hypnotic.

Fiennes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n07_rilmM18

Eliot: https://archive.org/details/lp_t-s-eliot-reads-his-four-quartets_t-s-eliot

>75 Caroline_McElwee:: One of my favourites!

Hoping you are warm and staying indoors, Caro.

>76 tiffin: It is special Tui, though RD shut his eyes and put his hands over his ears.

>77 richardderus: Fortunately, in comparison to other parts of the UK, London is reasonably mild RD, and sunshine is predicted for tomorrow, its been pretty dull the past few weeks.

Hi Caroline, I love the book paintings you post and I have put your best reads from 2023 in my favourites folder. Thank you! So great to have "a really fine year of reading".

>79 mdoris: It is Mary. Most years are good, but some just have that extra something.

>75 Caroline_McElwee: I adore T. S. Eliot. He has been a favorite poet since high school.

>81 EBT1002: I've always wondered whether I'd enjoy the man as much as I love his work Ellen.

>82 Caroline_McElwee: I suspect not.

>54 Caroline_McElwee: I’m reading House on Endless Waters. And I love 4 Quartets.

>83 EBT1002: I always think that an interesting contradiction Ellen.

>84 dianeham: It is an interesting novel Diane.

5. Enchantment: Reawakening Wonder in an Exhausted Age (Katherine May) (20/01/24) ****1/2



May was diagnosed with Aspergers Syndrome in middle age, which she writes about in an earlier volume* (I will get to next week), and this means her perspectives are slightly different, seeing through different lenses a bit. She shares her vulnerabilities, and her curiosity. Her struggles and her discoveries in this wonderful book.

I'd have probably bought it for the beautiful cover had I not already known her work. Yes, occasionally I have...

* The Electricity of Every Living Thing: A woman’s walk in the wild to find her way home

Duplicate

>86 Caroline_McElwee: Sounds great. I've often meant to read Wintering but not got to it yet.

>88 AlisonY: I will definitely be revisiting this one Alison. I enjoyed Wintering too. The books are short but are thoughtful.

Happy Sunday, Caroline. I dropped by to recommend Homeland of My Body: New and Selected Poems. A terrific collection to kick off the year with. I also mentioned it to Joe. Have you read Blanco?

>86 Caroline_McElwee:- I agree about the cover art, Caroline. Just gorgeous. I did read her Wintering and will look for this one, too. I had not heard of the other title you mention.

>86 Caroline_McElwee:: You got me with a book bullet with this one, Caro. I've wishlisted her "Wintering" too. I'm not much for the usual self-help kind of book but your appreciation, and a description I read, made me think I'd get something out of this one.

That is a beautiful cover.

>90 msf59: Hi Mark, no, Blanco is new to me, on the list he goes.

>91 jessibud2: >92 tiffin: I'm afraid I was a bit lazy with the detail Tui and Shelley, but I'm still pondering, I think you would both get something from it. It is primarily a memoir, as all her books are. I marked up several things to revisit initially, (lightly in pencil, I rarely write in my books except cookery books where I star rate recipes cooked, and make notes of tweaks and switchouts).

>93 Helenliz: Despite the warning not to do so, I've made some good finds being lured by an appealing cover Helen. Loads of my fave books have uninspiring covers.

>86 Caroline_McElwee: Enjoy the first one, too, Caro.

*smooch*

Enchantment sounds most interesting, Caroline. I'll be on the lookout for it.

>86 Caroline_McElwee: HI Caroline, I just put Enchantment on reserve at the libary but not with the same wonderful cover as your copy shows. Sounds like an interesting book!

>96 kidzdoc: Good to see you popping your head around the door Darryl. I hope you will like it.

>97 mdoris: It's odd that they feel they need to change covers from country to country Mary, do they think our tastes differ do much? I hope you enjoy.

6. City of Girls (Elizabeth Gilbert) (22/01/24) ****



Vivian Morris is telling her story in a letter to the daughter of an old friend. Who this friend was and what he meant to her isn't revealed until the last 90 pages of the novel.

The story largely revolves around the lives of a group of down-at-heal theatricals under the management of Vivian's aunt Peg, in a run-down theatre in New York in the late 1930s/40s, who Vivian has taken up residence with after dropping out of college. The story is told from her old age.

I wasn't sure whether I was going to get into this novel, but ultimately the characters really drew me in. Not that I want a writer to constantly be repeating themselves, but it was so different from The Signature of All Things which I really loved.

Part of the problem for me at the begining, I now see, is I am not a fan of coming of age novels, which the first quarter of the book is. But as Vivian grows and becomes more interesting, and the variety of other characters, I was soon snagged.

It will be a while before we get anything new from Gilbert, as she has withdrawn the novel due to be published this year for political reasons, as it was set in Russia.

ETA: Further to the discussion of covers above, this cover doesn't really speak to the novel, beyond that it is a group of young women in the 1950s.

Dropping in to say hello. You have been reading some interesting and fantastic books this year!

Caroline, I'm so sorry for not finding your thread earlier.

>3 Caroline_McElwee: I have a print of this cover on my wall. I ordered the first volume of her diaries but have yet to pick them up. The size of the volume is a tad intimidating.
>69 Caroline_McElwee: I am hoping I can watch this on a streaming service soon.

>86 Caroline_McElwee: This is a beautiful cover. I thought the name was familiar: Wintering was a book I had on my shelves for ages until my sister "borrowed" it! I regret not reading it before she asked me.

I also missed the last book on your last thread (the German account of wartime Paris) - have added this to the wishlist.

I am going to try and do better about moving books out of the house. I'm not sure I can manage one in one out, but I am hoping that tracking acquisitions might help slow the flood a bit! Your progress is a helpful inspiration.

HI Caroline

You read some very interesting books. I'll be back to continue to see what you are reading. In the meantime, all good wishes to you.

>100 figsfromthistle: Hi Anita, yes nota bad start this year.

>101 charl08: Easily done Charlotte. I am sure once you get started you will easily get hooked on Virginia's diaries. I think I read them across 4-5 months. They are due a reread now.

It would be a good time to read Wintering if you can prize it back from your sister.

>102 Whisper1: Thanks for stopping by Linda. I hope you find something that inspires this year.

>86 Caroline_McElwee: That is a beautiful cover. I haven't read anything by May. What should I start with?

I wasn't sure about the Gilbert. It sounds like it might be a slow start.

>65 Caroline_McElwee: I picked this up on a kindle deal the other day, on the strength of your review! Now I just have to remember to read it!

>99 Caroline_McElwee: I have a copy of this that I picked up from the "take a book - leave a book" shelf at the station. This will be my first book by Gilbert.

>104 BLBera: Maybe Wintering which is where I started Beth.

I think re the Gilbert it was just my lack of interest in coming of age stories.

>105 Sakerfalcon: I hope you get something out of both Claire. I have to say I so rarely use my kindle now.

Watched this extraordinary documentary Silverback by wildlife cameraman Vianet Djenguet who went to the Congo's eastern lowlands to observe the habituation process of a patriarch gorilla Mpungwe and his family. The footage he ultimately achieves is extraordinary, but he becomes very conflicted about the process.

To support the upkeep of the park and discourage poaching by local communities to support their own families, it is necessary to raise money by eco-tourism, but habituated gorillas become far more vulnerable in insecure and often war torn nations than wild gorillas, and fears that ultimately the extinction of these gentle giants could be inevitable. It is also about Djenguets own life at this point in time.

I have always been fascinated by Gorilla’s, since I first read about the Leaky primate women which included the complicated gorilla woman Dian Fossey's work. I knew I didn’t have the capacity to see gorillas in the wild, so the nearest I got to primates was a Cornish Monkey sanctuary where I volunteered a few times in my 30s caring for Brazilian Wooley monkeys rescued from the pet trade and from owners who didn’t understand they needed to live in family groups rather than individually. That was an extraordinary experience in itself, so Djenguet's experience must have been mind blowing.

I am fascinated by gorillas. If I ever stumble across this documentary, I'll be sure to watch it. Thanks, Caro!

>107 Caroline_McElwee: That sounds so interesting!! I, too, am fascinated by gorillas and I will also be on the lookout for that documentary. Although, and I know this is different, I was sobbing so much at the end of the film "Gorillas in the Mist" that I couldn't leave the theater for a full 20 minutes.

>109 EBT1002: It was heartbreaking Ellen. This has more optimism.

Hi, Caroline. Jumping in late and pleased water remains in the pond. You have provoked me through the books you've read and commented on. Katherine May, T. S. Eliot, gorillas. I gave my DiL a copy of Ed Yong's book and I know she was impressed by it; perhaps I should borrow it from her.

Have a rewarding book-year.

>111 weird_O: Hi Bill, glad you have found some potential literary grazing matter. I hope your DiL is a sharer. The Yong got temporarily sidelined because I want to savour it, and it should be read slowly I feel, but I shall pick it up again soon.

Hi Caroline - I quoted your review of House on Endless Waters in a post here - https://www.librarything.com/topic/356361#8382198 - I was very confused about the the structure of the novel and you explained it well.

>108 tiffin: I hope you get to see it Tui (sorry, thought I replied earlier).

>113 dianeham: Thank you Diane, glad it helped. I think it can be problematic when writers have an eye on style/or doing multiple things. If you are interested in all those things, you have a hope of unravelling, but many don't. Horses for courses I guess.

Something light and fluffy:

https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2024/jan/25/the-eyes-have-it-100-of-the...

>54 Caroline_McElwee: Adding House on Endless Waters to the BlackHole. Thanks for that mention, Caroline, as I had never heard of the book. As for the Etty Hillesum book, I own it but have never read it. If you are interested in doing a shared read of it, please let me know.

>65 Caroline_McElwee: I went to add that one to the BlackHole and discovered it already there. Now I just need to locate a copy.

>75 Caroline_McElwee: My local library has the Fiennes video as a downloadable resource so I am going to see if I can watch it. Thanks for the recommendation!

>86 Caroline_McElwee: My local library has a copy of that one although it is currently checked out. I will have to get to it soon. Thanks for another recommendation, Caroline.

>99 Caroline_McElwee: Another one that my local library has (will wonders never cease!) but both copies are currently checked out too. I will get to it soon though.

>115 Caroline_McElwee: Aww, adorableness!

>116 alcottacre: Hi Stasia, thanks for catching up post holiday. Yes, definitely want to reread Hetty's Diary. March maybe?

>117 Caroline_McElwee: Sounds good. It gives me time to figure out where I put my copy of the book.

7. I who have never known men (Jacqueline Harpman) (27/01/24) ****1/2



The narrator is the youngest of a group of 40 women who were kidnapped/selected to live in a bunker underground watched over by male guards who do not talk to them or each other, using the lash of a whip near them to communicate displeasure or breaking of the rules. Being the youngest she is the only one who has no recognition of a past life, normality or rationality, understanding only the absurd.

Philosophical, not really dystopian, although it has been described as such. Published in French in 1995.

A colleague brought it to my attention, she was about to start it herself. A new to me, Belgian author, I think only one other of her works in English. She died in 2012.

Suggestion: read the introduction at the end, it gives too much of the story away. I never read introductions before the novel.

>118 alcottacre: Ha, tell me about it Stasia. Fortunately I came across this recently again on the shelf.

Went to see 'All of Us Strangers', poignant and heartbreaking.

>117 Caroline_McElwee: >120 Caroline_McElwee: I found my copy of the book, but I am not sure that it is the same as yours. Mine is this one: https://www.librarything.com/work/11086905

Let me know if this messes up our shared read!

>119 Caroline_McElwee: Adding that one to the BlackHole. Thanks for the recommendation!

>119 Caroline_McElwee: This one is a BB for me.

>122 alcottacre: Yes, that is the edition I have Stasia.

>122 alcottacre: >123 figsfromthistle: I think you will both like I Who Have Never Known Men

>115 Caroline_McElwee: I love that!!!

>125 EBT1002: So many fun pics Ellen. One of my faves was 95, the puppy with the crocheted hat.

>115 Caroline_McElwee: Wonderful, wonderful photos!

>119 Caroline_McElwee: This is on my Tbr pile! I must move it nearer the top.

>128 Sakerfalcon: I suspect it is one you will like Claire.

8. Day (Michael Cunningham) (31/01/24) ***1/2



I wanted to like this novel more than I did. Three days, across 3 years April 5 2019/2020/2021 – carrying forward a little of his fascination with Virginia Woolf perhaps. A brother and sister, husband, 2 other friends, 3 children, and a virtual friend: pre/during/at the end of the pandemic. Of the three parts, I think I warmed to the third most. I was left wanting to know more about what might have happened to the children as adults. I have a suspicion that moments may return to my memory, but for me the adult characters didn’t give me enough, maybe that was the point. The world we live in can leave us wanting more from each other than perhaps how we function within it can allow. These were very much characters of now, all flawed, all wanting things that were not quite what the others wanted. None of them satisfied. Perhaps that was it. There was no contentment at all here. Everything was unfulfilled.

Discovered this stunning portrait of Edna O'Brien by Belfast artist Colin Davidson:

I'm sorry that you found Day disappointing, Caroline.

That's a great portrait!

>130 Caroline_McElwee: I never read The Hours but keep thinking I should.

>132 kidzdoc: It happens sometimes Darryl. Especially when a writer has written something you love. It's not realistic to expect them always to hit the sweet spot, but you hope.

It is a great portrait. Here are some more:

http://www.colindavidson.com/

>135 kidzdoc: I love The Hours Diane. I hope if you get to it you enjoy it too.

>134 Caroline_McElwee: Thanks, Caroline. Those are some great and instantly recognizable portraits. I'm always amazed at the talent it takes to capture a person in portraits such as these.

>130 Caroline_McElwee: Hmm, I'll have to decide whether to give that one a go. I loved The Hours back when I read it eons ago.

>131 Caroline_McElwee: Lovely!

>135 kidzdoc: I agree Darryl. An extraordinary gift.

Another of my favourite portraitists is Jonathan Yeo:

https://www.jonathanyeo.com/welcome

>136 EBT1002: Isn't that a standout portrait Ellen.

>137 Caroline_McElwee: Fabulous portraits!

January reads = 8

Fiction

House on Endless Waters (Emuna Elon (05/01/24) ****
Orbital (Samantha Harvey) (11/01/24) ****
City of Girls (Elizabeth Gilbert) (22/01/24) ****
I who have never known men (Jacqueline Harpman) (27/01/24) ****1/2
Day (Michael Cunningham) (31/01/24) ***1/2

Non-Fiction

Enchantment: Reawakening Wonder in an Exhausted Age (Katherine May) (20/01/24) ****1/2

Poetry

Four Quartets (T S Eliot) (14/01/24) twice today *****

9. Held (Anne Michaels) (02/02/24) *****



Another really fine novel from Anne Michaels. Beautiful liminal qualities on the borderlines of reality and memory. Shifting through time. Enmeshing and entwining stories. Like the Mycelium that connects the roots of trees. I shall certainly be revisiting this again soon. It is one of those short novels that carries its weight lightly. Thought provoking, thoughtful, questioning, philosophical. I will find something new with every reading.

>130 Caroline_McElwee: Not sure about this one, Caroline. I did love The Hours but disliked another novel by him, so...

>131 Caroline_McElwee: It is stunning.

>140 Caroline_McElwee: This definitely goes on my WL.

I went to see the extraordinary Poor Things this afternoon. I suspect Alasdair Gray would approve. I read the book 35 years ago. Gray had the most amazing imagination, and it has been translated to the screen with verve: visually, texturally, and in the fine performances.

I've been lucky enough to see Willem Defoe and Kathryn Hunter on the stage, the latter more than once. Emma Stone has made for herself a character for whom she will be long remembered I don't doubt.

It has to be said I was possibly the oldest person at the showing.

But you were probably the only one who had read the book. :)

>143 arubabookwoman: Very possibly ha!

>140 Caroline_McElwee: A five star book. I'm adding it to my list immediately!

>140 Caroline_McElwee: I think you touchstone goes to the wrong book.
I've read one of her books previously, and the library has this one. hmmm. I was going to try and read the library books I have before reserving any more...

>145 EBT1002: Yes, first 5* of the year Ellen.

>146 Helenliz: Sorted the touchstone, thanks Helen. Glad your library has it.

Interesting review of the Michael Cunningham book. I also loved The Hours (really loved it), so I've been nervous to read anything else by him (I'm sure there's logic there somewhere!).

I also love Colin Davidson's portraits. He had an amazing display in the Ulster Museum some years back of 18 people he'd painted who had all suffered in one way or another through the Troubles. It was incredibly emotive, as he captured so much pain in a number of the faces.

This artist is the son of friends of my parents: https://garethreid.co.uk. He won the Sky artist of the year award and got to paint Graham Norton which led to a commission for a portrait of King Charles. I think Colin Davidson has it for me, though.

Noting Held - sounds terrific. You do the size of my wish list no good at all!

Got me with Held, Caro.

>148 AlisonY: Another talented artist, I like the Graham Norton Portrait.

Glad to be keeping your tbr mountain growing Alison.

>149 tiffin: I hope it hits the spot for you Tui.

10. Lifescapes (Ann Wroe) (08/02/2024) ****1/2



Biographer, obituarist (20 years for The Economist) and poet, Ann Wroe brings together in this volume some of the extraordinary lives that she has memorialised, entwined with some of her own memories and poems. People who will be familiar to most readers and many who will be unknown to most. Her intention has always been to seek the tiny, lesser seen, details that she thinks of as being where the soul in a person resides. Their authentic core perhaps.

Happy Saturday, Caroline. So many good books and films being consumed over here. I want to see "All of Us Strangers". It has a very limited release in the Chicago area. I also really liked "Poor Things". A purely one-of-a-kind experience. Glad to see you liked Orbital. What a terrific surprise that one was for me.

I plan on seeing The Zone of Interest this afternoon. I have heard such good things. Have you seen it?

>152 msf59: 'The Zone of Interest' is on my list Mark, maybe next week. It's the time of year, up to Easter, when good independent movies are out here. I see less after that time as I'm not especially interested in Marvel Superhero/horror films and the like. The odd 'blockbuster' appeals, but not many.

Lifescapes looks interesting. I've only written three obits in my life (aunt, father, mother) but that was enough to let me know how hard it is to give the outlines while filling in the essence. I think I'll be checking out Ann Wroe's book, thanks Caro.

I thought 'The Color Purple' worked well as a musical. Fine performances and voices. Whoopi Goldberg made a tiny appearance at the beginning. Full house in its 4th week of run on a Sunday afternoon!

Loved the beautiful quilts that the cast list at the end was shown over, images from the film.

>151 Caroline_McElwee: This sounds lovely, I'll have a look for it Caroline.

>156 charl08: I think you will like it Charlotte. I liked the interspersed poetry too.

>151 Caroline_McElwee: This does sound great. I'll add it to my WL.

>156 charl08: >158 BLBera: I listed those mentioned in tags, see below:

11. Novelist as Vocation (Haruki Murakami) (11/02/24) ****



These are memoir essays rather than a 'how to' volume, but I suspect would be encouraging to anyone with the aim of a creative life. Murakami is down to earth, honest about himself and his foibles, open. As a writer who rarely does public events (maybe once a year in either Europe or the US, never in Japan), he generally keeps his focus on the writing itself, with only occasional contact with much appreciated readers. I got quite a sense of the man.

It's a while since I read one of his novels, but I shall probably try and read Kafka on the Shore sometime this year.

>151 Caroline_McElwee: that's intriguing. I read the obits in the telegraph every day. I like how you can get a sense of a person with just a few, carefully chosen, words.

FYI- The Zone of Interest was excellent. It will be a film that will stick with me for a long time.

I've been meaning to make The Hairy Bikers' Caerphilly sausages for an age, but Caerphilly is increasingly hard to come by. It was delicious, especially with the red onion relish, which has a gentle kick, or less gentle if you prefer. I only had red wine vinegar in which worked well. I think some of the hard french cheeses would work if Caerphilly isn't available.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/glamorgan_sausages_with_64911

>162 msf59: Definitely on my list Mark.

Etty Hillesum is an author I will read. Thanks for mentioning this.

>165 Whisper1: You are welcome Linda. Glad to add to your reading list.

>163 Caroline_McElwee: Those look amazing! I do love a good veggie sausage that is actually made of vegetable!

>167 Sakerfalcon: They were good, especially with the relish Claire, and that was good in a cheese sarnie too.

12. To Sir, With Love (E. R. Braithwaite) (14/02/24) (****)



I bought and read this memoir when I was 15, after seeing the movie they made with Sidney Poitier and Lulu. It may be one of the earliest volumes I have, except for my first Great Gatsby bought aged 12, and a children's book from an uncle.

I read this now as it was selected for my RL book group this month.

Braithwaite has acute skills of observation/description. That opening scene on the bus took me back to childhood (written 12 years before I was born, but still relevant). I recognised those women. The kids in the school were written well as were the teachers.

Although the secondary school I attended was about 50% people of colour and other cultures, we only had 1 bi-racial female teacher (she would have been called mixed race back then). She certainly had a big hand in forming me, as I was reading James Baldwin by aged 14, and went on to read widely in the literature of other cultures ever after.

I suspect even in the 60s/70s/80s a black or brown person seeking more than unskilled work would have had a similar response as ERB. I started full time employment in 1977, and my first question was 'where are all my colourful friends'? Even in the early 2000s there were only a very few non-white colleagues where I was then working. It had improved 10 years later, and is certainly much improved now.

I'm definitely into non-fiction at the moment (mostly on the go rather than completed yet). Though have just started a crime novel.

I don't think I ever read the book but I certainly loved that movie!

In the schools I attended, both elementary and high school, we had a good mix of cultures, though only in high school did I begin to encounter teachers of colour. And it was definitely Mrs. Lewis, my tiny (at under 5 feet tall) English teacher from Jamaica who opened my world to literature. She was way ahead of her time, too. She used to bring in the film (on reels with a projector; this was long before vcrs) of each book we did. Among those I remember best were Lust For Life (with Kirk Douglas as Van Gogh), Lord of the Flies, and when we did Hamlet, she assigned us to watch the production on tv, as it was airing at that time. Starring Richard Chamberlain, as Hamlet! TV as homework! Imagine! She moved back to Jamaica after high school and I wrote to her a few times but we lost touch after that. Later, in the school I taught at, the cultural/colour mix was more even than in my student days.

>170 jessibud2: Mrs Lewis certainly was ahead of her time Shelley.

>124 Caroline_McElwee: Good to know. Thank you!

>139 Caroline_McElwee: I am starting Enchantment: Awakening Wonder in an Anxious Age soon. I hope I enjoy it as much as you did!

>140 Caroline_McElwee: Adding that one to the BlackHole. I wish my local library had a copy, but they only have one of Michaels' books.

>151 Caroline_McElwee: Obituarist? I never knew that this is a thing! Adding the book to the BlackHole. Thanks for the recommendation, Caroline.

>160 Caroline_McElwee: I thought I had that one in the BlackHole already. Haruki Murakami is one of my LT discoveries. I will have to see if I can locate a copy.

>169 Caroline_McElwee: I know that I have never read that book (I have not seen the movie either, for that matter). I really need to correct the oversight, at least where the book is concerned.

>172 alcottacre: Glad to see I'm adding to your reading list Stasia.

Today I saw a couple of guys playing by the Dalston jazz mural. A little bit of joy on an frustrating afternoon.

Hello my names Owl or Lily! How are you?

Hi Lily-Owl I've seen you about on other threads. I'm well, I hope you have interesting plans for the weekend.

>176 Caroline_McElwee: I'm not sure what im doing over the weekend although i hope it has nothing to do with going to my mamaw and pappys house.

>177 Owltherian: Do you like to read LO? I assume as you found this site you must. A good book will always improve a weekend.

>178 Caroline_McElwee: Yep, im currently reading Midnight Bayou by Nora Roberts and i already like it.

>160 Caroline_McElwee: I love author essays, Caroline. I was wondering about this one. I will add it to my WL.

>163 Caroline_McElwee: My mouth is watering.

>180 BLBera: I think you will like. I edited this as conflated two essay volumes. The one with the essay I didn’t enjoy but have loved all the other essays so far was Lydia Davis’s essays.

Today I had a ticket for a preview showing of Wim Wenders latest movie, an all Japanese cast and crew, 'Perfect Days' which is an observational piece with relatively little dialogue, but lots of 70s music. It's the story of an older man, who cleans the Tokyo Project Toilets. Originally Wenders was invited to make a documentary about the architecture project of 16 designer toilets, but it soon turned into a movie. WW has long been a fan of Japan.

After the film there was a Q&A with Wim Wenders and the lead actor Koji Yakusho (who spoke through a translator). Wenders always has so many wonderful stories to share. And everyone was in love with Koji I think (one of Japan's biggest actors).



A trailer at the bottom of the article.

https://www.theguardian.com/film/2024/feb/11/wim-wenders-perfect-days-tokyo-toil...

And in the foyer they had some of Emma Stone's costumes from 'Poor Things'.

I am going to have to watch "Poor Things" and "To Sir With Love"! Also, I am such a Murakami fan, so I'll have to find that one, too. Happy weekend!

>184 Berly: Glad to be adding to your busyness Kim.

>169 Caroline_McElwee: I liked that one too when I read it a number of years ago, Caroline.

Strictly speaking it is not non-fiction though as I recall - I thought it was an autobiographical novel?

>182 Caroline_McElwee: That looks fascinating.

Have a great weekend. x

>186 PaulCranswick: It certainly reads like a novel Paul. I'm looking forward to hearing what my RL reading group have to say about it.

Could you find/start a reading group Paul? Would be good especially when the family aren't around, and if it works I'm sure someone would take the reins when you come back to the UK. I have been attending this group for 15 years, though am a bit erratic lately, especially in winter.

Wim Wenders is one of my favourite Directors, though there are still a few of his films I haven't seen. His documentary 'Anselm' was extraordinary. And he always has great stories at Q&As.

>187 Caroline_McElwee: I'm not sure about Kuala Lumpur, Caroline, but I will look to join a group when I return to Yorkshire. Did you find your group through a library?

>188 PaulCranswick: I found it on a notice board in the community cafe where the meetings used to be held. They are now held in the organisers home after the pandemic Paul, and no longer open to others. But I think they also used to put posters in the library when it was open to all.

>189 Caroline_McElwee: Thanks Caroline, I will do a little research.

Found book clubs that look interesting in both West and South Yorkshire.

>190 PaulCranswick: Our group is very informal Paul. About 12 reasonably regular attendees. No list of prescribed questions, which sometimes appear in books now. A few people like to do research about the author or story, or background of a non-fiction book.

As we have known each other for so long there are sometimes discussions about our own experiences if relevant, and some interesting digressions. We used to be a little more diverse (now only a Polish and American, previously a couple of black brits and an Italian as well), but folk moved away, so most are now 60+, mostly women with a couple of gents occasionally, one of whom can be a bit of a mansplainer, but we tolerate him as he is in his late 70s. We had one man who was asked not to come any more as he drank other peoples wine without ever contributing and picked verbal fights with the female attendees, never the men. So the man who had invited him to attend told him not to, and was very apologetic.

>191 Caroline_McElwee: Interesting on the majority women to men ratio. In the NF memoir I just read of an Italian bookseller, she maintains that women are keeping the entire publishing industry propped up in terms of readership. I'd love to know some stats around that to see how much it's true. I can see that in a book club setting perhaps women are more inclined for getting together to discuss books, but I'd never thought of women actually buying more books than men before. I wonder...

>192 AlisonY: I think women probably do Alison, and there is some research that suggests many male readers mostly read non-fiction, not sure of the %. Women apparently more likely to read some of both, but more fiction generally. Personally most years I am about 50/50, but can drop to 35-40% non-fiction.

I read a book called Why Women Read Fiction a few years back, not many surprises.

https://www.librarything.com/topic/341547#7836318

>169 Caroline_McElwee: I think the movie of To Sir With Love was the first movie I ever cried in. My family was living in London then, and I saw the movie in a big London movie theater, and when Lulu was singing to Sydney Poitier I was bawling my head off. I finally picked up the book to read about 5 years ago and it certainly didn't affect me like the movie did!

>194 arubabookwoman: It is unusual that the film is better than the book I find Deborah. I was too young to see it when it was released, but I'll have to hunt the film down and see what I think now, no longer a 15 year old!

13. When the Dead Come Calling (Helen Sedgwick) (19/02/24) ***1/2



Passable, but didn't grab me as much as others going by ratings. I didn't feel it had enough drive or momentum, or intellectual bite replacing that, and found the main police characters weren't distinctive enough. It is the first in the series, but not one I will continue with.

>182 Caroline_McElwee: This sounds great, Caroline. I am a big fan of Wenders but haven't seen his later work. Wings of Desire is my favorite of his early stuff. I am due a rewatch. Have you seen it?

>197 msf59: 'Wings of Desire' is one of my all time favourite movies Mark. I got to see it on the big screen again last year, or late 2022, again with a Q&A with Wenders which was amazing. I think you saw 'Anselm' this year?

I finally got to see 'Bob Marley: One Love', which while not as good as previous music biopics 'Bohemian Rhapsody' and 'Rocket Man', I enjoyed it, and Kingsley Ben-Adir as Bob and Lashana Lynch as his wife Rita were outstanding.

We knew in 1981 that Marley was dying, so I had a poster of him on my door to welcome my guests for my 21st birthday, he died two days later.

Annoyingly today there were two teenage girls behind me who would not stop chatting and giggling, despite being asked.

>182 Caroline_McElwee: Fascinating trailer - Thank You!

>200 m.belljackson: You are welcome Marianne. I hope you get to see it.

I went to Dulwich Picture Gallery to see a couple of exhibitions. All the artists were new to me.


Nymphs by Syrian artist Sara Shamma

Impossible to get the whole piece in. The painting was inspired by another painting in the gallery.








And a male hiding amongst the nymphs?

The old master that inspired her:


Nymphs by a Fountain (Sir Peter Lely)

The other exhibition was 'Soulscapes', artists from the African Diaspora making work during the pandemic about home, transformation.


The Knitter (Sikelela Owen)

Textile and embroidery:


Unforeseen Journey of Self Discovery (Kimathi Mafafe)


Onyx Cave: Stones Against Diamonds (Isaac Julien)


Interior 1 (Christina Kimeze)

I have not seen "Anselm". Worth seeking out? Glad to hear you enjoyed the Marley film. I thought it might be a cheesy bio.

>204 msf59: 'Anselm' is an extraordinary documentary about an extraordinary creative Mark. If you can get to see it in 3D I recommend you do so.

No, the Marley bio pic isn't cheesy at all.

More wonderful work by Christina Kimeze

https://www.christinakimeze.com/

hello Caroline!

Hi Lily. Hope you had a good day today. Do you like art? Who are your favourite artists?

>169 Caroline_McElwee: Hi Caroline. I rememer the move To Sir With Love, and I remember the song that accompanied the move. I haven't read the book. I'll see if I can find a copy. Thanks for your comments. You were a trailblazer back then!!!

>208 Caroline_McElwee: I love art and i cant figure out what to draw. My favorite artists are Jean-Antoine Watteau & Leonardo da Vinci

>209 Whisper1: I thought it still stood up Linda, within the context of its time. I reread for my RL reading group and it was a good conversation. Also having rewatched the movie so so soon after rereading the book, we could discuss what they left out and why.

>210 Owltherian: You can’t go wrong with those two Lily.

>212 Caroline_McElwee: Really cant, they both make beautiful works of art.

>213 Owltherian: One of my favourite Da Vinci’s:


Lady with an Ermine.

>214 Caroline_McElwee: Ooh- my favorite is Virgin of the Rocks

Kimeze's work is lovely, Caroline. I'd love to see both exhibitions but especially "Soulscapes." You are so lucky to have all these great exhibitions so close to home.

>192 AlisonY: I am the exception to this particular rule!

In the last ten years I have bought over 7,000 books at approximately $15 a book. That is $105,000 over the period or an average of over $10,000 per year.

I do not have such a practised eye when it comes to art but some of the paintings you put up are stunning, Caroline.

>216 BLBera: It is always wonderful to make a new discovery Beth. And I am lucky with the quantity and diversity of cultural places to imbibe.

>217 PaulCranswick: You are indeed Paul. Wow, a lot of $$$s.

>203 Caroline_McElwee: Thanks for sharing the pics from Dulwich, Caroline! I very much want to see the Soulscapes exhibition, and hadn't heard of Sara Shamma but hope to see that too.

>219 Sakerfalcon: Sadly for you the Sara Shamma finished yesterday Claire. I hope you enjoy Soulscapes when you get to it.

>202 Caroline_McElwee: >203 Caroline_McElwee: Thank you for sharing the pieces of art with us, Caroline! They are beautiful.

Let me know when you would like to start the Etty Hillesum book in March. Oh, and I wanted to thank you for your recommendation of The Art of the Wasted Day. That is one I will be rereading for sure.

>221 alcottacre: What about the week of the 4th Stasia? I am away 2 of the weekends, so little reading done then, but I remember it as a page turner.

>222 Caroline_McElwee: Sounds good, Caroline. I will be out of town myself from the 14th to the 20th.

>223 alcottacre: Excellent Stasia.

>220 Caroline_McElwee: That's a shame! I'm glad I got to see your photos at least!

I've started reading Orbital and am enjoying it a lot.

>225 Sakerfalcon: Glad Orbital is hitting the spot Claire.

Dulwich had run out of Sara's catalogue in the shop, but I gave them my email and they turned a copy up in the office that I could purchase which was great.

>226 Caroline_McElwee: That is above-and-beyond service! I'm glad you could buy it.

14. Pure Wit (Francesca Peacock) (29/02/24 - leap year!) ****



A fascinating exploration of a rare, early, female philosopher and her work, Margaret Cavendish. Peacock is not shy to include the complex and contradictory personality of the Duchess of Newcastle. Shy, flamboyant (no, not a typo), prolific as a writer in many forms. A 17th Century one off, who was driven to write, in hope that her words would be what would outlive her.



Ahead of her time, with beliefs and behaviours that could see her described as a feminist, philosopher, explorer of science, acknowledger of a sexual spectrum, but rarely without contradiction not far from her skirts.

There is the occasional flatter section, and repetition, but certainly I suspect most readers will, like me, want to read some of the subject's work (despite Virginia Woolf not being a fan!).

Thanks to Beth (BLBera) for bringing it to my attention, from reading a volume of essays by Siri Hustvedt who has long been interested in her.

>227 Sakerfalcon: I thought so too Claire.

>228 Caroline_McElwee: Adding that one to the BlackHole. Congratulations on the Leap Year read!

>230 alcottacre: I think you will like it Stasia.

>228 Caroline_McElwee: You are welcome. Great comments. It is definitely on my list. She sounds like a remarkable woman. How long is it?

>232 BLBera: Without all the notes and biblo stuff, under 300 pages Beth. I took big bites at the beginning, but slowed a bit in the last third.

Went to see Part Two of Dune which I enjoyed, if a little reservedly. It seemed somehow messier than it's predecessor, which may have been because it's completion was delayed by the pandemic and industry strikes. And it is ultimately a war film, more so than Part One. At 3 hours it felt a bit long, whereas at 2.5 hours, I could have watched part one again straight after initial viewing.

Visually, however, it does have some epic moments, and Timothée Chalamet embodies his character with skill and subtlety.

I must get round to the book sometime. Both films are the first book.

Boy was there a lot of tooing and froing by the audience though! Snacks and waterworks I assume, for mostly youngsters....

15. Sara Shamma: Bold Spirits (Dulwich Picture Gallery) (02/03/24) *****



Beautifully illustrated small catalogue for this exhibition of work by Syrian born Sara Shamma, with a fold-out of the large primary artwork, accompanied by prints of the Gallery works that inspired Shamma's work, and an interview discussing this exhibition and her work as a whole

Hi, Caroline. Hope you’ve been having a good weekend.

So many good book reviews! I particularly enjoyed The Four Quartets one. Hypnotic, indeed. And you got me with Katherine May’s Enchantment. Looking forward to it.

We’ve got it on the agenda to see Poor Things, and will see Dune 2 on 70mm next Friday. I’m glad both met with your approval.

I’m finally reading some Claire Keegan: Foster. Have you read her Small Things Like These? I’d like to try that one next.

>228 Caroline_McElwee: ohhh, that does sound interesting.

>236 jnwelch: I'm reading ANtarctica now. I've read both Foster and Small things like these. both feature in my best reads of the year I read them.

>236 jnwelch: Yes, I've read the Claire Keegan's. Deceptively insightful for such small books Joe. Often the case. I liked the film they made of Foster too, 'The Quiet Girl'. I hope Enchantment works for you.

The Four Quartets gets it's March reread tomorrow.

>237 Helenliz: I have Antarctica in the pile too Helen.

>238 Caroline_McElwee: The film is in Irish. That’s surprising.

>239 dianeham: It is Diane. You don't often get to hear Irish. There was some English too I think.

>240 Caroline_McElwee: My father grew up in Donegal and he was fostered by his grandparents - they were sheep farmers. We won a medal when he was 10 years old for being the best Irish speaker in his one room schoolhouse.

>241 dianeham: My maternal great grandparents were from Donegal. Donegal town and Letterkenny to be precise.

>242 PaulCranswick: I’ve been to both. When I was crossing a street in Letterkenney a car ran over my feet - in the cross walk! What were your great grandparents last names? My father was from a little tiny place called Doochary. The last name was Devenney- my grandfather changed the spelling to Devennie.

>244 PaulCranswick: My great grandfather was called Walsh and my great grandmother Orr.

>241 dianeham: >242 PaulCranswick: >243 dianeham: >244 PaulCranswick: Lovely family stories Diane and Paul.

My father's family were from Northern Ireland (and Scotland, migrating between the two). My dad grew up in Limavady from about the age of 6 until he was 19. We went there for the first time six years ago, after he died aged 90. He lived in London all his aduly life.

Happy Monday!

Your reading and film viewing have been excellent these past few months. I have to admit that I have not seen DUNE and still have the book on my shelf unread as well.

>246 figsfromthistle: Thanks Anita, it's been a good year so far on both fronts, though the kinds of film released from Easter on tend to be less my taste (I have to wait for autumn for more independent stuff). There wasn't one of the seven trailers before Dune that I want to see!

I aim to get the novel Dune in later this year maybe.

Hi Caroline When my oldest aunt died some info was found about our origins on my mom's side with central Ireland (Cavan) and 3 brothers leaving in the 1700's for Canada but before that Scotland, before that Norway, going way back.

Thank you for your recent help on my thread. You are a talented magician. i tried every which-way without success.

>248 mdoris: Pleasure Mary, it's frustrating when photos resist like that.

One of my dad's uncles migrated to Canada too.

Hi Caroline - I’ve started a thread here in 75, come visit.
https://www.librarything.com/topic/358983#8450425

>250 dianeham: Heading your way.... following the crumbs.

New thread here

https://www.librarything.com/topic/359011