In my audiobook days (1993), I travelled to South Carolina to direct Dorothy reading the abridged version of Bastard Out of Carolina. (Everything was abridged in those days.) She was lovely and welcoming and I’m sorry to learn of her death.
Right now I’m alternating between The Prose Edda by Snorri Sturluson (translated byJesse L. Byock) and The Werewolf Principal, by Clifford D. Simak.
I too read some poetry on Wednesday for comfort, but I couldn't bear to read anything modern and so read some old Japanese poetry. The one I read that struck me the most was this, which is by Sugawara no Michizane (10th c):
How lovely to see you all, and what a magnificent pizza. I am currently reading Menewood by Nicola Griffith, which follows right on where Hild left off. It’s marvellous, like a full body immersion in seventh century Britain. If you don’t already know these books, I think you would really enjoy them, not least because of Hild herself.
Prior to the election, I'd just finished Pat Barker's Still Life Trilogy, looking at the lives of a trio of art students at the Slade in London as they go through World War II, followed by A Defense of Ardor, a collection of essays by Polish poet Adam Zagajewski (1945-2021), which talks about poetry in relation to history, conflict, and exile. During election week I've been re-reading Thin Places by Kerri ní Dochartaigh, an absolutely lumnious reflection on nature, myth, and growing up during the Troubles in Northern Ireland. I think I'm going to need some lighter reading in this immediate post-election period...not lighter as "simple or simplistic" but in the "beacon of light" sense. Poetry or nature writing (particularly by women nature writers) is what usually lifts my heart. Or re-reading Patricia McKillip's gorgeous novels and stories. Or all of the above.
Thank you for your words on Dorothy Allison. I want to say something about her work as well, but right now I'm just struck dumb by loss.
I just finished Nghi Vo's The City in Glass--I am in awe of her ability to get so much into a novella (same goes for her Singing Hills Cycle). And to somehow work in a way that feels both unhuman and out of time (protagonist is the patron demon of a city and the narrative goes back and forth in time as well as gliding over years like the hands of a clock) and very personal. I've had the good fortune to visit Florence several times (though it's been over 20 years since I last was there) and I loved the little glimpse through your visit. My memorable dinner spot was Osteria del Cinghiale Bianco, which I was delighted to find referenced in Mark Campbell's lyrics for "Florence" in Songs from an Unmade Bed (heard years after dining there).
I do so love your “Bad Advice” and FB posts. And the PHOTOS! 💙 Thank you! I am having trouble concentrating right now. I think I will do my yearly reread of “A Wrinkle in Time” and perhaps another Deborah Crombie crime novel. Glad you finally made it back to Paris!
Hello there, lovely to hear you have found consolation in dark times by returning to Joan Aiken books, particularly the journeys of heroine Dido Twite...I have been taking part in an international book blog celebrating Joan's Centenary this year, named #WitchWeek2024 in memory of Diana Wynne Jones and several contributors talked of re-discovering the resilience and companionship of Dido as a long lost friend...also escaping into the magic of Joan's fantasy stories...more & links on my Aiken blog...love to All ❤️
I am reminded of CS Lewis’s “Lines During a General Election”, which begins:
Their threats are terrible enough, but we could bear
All that. It is their promises that bring despair.
But we’ll get through it, as we always have done.
In my audiobook days (1993), I travelled to South Carolina to direct Dorothy reading the abridged version of Bastard Out of Carolina. (Everything was abridged in those days.) She was lovely and welcoming and I’m sorry to learn of her death.
Right now I’m alternating between The Prose Edda by Snorri Sturluson (translated byJesse L. Byock) and The Werewolf Principal, by Clifford D. Simak.
Directing Dorothy must have been something, especially for THAT book. Life-changing to read!
I like your choices for Alternating reads - covers all the bases, right?
I too read some poetry on Wednesday for comfort, but I couldn't bear to read anything modern and so read some old Japanese poetry. The one I read that struck me the most was this, which is by Sugawara no Michizane (10th c):
When the east wind blows,
Send me your perfume,
Blossoms of the plum:
Though your lord be absent,
Forget not the spring.
How lovely to see you all, and what a magnificent pizza. I am currently reading Menewood by Nicola Griffith, which follows right on where Hild left off. It’s marvellous, like a full body immersion in seventh century Britain. If you don’t already know these books, I think you would really enjoy them, not least because of Hild herself.
I love those books so much!!!!
Prior to the election, I'd just finished Pat Barker's Still Life Trilogy, looking at the lives of a trio of art students at the Slade in London as they go through World War II, followed by A Defense of Ardor, a collection of essays by Polish poet Adam Zagajewski (1945-2021), which talks about poetry in relation to history, conflict, and exile. During election week I've been re-reading Thin Places by Kerri ní Dochartaigh, an absolutely lumnious reflection on nature, myth, and growing up during the Troubles in Northern Ireland. I think I'm going to need some lighter reading in this immediate post-election period...not lighter as "simple or simplistic" but in the "beacon of light" sense. Poetry or nature writing (particularly by women nature writers) is what usually lifts my heart. Or re-reading Patricia McKillip's gorgeous novels and stories. Or all of the above.
Thank you for your words on Dorothy Allison. I want to say something about her work as well, but right now I'm just struck dumb by loss.
I'm reading On Tyranny by Timothy Snyer.
I just finished Nghi Vo's The City in Glass--I am in awe of her ability to get so much into a novella (same goes for her Singing Hills Cycle). And to somehow work in a way that feels both unhuman and out of time (protagonist is the patron demon of a city and the narrative goes back and forth in time as well as gliding over years like the hands of a clock) and very personal. I've had the good fortune to visit Florence several times (though it's been over 20 years since I last was there) and I loved the little glimpse through your visit. My memorable dinner spot was Osteria del Cinghiale Bianco, which I was delighted to find referenced in Mark Campbell's lyrics for "Florence" in Songs from an Unmade Bed (heard years after dining there).
I've heard amazing things about Nghi Vo. Can't wait to read this.
I do so love your “Bad Advice” and FB posts. And the PHOTOS! 💙 Thank you! I am having trouble concentrating right now. I think I will do my yearly reread of “A Wrinkle in Time” and perhaps another Deborah Crombie crime novel. Glad you finally made it back to Paris!
I should ask everyone what their annual Comfort re-read is next!
Oh yes, lots of fun responses, and more titles for the TBR list!
Hello there, lovely to hear you have found consolation in dark times by returning to Joan Aiken books, particularly the journeys of heroine Dido Twite...I have been taking part in an international book blog celebrating Joan's Centenary this year, named #WitchWeek2024 in memory of Diana Wynne Jones and several contributors talked of re-discovering the resilience and companionship of Dido as a long lost friend...also escaping into the magic of Joan's fantasy stories...more & links on my Aiken blog...love to All ❤️
https://joanaiken.wordpress.com/2024/11/07/a-wonderful-week-for-joan-aiken/