We don't have many books here, those we do have are probably hidden away in the loft. Most of our books are in France, and I have no intention of filling the car with them to bring them back here.
So, a new book is something of a novelty. Lady M bought this one recently and we are both reading it at the same time; we simply have two different book marks. When she puts it down, I take it up, and we read alternatively.
I'd not previously heard of Ms Strout, but I believe she is a highly regarded writer. I do like her slightly 'stream of consciousness' style of writing, and in a similar way to W B Yates I also like the fact that she will always use a single small word instead of trying to impress with several larger ones. It is written almost as a diary, I also like the way she divides the pages.
The story itself is about a woman who leaves New York to escape the ravages of Covid, her relationship with her ex-husband, and all sorts of other bits and pieces in between. It's a surprisingly good read, filled with highs and lows; not a lot happens.
I shall have to visit some Charity Shops soon to buy some more books; I really don't like being without something to read, even if I don't actually read it.
I'm currently reading Alan Bennett's 'Lady in the Van'; a very short book that should take me about ten minutes to finish; and I now have. A bit like a starter, but without any main course.
I've just begun another of Ms Strout's novels, 'Olive Kitteridge'.
I read Oh, William! by Strout. I thought it was OK but nothing that enticed me to read more of her work. Lady in the Van? Only a writer looking for material would have put up with the situation! I couldn't share a book. I would monopolise it too much.
ReplyDeleteMy wife did complain about my reading it, but I had nothing else to read!
DeleteI recently started reading digital books, I download them to my iPhone and find it a wonderful way to read.
ReplyDeleteI actually enjoy holding a book, I'm not tempted by digital.
DeleteI saw the movie Lady in the Van and it wasn't what I thought it would be, I was disappointed. "Lucy by the Sea" sounds more interesting. I don't think I could share-read a book.
ReplyDeleteLady M would agree with you about book-sharing. I knew the story of the van lady, but haven't seen the film.
DeleteI can understand that. The need to hold something, to pick it up, to look at it, and put it down again. I do that with stitching small pieces of fabric. You may do that with a brush and paint. The actions cement a connection between physical and mental needs.
ReplyDeleteI heard a very well known English singer say recently that he'd 'never read a book'. He said it with some pride too. Weird.
DeleteI read Lady in the Van when it appeared as one chapter in one of Bennett's diaries. I enjoyed it. Then I saw a film had been made of it. I watched for half an hour and turned off. The interpretation of the story in the film was nothing like I imagined it in real life with Bennett. I enjoyed his story about her which was true and kind and nice. I don't think I would particularly like Strout after reading some reviews this morning.
ReplyDeleteI certainly wouldn't be giving Strout any prizes for literature, but she does write well.
DeleteI would think it very difficult to make a good film about the van lady. There really wasn't a lot to interest people. If they hadn't embellished it, it would have lasted for 10 mins.
I think I have read all of Strout's books Cro - I agree with you, she is a good writer. I quite enjoyed Olive Kitteridge (there is a follow-up book but can't remember what ot os called) I didn;t enjoy the follow up at all. But I think Lucy by the Sea is her best book so far. One thing I liked about it was the way she dealt with the coming together of the husband and wife towards the end - the way she makes the readerg radually aware that their relatioship is one worth saving. We get the realisation of what is happening without any quite unnevessary 'steamy' sex scenes.
ReplyDeleteYes, I liked it too. Not a lot happens, but it takes you along with the characters in a very relaxing manner.
DeleteI'm a retired librarian and still use the public library system a lot. I look at The Guardian newspaper's book reviews and also check Amazon for information about my favourite authors' new books. Then I reserve these at the library. Why don't you try this?
ReplyDeleteMy wife joined the library just this week, her old membership had faded away; no doubt mine has too! We already have a few books.
DeleteRather than reading books why not write your own book? "Half A Century In France" could be the running title and even if you don't attract a mainstream publisher you could still create copies for your family members - a lasting legacy.
ReplyDeleteI already have two published books; both about France. I have also written a number of others that just sit in a big cardboard box.
DeleteWe are on holiday at the moment and I have six books with me. A good selection. Thank goodness we now have a book exchange on Poros with lots of English books
ReplyDeleteWill you read all six? I'm not a fast reader, but my wife is!
DeleteLike Weaver I have read most of Elizabeth Strout's books and loved every one. Understated writing that is utterly moving and profound. I was hooked from 'My Name is Lucy Barton'.
ReplyDeleteGood idea of Yorkshire Pudding's. Jan B.
It's that 'understatement' that I like about her. I don't like pretentious writing.
DeleteNot an author I have heard of before, so I'll look out for her on Amazon. I read "Lady in the Van" and remember it as a short, enjoyable story. The film version was a disappointment - it had been padded out to make it feature length. Though I must confess to watching anything with Maggie Smith.
ReplyDeleteI am currently reading my Kindle during the day and a "proper" book in bed at night, so the best of both worlds. I do find a Kindle very useful when travelling or on holiday - saves carrying books around - especially when flying.
I'd always heard that the film was a disappointment. Not enough meat on the bone to make a full length film.
DeleteAlways reading or writing, or both.
ReplyDeleteI have a lot less to do in Brighton, so I'm able to read more. I don't do much writing these days; other than here.
DeleteThe cover makes me think of your mystery lady in green. You should write the book .
ReplyDeleteI thought of her too, unfortunately I know absolutely nothing about my green lady, so nothing to write about.
DeleteI just read the comments...you have written books....do tell, please? Another post or six about them. :)
ReplyDeleteThe only reference to my writing that I can find here can be seen by typing 'How things change' into the search strip, top left. It's not much.
DeleteIgnore the one about my Veg' Garden.
DeleteI also like clear, concise writing, without pretense. I will look for her books.
ReplyDeleteI really don't like pretentious writing (and there's a lot of it about), so her style of writing really appeals.
DeleteThen a fictional account of your thoughts of who what when where and why? Imagination is a great thing, it can take you and her anywhere....
ReplyDeleteIt really is like that. Not a huge amount of content, but a very pleasant voyage through her thoughts.
DeleteLove reading... (preferably books, but will use my iphone if real book not around). Plan to check out Lucy by the Sea and Lady in a van. My 2 all time favorites are Lady of Hay and Galway Bay. Currently reading Dark Matter by Greg Iles.
ReplyDeleteI will read almost anything at the moment; not silly romantic novels, but anything written with intelligence and thinking.
DeleteI hope that you'll come back and tell us what you thought of Olive. She was an illogical charactor, bitter and unkind, but but with bursts of kindness that were actually shocking to me. I can't say that I liked the book, but I couldn't put it down.
ReplyDeleteI can't really say I liked the other book either, but it kept me interested. Yes, Olive is a complex woman, one minute she's a total monster, the next she's in tears over a poor anorexic girl; who then dies. I'm finding it difficult to figure her real character.
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