Devon Book Club discussion

Ian wrote: "Carol wrote: "Am still in the time-warp of the American Revolution. Have just read Elkanah Watson's ' Men and Times of the Revolution.' He describes travelling in America, France and Britain in the..."
Yes. Am doing the research and the writing at the same time, as am getting a bit ancient and don't want to 'pop my clogs' before I've done it! Have written 114,000 words so far and am nearly at the end of Part 1. Two more parts to go, so a long way off!

Carol wrote: "Ian wrote: "Carol wrote: "Am still in the time-warp of the American Revolution. Have just read Elkanah Watson's ' Men and Times of the Revolution.' He describes travelling in America, France and Br..."

Are you able to say any more about it? - sounds like a real labour of love

Surprised by a new book arriving yesterday about Paris and London in the 18th century. Husband looks for them and buys them without telling me. It's only short, so I read it after lunch. It's not really detailed enough for my taste or needs, but I always get a bit of a thrill in reading what someone saw at the actual time. The author was French and he was later guillotined, so it was rather sad to know that when I was reading his words.
An interesting titbit- evidently English forks were like pitchforks-of steel, with 2 points and very sharp. Therefore you don't bring them to the mouth, you do that with the knife whose edge was large and rounded. The knife also takes the place of the French spoons,. If something is too liquid then you used bread crumb, like a sponge. ( I believe the author's talking about ordinary people, not the rich).
A Tour of Two Cities, by Simon Nicolas Henri Linguet.

Carol wrote: "Surprised by a new book arriving yesterday. Husband looks for them and buys them without telling me. It's only short, so I read it after lunch. It's not really detailed enough for my taste or needs..."

Fascinating little insight - thank you

Ian wrote: "Carol wrote: "Ian wrote: "Carol wrote: "Am still in the time-warp of the American Revolution. Have just read Elkanah Watson's ' Men and Times of the Revolution.' He describes travelling in America,..."
Yes, really enjoying it. I'm writing about a real person- won't say who he was! I don't therefore have to think up the story line. However as I'm trying to keep very closely to what actually happened, and as I like detail, it is not so easy to attempt to write it as fiction.

Lizzie wrote: ""
I hadn't heard of Adriana Trigiani, but her novel set in new York in the 50s looks interesting.

I've read another novel of hers. Which was amazeballs. Also set in New York but the 70s

Lizzie wrote: "I've read another novel of hers. Which was amazeballs. Also set in New York but the 70s"

Lizzie wrote: "I've read another novel of hers. Which was amazeballs. Also set in New York but the 70s"
I think I read Big Stone Gap by her some years ago.

Anya wrote: "I've just finished "Neverwhere" by Neil Gaiman, which I loved.

I'm now reading "London Falling", the first of Paul Cornell's Shadow Police novels. Thoroughly enjoying it so far."

I just finished Girl at War - wonderful book. Left more about it on the recommendations thread

Just reading (re-reading is more accurate, as I read it for English Lit) The Turn of the Screw by Henry James. It is our Reading Group book, and after a string of lacklustre reads, it is sublime. Mind you, after a gap since I last devoured any late19th/early 20th century Literature - much less Henry James - the long sentences with multiple sub-clauses require some reading adjustment. It is also enlightening to realise how much I must have missed - by way of clues for multiple interpretations - when I first read it as a naïve 30+. However, it knocks spots off most contemporary fiction. ... I must reread Colm Toibin's The Master, as well as a good biography of James.

I have just started Days Without End. I love Sebeastian Barry so have high hopes of this one. Then it will be Patrick Gale's Notes from an Exhibition which has been on my tbr lis for ever. Suggested it to my book group!

Sue wrote: "I have just started Days Without End. I love Sebeastian Barry so have high hopes of this one. Then it will be Patrick Gale's Notes from an Exhibition which has been o..."
I agree completely about Sebastion Barry, and am looking forward to reading this, soon. Let us all know what you think. Cheers, Carole (aka DrMama)

DrMama wrote: "Sue wrote: "I have just started Days Without End. I love Sebeastian Barry so have high hopes of this one. Then it will be Patrick Gale's Notes from an Exhibition whic..."

Hi - my latest read is a sheer delight - The World According to Garp by John Irving. Like you Sue, this one has been on my tbr list forever but I spotted it in the library on my last visit. I am a third of the way through and loving every quirky page - such a work of imagination

I am reading Tobias Smollett's Travels through France and Italy. He is suffering from some sort of lung complaint so is not in the best of health to go travelling over the continent in carriages, staying in decrepit inns and surrounded by foreigners. He therefore looks at his surroundings with a jaundiced eye, and in a cantankerous mood. He became notorious for his Travels, and was described by Sterne as the 'learned Smelfungus'. I find his descriptions wonderfully entertaining and informative and read it with delight yesterday.Travels Through France and Italy

I am re-reading The Master by Colm Toibin. My Reading Group's most recent book was Henry James's The Turn of the Screw and our discussion was animated and sometimes heated - we ranged from loving to loathing. I loved it: I like deciphering long sentences with multiple sub-clauses, and I found the whole structure, with its Chinese Boxes of unreliable narrators, fascinating. I could go on ...
In the group there was a lot of discussion and questioning about James himself: his history, his love of England, and the development of his writing. During this I realised how little I know, so I'm hoping to read some of Leon Edel's (there are 8 volumes!) biography of James. Meanwhile, I'll settle for rereading the Toibin, as I loved it when it came out: it frequently sent me to the volumes of letters at Exeter Uni Library to check points ... so (hopefully) the Edel will answer all my questions, this time.

DrMama wrote: "I am re-reading The Master by Colm Toibin. My Reading Group's most recent book was Henry James's The Turn of the Screw and our discussion was animated and sometimes heated..."

I'm very fond of James' writing too, Carole, but I haven't read this. It's a novella, I believe? I should add to my TBR...

Kathy wrote: "DrMama wrote: "I am re-reading The Master by Colm Toibin. My Reading Group's most recent book was Henry James's The Turn of the Screw and our discussion was animated and s..."

Yes, I would call it a novella, although it seems longer as the sentences do need some deciphering - especially if (like me) it's a long time since you've revisited 19thC Lit. But it is well worth the effort, especially as he playing with so many new conventions. I found myself constantly checking exactly who said what, as the unreliability of all made me want to be sure of as much as possible!
I hope all goes well at the Library on Friday. I hope to pop in, but have an Xmas Lunch at 12.00, so will have to see how much spare time the morning leaves me.

DrMama wrote: "Kathy wrote: "DrMama wrote: "I am re-reading The Master by Colm Toibin. My Reading Group's most recent book was Henry James's The Turn of the Screw and our discussion was ..."

Thank you, Carole. It would be lovely to see you if you have a mo'! Gosh, Christmas lunch already...

Days Without End was a difficult read. The subject matter dealt with Irish in America in the early days. Lots of cavalry action v other Americans, /v Indians. Graphic at times but an overarching story of love and trying to make the best of things. So beautifully written (as expected) with described images you could put your hand out to touch.
Notes from an Exhibition was everything I hoped it woukd be. He's one of my star reads this year (as he was last year).

Just started Hotel du Lac Really enjoying it so far. The first book I've read by Anita Brookner.

Kathy wrote: "Just started Hotel du Lac Really enjoying it so far. The first book I've read by Anita Brookner."

Excellent, I'd love to know what you think. I read it for the first time a few months ago - my first Brookner. I was clearing out the loft and found piles of paperbacks I'd bought as an Eng Lit student: all because I'd felt I 'ought' to have read them - not that I did. So, recently I've been alternating between Brookner, Drabble and also 30s 40s writers that had passed me by.

Currently reading The Dark Flood Rises - Margaret Drabble and absolutely loving it. The last Drabble I read was The Millstone many many years ago.

Almost finished on

Sue wrote: "Days Without End was a difficult read. The subject matter dealt with Irish in America in the early days. Lots of cavalry action v other Americans, /v Indians. Graphic at times but a..."

Patrick Gale clearly has quite a following

Kathy wrote: "Just started Hotel du Lac Really enjoying it so far. The first book I've read by Anita Brookner."

I loved that book. Beautifully crafted

Sue wrote: "Currently reading The Dark Flood Rises - Margaret Drabble and absolutely loving it. The last Drabble I read was The Millstone many many years ago."

Margaret Drabble spoke about The Millstone in last weeks edition of World Book Club (BBC World Service) - you will still be able to listen to it if you are interested. Its on my podcast list for tomorrow's drive to work

Lizzie wrote: "Almost finished on

"

How are you finding it?

DrMama wrote: "Kathy wrote: "Just started Hotel du Lac Really enjoying it so far. The first book I've read by Anita Brookner."

Excellent, I'd love to know what you think. I read it for the first ti..."

I've just finished Hotel du Lac, Carole. I absolutely loved it: the deft writing, the acute observation, and the insight of the author. My only complaint was that it was so short! Will look for more work by Anita Brookner.

Kathy wrote: "DrMama wrote: "Kathy wrote: "Just started Hotel du Lac Really enjoying it so far. The first book I've read by Anita Brookner."

Excellent, I'd love to know what you think. I read it f..."

Yes, I agree. So seemingly slight, yet it is perfectly mapped human behaviour - although - I guess - of a particular type/class ... be interesting to read some more. Your 'deft, acute and insight' capture it beautifully. Sadly, I cannot imagine anything so simple, painful yet gently modulated (and short!) winning the Man Booker now.
I'm afraid I gave up on Drabble's A Summer Bird-Cage, but may return once Xmas commitments over.
Have a lovely 'Festive Season' !

Happy Christmas to you too, Carole. And to everyone! Hope you all have a good time and get the opportunity to read... :)

This year we decided to observe the Icelandic tradition of Jolabokaflod. For this I chose "American Gods" by Neil Gaiman, an author who has been on my 'read some but should have read more' list for some time. 25% read so far over Yule but it is a massively sprawling book so a way to go yet. As good as you would expect though.

Mark wrote: "This year we decided to observe the Icelandic tradition of Jolabokaflod. For this I chose "American Gods" by Neil Gaiman, an author who has been on my 'read some but should have read more' list for..."

That is one of my favourite modern books - so incredibly inventive

I've just read Stella Duffy's latest, "London Lies Beneath" and loved it. Very sad, but her portrait of East End families in the years between the Boer War and the First World War is utterly compelling.

Ruth wrote: "I've just read Stella Duffy's latest, "London Lies Beneath" and loved it. Very sad, but her portrait of East End families in the years between the Boer War and the First World War is utterly compel..."

Sounds really interesting. I just finished The Streets, a different account of London life (a novel) - slum clearances at the turn of the 20th Century, negligent landlords, debate about isolating working class men and women so they could not breed etc. Not the best novel I've read but an interesting insight into life at that time

I have just started Cousins. Too soon to say how good it will be! Lucky there's a family tree at the front! Nice touches of humour.

Mark wrote: "This year we decided to observe the Icelandic tradition of Jolabokaflod. For this I chose "American Gods" by Neil Gaiman, an author who has been on my 'read some but should have read more' list for..."
I just bought a kindle copy, so hope to get to this soon. I've read other NG's but not this even though it is the work that most people mention.

Sue wrote: "I have just started Cousins. Too soon to say how good it will be! Lucky there's a family tree at the front! Nice touches of humour."

Oooh - a family tree - usually means lots of concentration needed to keep up with the characters

Anya wrote: "I've spent much of the Christmas break tackling the TBR pile.

Recently finished:

"Rawblood" by Catriona Ward - a stunning Gothic horror novel set on Dartmoor.
"Anansi Boys" by Neil Gaiman - as ..."

You have had a busy, bookish Xmas - perfect! Thanks for your support all year Anya and hoping you have a wonderful 2017

Happy New Year to everyone, and especial 'thanks' and 'happies' to Ian for all your hard work and supportive, informative and inspiring comments.
I'm over half-way through Alan Bennett's Untold Stories: I have owned it for years and never read it until Xmas. I was spurred by the TV piece about him, plus I've always loved his 'year-end' pieces in the 'London Review of Books'. I find it fascinating - I rather feel as if he knew my own extended family ! However, as I had to kill some hospital time this week - and it's a bulky tome - I managed to kindle a third of the way through The Essex Serpent by Sarah Perry. I am enjoying it so far, although it feels an easy read and maybe too much like, too much else that's out there.
'New Year's Reading Resolution': to read more (good) contemporary novels in translation; so with this in mind, I've just bought Mahmoud Dowlatabadi's The Colonel so as to start 2017 with a (hopefully) 5 star volume. Happy reading1

DrMama wrote: "Happy New Year to everyone, and especial 'thanks' and 'happies' to Ian for all your hard work and supportive, informative and inspiring comments.
I'm over half-way through Alan Bennett's [book:Unto..."

Thank you Carol - much appreciated. The Colonel sounds really interesting. Happy New Year to you and your family x

Ruth wrote: "I've just read Stella Duffy's latest, "London Lies Beneath" and loved it. Very sad, but her portrait of East End families in the years between the Boer War and the First World War is utterly compel..."

I've enjoyed every Stella Duffy book I've read. Will put this on my to read list. Unfortunately, my local libraries don't seem to stock her books.

Ian wrote: "Kathy wrote: "Just started Hotel du Lac Really enjoying it so far. The first book I've read by Anita Brookner."

I loved that book. Beautifully crafted"

Thanks for the recommendation. It has gone in my to read list. I love a new author to try out.

Karen wrote: "Ruth wrote: "I've just read Stella Duffy's latest, "London Lies Beneath" and loved it. Very sad, but her portrait of East End families in the years between the Boer War and the First World War is u..."
Mine was a review copy, Karen - I'll be taking it to Ilfracombe library to see if they want it for stock, so maybe you'll be able to order it in to your own library.

I've just started the second in the Neapolitan Trilogy by Elena Ferrante - it is gripping me - just as the first did. So beautifully written and minutely and sensitively observed

Hi Lizzie. I've heard lots of good reports about Anne Cleeve. Have you read her before?

Ian wrote: "I've just started the second in the Neapolitan Trilogy by Elena Ferrante - it is gripping me - just as the first did. So beautifully written and minutely and sensitively observed"

I have been thinking about reading the Neapolitan Trilogy for a while - so will follow your lead and excellent taste and read once I have finished Swing Time

Sonia wrote: "I have been thinking about reading the Neapolitan Trilogy for a while - so will follow your lead and excellent taste and read once I have finished Swing Time"

I think you will love them.