I started of this week by finishing How fiction works by James Wood. It is a clearly and sometimes caustically written study of the main elements of fiction (narrative, detail, characterization, dialogue and so on) from a personal point-of-view i.e what James Wood thinks works and what he thinks doesn’t, and why. As Wood writes in his introduction, “I hope, then, that this book might be one which asks theoretical questions but answers them practically- or to say it differently, asks a critic’s questions and offers a writer’s answers.” I particularly liked his close discussion of particular passages to prove his point, and as is only to be expected from a book of this type, I’ve come away with a few more TBR titles. (Sentimental Education by Gustave Flaubert, which I own, and What Maisie Knew by Henry James and A House for Mr. Biswas by V.s Naipaul, which I don’t.)
I next read Behind the scenes at the museum by Kate Atkinson. I so enjoyed her most recent Jackson Brodie books that I decided to try something from her back catalogue, with wonderful results. I couldn’t stop laughing at this shocking and sprawling family saga narrated by the unsentimental and rather omniscient Ruby Lennox. Atkinson is fast becoming one of my favourite contemporary authors and I’ll be reading more of her work soon.
I’ve just finished the latest Montalbano mystery translated into English, The Paper Moon by Andrea Camilleri. As usual, there was a nasty and complicated crime for Salvo to sort out, sustained by good food and his scathing sense of humour. Curling up on the lounge with this and my doona was a perfect antidote to an autumnal day in Sydney. A day very much crowned by viewing a screening of To Kill A Mockingbird on ABC2 tonight, which of course has made me want to re-read the book.
I’ve also been fortunate enough to be promised two free books- a Jane Austen sequel, Emma and Knightly (courtesy of Harriet Devine and Sourcebooks) and a Shakespeare play, The taming of the shrew (courtesy of Blog a Penguin classic).
And I still have Sunday to look forward to! I’m planning to read a few more Paris Review interviews, do some second-hand book shopping and make a start on And only to deceive by Tasha Alexander, which I first read about at A work in progress.
16 Comments
6 May, 2008 at 2:35 am
Apparently there is a third (and final) Jackson Brodie book on the way. I haven’t read anything from her back catalogue either, but I do have a copy of ‘Behind the Scenes’ so given your enjoyment of it I must move it up the pile.
6 May, 2008 at 4:45 am
I also love Kate Atkinson – do consider Human Croquet, which is also very bittersweet. And I must try Camilleri. I have one novel sitting on my shelf and I’ve yet to find the right moment for it.
6 May, 2008 at 7:55 am
I’m looking forward to the third Brodie novel which is supposed to be released this year.I did really enoy Behind the scens, so will try Human Croquet as my next Atkinson novel.
Anyone who hasn’t already read a Montalbano mystery really should- it is a hugely enjoyable series.
6 May, 2008 at 8:48 am
I really enjoyed One Good Turn so will definitely look out for the other Jackson Brodie novels. Pity most of my books are in storage because you’ve made me want to find my copy of Behind the Scenes at the Museum again – can’t remember it at all.
7 May, 2008 at 7:53 pm
Love Taming of the Shrew – I really want to read the sequel, The Tamer Tamed, which was written not very many years after. Well, quite a few years, but not more than a century, I don’t think… but can’t remember the author… Thomas Heywood perhaps?
7 May, 2008 at 11:48 pm
That Sunday sounds absolutely blissful, I must say. There’s nothing like a good second-hand book rummage. Hope you find some bargains!
8 May, 2008 at 7:42 am
I want to read that Flaubert as well. Isn’t Kate Atkinson great? I loved Behind the Scenes–I read it for a book group a few years back. I need to read her other Jackson Brodie book, too. I just discovered Andrea Camilleri and have his first book. I hope you enjoy the Tasha Alexander–I really like her mysteries–they’re great fun!
8 May, 2008 at 9:20 pm
The Jackson Brodie and the Salvo Montalbano series are both wonderful, so you should read them.
I’m really enjoying the Lady Emily Ashton books, so thank you for the recommendation. I hope Colin and Emil do eventually get married, the tension is killing me.
9 May, 2008 at 9:07 am
Free books are always a good thing. Thanks for sharing the link to the Blog a Penguin Classic site. I love the look of Penguin Classics and am working on filling my home library with them.
12 May, 2008 at 4:55 am
It’s interesting that Behind the Scenes at the Museum appealed to someone as young as you. I had imagined the 50s-60s setting might not register with readers of your age. I’m about to start Human Croquet myself soon.
13 May, 2008 at 4:16 am
It’s just so much fun to contemplate the wonderful books we get to read!
16 May, 2008 at 12:44 am
Found you through Slaves of Golconda, to which I am also a newcomer. I am looking forward to returning to your site. Very nice! And have a wonderful Sunday! TJ
17 May, 2008 at 2:18 pm
You certainly have a productive week of reading. I read Sentimental Education by Gustave Flaubert but just realize I never got to review it! Oh…I think it’s time for me to read some Austen since she’s all over the blogger radar!
17 May, 2008 at 9:21 pm
Slaves of Golconda looks like it might be fun, doesn’t it? Thanks for dropping by my blog Jaques.
Matt, I’d be interested in hearing your thoughts on A Sentimental Education. And yes, you really must read some Austen if you haven’t before- I’d start with Pride and Prejudice, Emma or Persuasion.
30 May, 2008 at 8:39 pm
Have I said here that I love Taming of the Shrew? It’s such an interesting play, which can be interpreted in two very different ways. I’d love to read The Tamer Tam’d, a sequel written by someone (Thomas Haywood??) not hugely long after Shakespeare.
2 June, 2008 at 10:42 pm
Looking back, discovered I’ve said the same thing twice here! Must be true…