Madam, want to talk about author Mary Stewart? discussion
New member introductions and group read planning
Yes, you're unfortunately right. The general standard of writing has gone downhill in a big way. Even the most trite of romances 50 years ago can sometimes read like epic literature when placed against a like-genre newbie from today.And I know that the following is just a personal and subjective opinion, but overcompensating for plain bad writing technique with numerous and explicit sex scenes and foul language (not just your run-of-the-mill curse words, but really foul words) is no formula for a bestseller, although I'm proved wrong time and time again when I look at what's flying off the bookstore shelves.
..either that or else I'm just an old fart anymore :)
Hannah wrote: "Yes, you're unfortunately right. The general standard of writing has gone downhill in a big way. Even the most trite of romances 50 years ago can sometimes read like epic literature when placed a..."Yes we are probably old farts anyway but I agree. I'm much happier rousting around those long lost 70's/80's historical romances than the new crap that's coming out.
Fortunately, we both missed so many of the 70's and 80's books along the way that they're *new* reads anyway.Old farts, unite!
Hannah wrote: "Fortunately, we both missed so many of the 70's and 80's books along the way that they're *new* reads anyway.Old farts, unite!"
Here, Here!
Annie wrote: "Here, Here!"Ah, another "old fart". Welcome!
:)
Welcome Annie. Feel free to stir the pot around here if you are so inclined.
Greetings fellow Mary Stewart fans, and others. I began reading her when I was in high school maybe junior high--back in the 1970s. I think my first Stewart book was Airs Above the Ground. I had a horse and had been crazy about horses for years, and read the works of Marguerite Henry and Walter Farley, and any other horse stories I could find. I had seen the Disney movie about the rescue of the Lippizaner Horses during WWII, and this book was my follow-up read. It still remains one of my favorites, but my all time favorite is probably "Madame will you Talk." That lady can write a car chase scene! I do believe I could drive that harrowing ride down to Marseille and see every detail of the ride she descibed. The pines looming up...they must still be there, right? I traveled through Europe and the middle east on her books. It has been years since I have read any. Time for a re-read...again.
Hi Fran, welcome. I've been side-tracked and haven't read any MS in a good year or so. I've been saving Madame until the very end. Everyone says it's the best.
Fran V wrote: "Greetings fellow Mary Stewart fans, and others. I began reading her when I was in high school maybe junior high--back in the 1970s. I think my first Stewart book was Airs Above the Ground. I had ..."Welcome, Fran. I discovered her in high school, too, back in 197-something. Madame Will You Talk is still my favorite, too. Although I think Moonspinners was my first, thanks to Disney and Haley Mills!
I just discovered this group and, as I have just finished re-reading Touch Not the Cat I thought I'd join. I think I've read just about everything she's written. I was given a copy of the Moonspinners when I was in high school which was when the film came out, but I never got to see the film, I just read the book. (I did see it many years later when it was on television and I'm glad I hadn't seen it before.)I don't know if this deserves a separate thread, but I wondered what other people think about the theme of languages in Mary Stewart's books. There are so many times where a plot device hangs on someone knowing another language. Merlin, of course, is the best example, but Nine Coaches Waiting and Moonspinners are others. And the beginning of My Brother Michael depends on the heroine NOT knowing enough Greek and getting herself in a muddle over it.
Hi Anne, the language theme is one I've never noticed.PS, don't watch the movie version of Moonspinners. Just don't.
Hmm... I never thought about that. Good point. She and a few other authors used french a lot in the books and is what prompted me to take french in college. I HATE not knowing what the character is saying. Now that we have the internet, its a little easier to look up, but I used to get really annoyed if I couldn't figure it out. :)
I'm looking forward to reading more Mary Stewart books mentioned here! When younger, I never read the books, though I think I had a few in my bookcase. I do remember reading My Brother Michael on the plane ride to California back in 1975. Couldn't tell you what it was about now, though!I recently read a few other books and enjoyed them alot. I'll have to check to see how many I have but I think I might have most her suspense books.
And I currently have Madam, Will You Talk on my night stand to read after I finish one of the library books I have out.
On another note, I see mention of Victoria Holt. I recently read that Sourcebook will be re-releasing alot, if not all, of her books in the coming years. I believe the first will be Mistress.
I recently read that one and while I enjoyed it, it wasn't a stellar book, IMHO. Still, it is nice to see all these 'old' contemporary authors getting a new audience, right?
I liked "My Brother Michael", one of her books set in Greece. One of my favorites, "This Rough Magic" is set on the Greek island of Corfu, and "The Moonspinners" is also set in Greece. I think one reason her books are so vivid is that she travelled to areas where her husband, a geologist or archaeologist, was travelling for work or studies. By the way, the Disney movie, "The Moonspinners" is NOTHING like the book, which is, of course, much much better.
Fran V wrote: "I liked "My Brother Michael", one of her books set in Greece. One of my favorites, "This Rough Magic" is set on the Greek island of Corfu, and "The Moonspinners" is also set in Greece. I think one..."Thanks for that info Fran, and welcome and hi to Susan.
Finally finished MWYT last night. I really liked David, a very smart kid. I read My Brother Michael over thirty years ago and remember that I liked it . I look forward to reading it again.Everyone seems to have a cigarette in his mouth. When I was in college in the fifties, representatives from cigarette companies left samples in dorm lobbies. This was a good way to get hooked and fortunately I did not pick up the habit.
Isn't it funny how reading about people smoking makes us now cringe? If only the people knew then what we know now...
Susan wrote: "Isn't it funny how reading about people smoking makes us now cringe? If only the people knew then what we know now..."Times have changed. I've come across a book here and there and a character is smoking in the hospital
I've gotten really spoiled with the no smoking anywhere in Washington, even in the bars. I haven't been to Nevada in years, but does anyone know if they've cracked down? Walk into a hotel lobby, elevator or convenience store and everyone is puffing away.
Susan wrote: "If only the people knew then what we know now..."They knew then, too. I remember my mom (who started smoking in the late 1940's) saying that they called them "coffin nails" back then. People are going to maintain bad habits even when they know the risks.
Virginia wrote: "When I was in college in the fifties, representatives from cigarette companies left samples in dorm lobbies..."Now days college kids (or college bound kids) get mailed credit card offers instead. My HS senior daughter just received one in the mail yesterday - arrgghh! (it got shredded, of course)
In the movies from the 30s to the 50s everyone smoked because it gave the actors something to do with their hands during dialogue scenes. When smoking became taboo the question became "What do the actors do with their hands now?" So now cigarettes are usually replaced by beer bottles, and wine glasses.
Hi Everyone,I'm Diane, I live in North Carolina. I have been discovering and enjoying new to me authors since joining GR last summer. I've never read a Mary Stewart, but picked up The Ivy Tree, This Rough Magic, and The Crystal Cave at a sale. They looked good and I thought I would give her a try. I noticed that there will be some kind of a group read coming up and am wondering if that is open to everyone? I already have my copy!
A little about me: I like so many kinds of books, but mainly fiction. I have been in NC about 5 years. I have a DH of 33 years and two grown sons in the military. Looking forward to getting to know some of you and having wonderful book discussions,
Diane Lynn wrote: "Hi Everyone,I'm Diane, I live in North Carolina. I have been discovering and enjoying new to me authors since joining GR last summer. I've never read a Mary Stewart, but picked up The Ivy Tree, T..."
Hi and welcome. Feel free to join the buddy read at your leisure. There will be threads so you can just discuss where you're reading without getting too far ahead.
Hi Diane! I've only read 2 Mary Stewart books, after a couple of good buddies (Hannah and Misfit) convinced me to give her books a try. Glad to have you join our buddy-read at the end of this week.
Diane Lynn wrote: "Hi Everyone,I'm Diane, I live in North Carolina. I have been discovering and enjoying new to me authors since joining GR last summer. I've never read a Mary Stewart, but picked up The Ivy Tree, T..."
Hi Diane Lynn,
You're more then welcome to join in the group read of This Rough Magic. I'll add you to the group read list. That makes 21 participating now.
And as a native North Carolinian, welcome to NC - hope you are enjoying living here.
Thanks for the warm welcome. What a friendly group! I'll be ready to start this weekend.@ Jeannette What two have you read, did you like them?
@ Hannah Definitely enjoying NC. My avatar is taken at one of my favorite places, Kure Beach, home to Fort Fisher (Civil War).
My Brother Michael, my first, and my favorite (so far). And then Madam, Will You Talk? for last month's group read.
I will be spending a few days in Cornwall the second week in April, and I think that would be a good time to start re-reading the Arthurian trilogy (I don't really like the Wicked Day so that doesn't count!). I will be going to Tintagel of course. Rather than carry my books with me, I've decided to get e-books for my iPad. Having decided this, I'm finding it so ahrd not to get the books NOW and start reading. If I do, I'll probably finish them before I go away and that would defeat the purpose.
Anne wrote: "I will be spending a few days in Cornwall the second week in April, and I think that would be a good time to start re-reading the Arthurian trilogy (I don't really like the Wicked Day so that doesn..."Hi Anne, and lucky you. I would love to visit Cornwall. Or England as a whole. I'm not picky :)
Anne - that's wonderful! Hope you have a super time.
Anne wrote: "I will be spending a few days in Cornwall the second week in April, and I think that would be a good time to start re-reading the Arthurian trilogy (I don't really like the Wicked Day so that doesn..."Have a great trip, and I'd love to read info postings on it. I agree, the Wicked Day was just too depressing. But otherwise I enjoyed the Arturian trilogy.
Oh, you lucky girl Anne!Enjoy your trip (and the trilogy). I concur about The Wicked Day (read it once but never again - it will always just be a "trilogy" for me, too!)
Hannah wrote: "Oh, you lucky girl Anne!Enjoy your trip (and the trilogy). I concur about The Wicked Day (read it once but never again - it will always just be a "trilogy" for me, too!)"
Same here.
Anne wrote: "I will be spending a few days in Cornwall the second week in April, and I think that would be a good time to start re-reading the Arthurian trilogy (I don't really like the Wicked Day so that doesn..."I was there a few years ago. I didn't have a chance to get to Tintagel, but I did soak the atmosphere of of that beautiful, sometimes eerie, countryside, the scene of some of my favorite stories. Have a great time, I can't wait to go back.
I guess I give away my age saying I have been reading Mary Stewart for over 40 years. It is hard to pick a favorite but if I had to it would be This Rough Magic although Airs Above the Ground runs a pretty close second. I have read a number of her books dozens of times.
Ellen wrote: "I guess I give away my age saying I have been reading Mary Stewart for over 40 years. It is hard to pick a favorite but if I had to it would be This Rough Magic although Airs Above the Ground runs..."I can beat you there - it's almost 50 years for me. That's scary, really. My favourite changes on a regular basis, but Airs Above the Ground, Nine Coaches Waiting and This Rough Magic are way up there. As is the Arthur trilogy.
Hi Ellen. I believe the first Mary Stewart I read was My Brother Michael and to be honest, having read it in the bleary 70s :) I can't remember much about it!
My Brother Michael is my favorite to date (but I'm a newcomer). You should read it again one of these days, Susan.
Anne wrote: "Ellen wrote: "I guess I give away my age saying I have been reading Mary Stewart for over 40 years. It is hard to pick a favorite but if I had to it would be This Rough Magic although Airs Above t..."I never read the Arthur series. Mystery has always been my favorite genre. Usually the classic English type but as far as I'm concerned no one can touch Mary Stewart for romantic suspense. Of course there were some titles I liked better than others but you could always depend on her for a quality of writing that is really difficult to find. In comparison to her most others seem predictable and bland.
My Brother Michael is one of my favorites as well. What I like about her Arthur series is that it's from Merlin's POV. I don't recall much hocus pocus and magic. Been a few years though.
Ellen wrote: "...but you could always depend on her for a quality of writing that is really difficult to find. In comparison to her most others seem predictable and bland."Well said Ellen. I agree 100%.
:D
I read Mary Stewart novels in the 1970's as a tween and then teen...I loved this mystery/romance genre that made me want to stay awake, with a flashlight under the covers, long after I was told to turn off the light. Victoria Holt also captured my imagination during the same time frame. But I didn't find another author that made me long for more books until I read Rosamund Pilcher and then Dick Francis! The common thread was a gift for a strong narrative, details of the ordinary kind, and a plot that delivers all the important parts! After traveling in Britain this past summer, I discovered another author that I LOVE. Mary Wesley, author of several novels, but her most famous is "The Camomile Lawn." Delicious!
Annie wrote: "I completely agree. Susan Howatch is another one I love. and Anya Seton, and Norah Lofts (How Far to Bethlehem is probably in my top 10 favorite books of all time) and Victoria Holt, and Phyllis ..."Annie: You must check out Mary Wesley if you haven't already. We went to Cornwall this past summer and met a couple on the train. The wife told me that the best Cornwall summer read was "The Chamomile Lawn." I read this and loved it--and then found a few other novels by Mary Wesley. M. Wesley has quite the story in terms of her personal life as well. Altogether a great find!
Hi Misfit ( I think I 'know' you from Goodreads boards elsewhere and from your truly hilarious purple prose stuff etc ) and hi all other members too.I'm one of the moderators on the Fans Of Norah Lofts board and have joined here because I recently re-read all the MS Arthurian saga. And re-loved it I must say, all in one hit in the Kindle edition . I only began to flag once Merlin was gone from the scene . A bit like Mary Renault's Alexander Trilogy once Alexander was dead .
Barbara wrote: "Hi Misfit ( I think I 'know' you from Goodreads boards elsewhere and from your truly hilarious purple prose stuff etc ) and hi all other members too.I'm one of the moderators on the Fans Of Norah..."
Hi Barbara, welcome aboard.
Hi everyone --Glad to find this forum and to connect with other Mary Stewart fans! My first was "The Ivy Tree" and it blew me away... I read it largely over the course of one weekend and it was on my mind the entire time. I hadn't had such a gripping reading experience in years -- all I wanted to do was read/think about the book (it felt sort of like being in love!) :) Since that time I've read all of her romantic suspense works, and dang, she is good. In fact, toward the end I sort of slowed my pace because I didn't want to come to the end of the MS canon.
I keep looking for other writers who are similar, with limited success. Have read most of DuMaurier and have found some good Victoria Holts (also some less-good Victoria Holts!) so I'm always hoping for tips. Glad to have found this forum!
Hi Ginny, glad you found us. I like Holt, but in small doses. MS is tops in her genre. Have you tried Susanna Kearsley?
Welcome to the group, Ginny! We have just started a group read of The Moonspinners if you'd like to join us.
I've just discovered Mary Stewart this past year, and I'm glad I did! Have you tried Susanna Kearsley?
I've just discovered Mary Stewart this past year, and I'm glad I did! Have you tried Susanna Kearsley?
Madam, want to talk about author Mary Stewart?
Books mentioned in this topic
My Brother Michael (other topics)The Moon-Spinners (other topics)
Rose Cottage (other topics)
Rose Cottage (other topics)
Frost on the Window: Poems (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
Mary Elgin (other topics)Mary Stewart (other topics)
Katherine Wigmore Eyre (other topics)
Katherine Wigmore Eyre (other topics)
John Buchan (other topics)
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That's the problem when you start to discover some of the older authors because they certainly spoil you for the current ones. There are very few who newer one..."
Oh I know. Du Maurier and some of these others set the bar so high you can't go back.