Ersatz TLS discussion
note: This topic has been closed to new comments.
Weekly TLS
>
What Are We Reading? 26 April 2021
giveusaclue wrote: "Lass wrote: "A wee excursion to a small Borders town today. Uplifting, scenic drive there. Bit cold, but dry. Small mercies. Coffee and yummy cake followed a trawl for books in the charity shops. N..."Oh,I can't wait to get to charity shops again - or to the library.
I book recommendation! I have just finished The Barbizon (thanks to a library download)
.I was of two minds whether to even listen, as I am like a kid in a candy store when it comes to books. I have multiple MP3 players that I stash library books on, and once I do that, the library cannot get them back at the end of the check-out time. But once I started it, it became clear the book was more about the women's lives during and after their time at the Barbizon. There has been so much ebb and flow from the time of WWI to the 70s. I can relate to the late 50s early 60s when my father deemed a girl should have something to fall back on just in case her real job - wife and mother - changed because her husband died young. GRRR!
And, as a teaser, there are famous names!
For anyone interested in Indian or Chinese literature, i have just ordered these two books and may bump them to the front of my pile after LarteguyThe Coffer Dams by Kamala Markendaya (1969) Novel
Bird Talk and Other Stories by Xu Xu (1930-65) Short Stories
AB76 wrote: "Just watched "Battaglia di Algieri" 
, the classic Italian directed film of the Algerian revolution, superb, somebody here had recommended it and it was a ve..."That was my recommendation, I think - glad you liked it - an excellent film. Another in a similar vein is Costa-Gavras's Z which deals with a fictionalised presentation of the events leading up to the putsch by the Greek military junta in the 1960s. Maybe it lies outside your current areas of interest, but it would probably appeal to you:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Z_(1969...
As for your earlier comment about right-wing commentators on the Guardian - when you consider the lengths to which these people go to in order to maintain their lifestyles and tax-free status, I don't think my theory that at least some of them are paid to run interference is at all unlikely. Far less expensive than organising revolutions to overthrow awkward political movements, I'd have thought!
Lass wrote: "A wee excursion to a small Borders town today...."You'll bump into Andy, if you are not careful - assuming it's the Scottish border you're talking about!
I have read and enjoyed all of Philip Kerr's Bernie Gunther books - they all deal with Bernie's attempts to avoid getting his hands too dirty in Nazi Germany, whilst working as a homicide detective. The books work on two levels - thriller/cop stories, and an exposure of some of the leading Nazis' dirtiest deeds, which for the most part are based on historical events. Bernie's insouciance prevents the mood from getting too gloomy, and the reader will root for him. Good stuff.
Edit: I meant to add that the Bernie books can be read out of order - they are essentially stand-alone, even though there are occasional references to earlier events.
Gpfr wrote: "The new series is what I was referring to, there are so far 3 books with Konrad. The first is set during WW2 & the present day, the 2nd also investigates past & present crimes."Thanks - I've read the first two, and will now look out for the third.
Re. 'style vs substance' - I could not read a book, however well written, if it was presenting something totally distasteful (e.g. some sort of Nazi apologia). On the other hand - I also find books unreadable, no matter how worthy or well-intentioned - and even if I am 100% in sympathy with the points being made - if the style is leaden, plodding, dull - you get the idea.I can certainly be drawn into books outside my usual areas of interest if the style is exceptional, and I can give up on something in a favourite genre if the writing is not up to scratch.
I hope that's clear... ;-)
scarletnoir wrote: " Another in a similar vein is Costa-Gavras's Z which deals with a fictionalised presentation of the events leading up to the putsch by the Greek military junta in the 1960s. Haven't seen the film, but I can recommend the book it is based on. As gripping as a thriller.
Greenfairy wrote: "CCCubbon wrote: "May Day. Better have some dancing around the maypole.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ncIAd..."
I remember doing that in my frilly white dress with green and yellow ribbons, b..."
Hi, @clue. Not read the Bernie Gunter novels, but thought I’d give them a whirl, as TLSers have praised them.
Andy wrote: "Just reporting in a slow few reading days as I’m off travelling again, just up to Scotland in the new van with the dog. Wonderful to be on the road again. Last few days in Galloway with [book:Nati..."
good to see you are back on your travels, i trust you will have a pretty restriction free summer season...
Georg wrote: "scarletnoir wrote: " Another in a similar vein is Costa-Gavras's Z which deals with a fictionalised presentation of the events leading up to the putsch by the Greek military junta in the 1960s. H..."
thanks for this georg, have been toying with ordering this novel, i think i will now
scarletnoir wrote: "Re. 'style vs substance' - I could not read a book, however well written, if it was presenting something totally distasteful (e.g. some sort of Nazi apologia). On the other hand - I also find books..."i get your point, we have all discussed how difficult to read Henry James is and i find a lot of modern novels totally unreadable, crammed with ideas dreamt up in a creative writing course and forgetting the basics of a good novel
Sunday morn, drinking coffee, reading the Observer, and listening to the Travelling Wilburys. Nae bad. An interview with Lily James in the Obs highlights the latest adaptation of Nancy Mitford’s The Pursuit of Love. I recall Dame Judi as Muv in a previous adaptation. The 80s, I think? Hope this doesn’t disappoint. I have Mary S Lowell’s The Mitford Girls, and also Letters Between the Sisters. Best of all is Jessica Mitford’s Hons and Rebels. “Decca” was, for me , the most interesting of the sisters, and her late friendship, and conversations with the inspirational Maya Angelou would have been spirited and uplifting. Incidentally I had the privilege of meeting Maya, after queuing for a couple of hours. She was outstanding, with a smile and chat for everyone .Lucky me.
Mod
Women Talking by Miriam ToewsI've read and liked several books by this author.
Women Talking is a moving and disturbing read. It was inspired by a shocking true story, but is not lurid or exploitative. In a Mennonite community in Bolivia, over a period of years, women and girls were knocked unconscious by an animal anaesthetic and raped. At first, it was put down to ghosts/demons or over-fertile female imagination etc., but eventually a group of men were identified and jailed.
The events in the novel take place over two days when the guilty men have been arrested and the other men have gone into town to raise money and bail them out while they await trial. A group of women meet to decide what they should do: nothing; stay and fight; leave. The women speak neither Spanish nor English, are illiterate, know almost nothing of the world outside. August, a young man who was born in the colony, left with his parents and recently returned, takes the 'minutes' of their meeting. August works as a schoolteacher for the boys under 15 (when education ends) and is despised by the other men for not being a farmer. The emphasis is not on describing the terrible events, but on the women's search for what they should do, how they can react, and how they can stay true to their faith.
Miriam Toews herself came from a Mennonite family in Canada.
It's been a long time since I've read such a sharp-toothed review in the Guardian book review. Cooke is probably too complementary, by the looks of ithttps://www.theguardian.com/books/202...
Lass wrote: "Sunday morn, drinking coffee, reading the Observer, and listening to the Travelling Wilburys. Nae bad. An interview with Lily James in the Obs highlights the latest adaptation of Nancy Mitford’s Th..."I have a few Mitford books in the pile, one a biography of Louis XIV(aka the Sun King) and a comedy.
My father knew Deborah Mitford, not through aristocratic links, but via conservation work involved with trees. I didnt use her full title lol
Mod
Uh, no thanks, Shapland.
Paul wrote: "It's been a long time since I've read such a sharp-toothed review in the Guardian book review. Cooke is probably too complementary, by the looks of ithttps://www.theguardian.com/books/202......"
Paul wrote: "It's been a long time since I've read such a sharp-toothed review in the Guardian book review. Cooke is probably too complementary, by the looks of it
https://www.theguardian.com/books/202......"
Paul wrote: "It's been a long time since I've read such a sharp-toothed review in the Guardian book review. Cooke is probably too complementary, by the looks of it
https://www.theguardian.com/books/202......"
Paul wrote: "It's been a long time since I've read such a sharp-toothed review in the Guardian book review. Cooke is probably too complementary, by the looks of it
https://www.theguardian.com/books/202......"
@AB, your Dad knew “ Debo”,? Respect! Have just been listening to Maya and Decca singing “ Right, Said Fred” on YouTube. Certainly brightened up a dreich day.
Mod
Lass wrote: "Paul wrote: "It's been a long time since I've read such a sharp-toothed review in the Guardian book review. Cooke is probably too complementary, by the looks of ithttps://www.theguardian.com/books..."
yes lass, he was a guest at her "pad" quite often on tree related missions. both my parents liked and respected Debo, she was always on good form, well into her 90s
YellowThread Street
is a smart savvy, witty novel of British Hong Kong and its many layered society, not the ex-pats and bankers but the stallworkers, petty criminals and illegalsWilliam Marshall, the author, was an australian journalist and between the quite light touch there is an interesting pro-eastern logic at work, the cops in the Royal Hong Kong Police are a mix, some Eurasian, some western, all speak cantonese and are familiar with the logic of the east.
This is not a dated 1970s portayal of Kung Fu and Triads, its a realistic narrative of that bustling port city.
Paul wrote: "It's been a long time since I've read such a sharp-toothed review in the Guardian book review. Cooke is probably too complementary, by the looks of ithttps://www.theguardian.com/books/202......"
Rachel Cooke wrote:
“For me, Carson’s words are her words,” writes Shapland, a tautologous statement that’s fairly typical for its assertion of something with which it’s impossible to disagree.
I wouldn't call that complimentary. I would call it a very polite way to avoid a single word.
What I read between the lines of RC's review could be expressed in a dozen or so words. Kudos to her for saying it; and for saying it so elegantly.
Justine died in the night from March 1 to March 2.Two months ago.
I do miss her.
Mod
Two months ago.
I do miss her."
I miss her too, Georg.
I don't have final confirmation yet, but want you all to know that there's a plan afoot for establishing a memorial to Justine. I'll fill you in once all the details are finalized, but I'm excited about it and think you all will be too.
Lass wrote: "Paul wrote: "It's been a long time since I've read such a sharp-toothed review in the Guardian book review. Cooke is probably too complementary, by the looks of ithttps://www.theguardian.com/books..."
@Gpfr, so pleased you enjoyed The Cast Iron Shore. As you know, it was her first novel, and there are many more you are sure to find a rewarding read. The Dark Circle reminds us of the impact of TB on 50s Britain, and much more besides. The Clothes on Their Backs was shortlisted for the Booker, and in 2009 her non-fiction, The Thoughtful Dresser, was well researched and engrossing on how we choose to present ourselves. Plenty to choose from. Let me know what you think.
Paul wrote: "It's been a long time since I've read such a sharp-toothed review in the Guardian book review."I remember reading reviews of My Autobiography of Carson McCullers when it was released in the US. But I don’t recall whether the reviews were good or bad; they might well have been raves as it was, after all, a National Book Award Finalist for nonfiction, but the book just sounded so bad to me I couldn’t imagine myself reading it.
I’d even disagree with the seeming tautology “For me, Carson’s words are her words.” For me, they’re someone else’s words; only the order of the words is McCullers’.
Bill wrote: "Paul wrote: "It's been a long time since I've read such a sharp-toothed review in the Guardian book review."I remember reading reviews of My Autobiography of Carson McCullers when..."
“For me, Carson’s words are her words.”
That reminded me of Stein's "A rose is a rose is a rose".
I've always thought there must be a most profound meaning behind the Stein quote as it has become so famous.
Alas, I am obviously too dim to "get it"..... :-(
scarletnoir wrote: "AB76 wrote: "Just watched "Battaglia di Algieri" , the classic Italian directed film of the Algerian revolution, superb, somebody here had recommended it an..."scarletnoir wrote: "AB76 wrote: "Just watched "Battaglia di Algieri"
, the classic Italian directed film of the Algerian revolution, superb, somebody here had recommended it an..."scarletnoir wrote: "AB76 wrote: "Just watched "Battaglia di Algieri"
, the classic Italian directed film of the Algerian revolution, superb, somebody here had recommended it an..."Not sure if I bumped into Andy, unless he was the feller I tripped up to prevent them from getting his hands on the cake I was eyeing up!
I think I’m a bit east of the Lass. But Wigtown is a great visit for anyone even close to the area.
Cheers AB. The plan is to be home mid June, when I’ve got my second jab. Also I expect there’ll be too many people around our National Parks in July August for me.
Big trip in September all being well. Overland into Europe for 3 months hopefully.
Tough read indeed GPFR, but I really got a lot out of it. A novel does have the power to inform, and this is, as you say, about a shocking incident that needs people to be aware of it.
Lass wrote: "scarletnoir wrote: "AB76 wrote: "Just watched "Battaglia di Algieri" , the classic Italian directed film of the Algerian revolution, superb, somebody here h..."If he had a red dog on a string then it was me..
There’s a huge resident cat in The Bookshop that scares many a dog I’m told. Fortunately mine was on his best behaviour.
I think he likes the smell of secondhand bookshops..
I’m in Port Appin, Argyll coast not far from Ballachulish / Glencoe. It has a literary claim to fame.
As well as a Holy Grail one..
I’ll expand later..
Native: Life in a Vanishing Landscape by Patrick Laurie.
I read this while in Galloway, and while travelling in the Forest Park intentionally took the slow route to see farms and cattle like Laurie describes.
I had originally come across the book when it was shortlisted for the Wainwright Nature Prize in 2020. It is at its strength when dealing with farm life, and certainly recommended if you intend to visit the area and be aware of its cultural history.
Personally though I wanted more than cows..I’m aware how my criticism may sound, it is after all a book about cows. But I wanted other nature, if which there isn’t much. For example, I’ve only recently read what May go on to be my favourite book of the year, Owls of the Eastern Ice: A Quest to Find and Save the World's Largest Owl, which is comprehensive about all of the nature in the area, as well as its characters and history, but the star of course, is the owl.
From that Wainwright shortlist last year, my favourite was The Frayed Atlantic Edge: A Historian's Journey from Shetland to the Channel, should anyone be interested..
I ventured out to my nearest bookshop today. It was wonderful to be somewhere that wasn't home, work or the supermarket, but also quite stressful to be walking through a town centre that was bustling. However, the bookshop wasn't too busy, so in I went. It was the most enjoyable 30 minutes, the only problem was being able to have some degree of restraint.
3 books bought - The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro, Explaining Humans by Dr Camilla Pang and Knots and Crosses by Ian Rankin. I've also ordered Small Gods by Terry Pratchett.
Fuzzywuzz wrote: "I ventured out to my nearest bookshop today. It was wonderful to be somewhere that wasn't home, work or the supermarket, but also quite stressful to be walking through a town centre that was bustli..."well done to get out, sadly the bustling streets are a sign of a lack of caution which i have also witnessed, not as bad as it could be but you start to think "is anyone being careful", when in reality footfall is still 50% of normal where i am. We have all been reduced to seeing 50% of normal as "busy".
the only area, which is 100% normal is the choking swarms of vehicles clogging every road in the town where i live since Mid March. it was 70% for most of Jan-|Feb but now its just awful
Andy wrote: "Cheers AB. The plan is to be home mid June, when I’ve got my second jab. Also I expect there’ll be too many people around our National Parks in July August for me.
Big trip in September all being..."
bon voyage Andy and sensible to be round for that second jab, with both done you can travel with more confidence.
Andy wrote: "Lass wrote: "scarletnoir wrote: "AB76 wrote: "Just watched "Battaglia di Algieri" , the classic Italian directed film of the Algerian revolution, superb, so..."Ah, no. Peebles for us. Argyll is lovely. Will probably explore again at some point. As for Wigtown, it’s long been on my list!
As many of you know, i'm a census junkie and recently struck gold of sorts on a 1956 census of Tunisia(in French) and yesterday a census of the Nyasa Federation 1956(which included the old North and South Rhodesia and Malawi)my interest in the Nyasa Fed, was that i shared a commute for 4 mths with 3 total strangers who all grew up in the Federation. I would sit there and listen to their stories, which enlivened a very dull and usually horribly silent commute
What struck me about the census, in 1956, was despite the small white population numbers (3% max overall), the population growth of the white was phenomenal between 1946-56. I think the Rhodesia's were popular with ex-army folk after WW2 but to see almost a doubling of the white population from 1946-56 in S Rhodesia(now Zimbabwe) and N Rhodesia(now Zambia) really suprised me
a literary link to this is one of Doris Lessings short stories set in late 1940s Salisbury(Harare), where the acute housing shortage in the city means many immigrant whites living in hotels and shacks, awaiting their chalet or bungalow in the sun. So clearly the population boom wasnt without its problems...
Lass wrote: "Not sure if I bumped into Andy, unless he was the feller I tripped up to prevent them from getting his hands on the cake I was eyeing up!Hi, Lass - judging by the repeat excerpts from my comment, and the earlier identical problem with your response to Paul, it looks as if your computer is acting up, unless you have developed some sort of weird 'hair trigger' on the keyboard! ;-)
Fuzzywuzz wrote: "...Knots and Crosses by Ian Rankin..."You don't say if you are familiar with the Rebus series, or not. This is the first (though not the first I read), and not the best - Rankin got a lot better as the series developed. I like them all to varying degrees, though felt that the couple of books where a lot of action is set in London were weaker. Edinburgh as a setting is almost an extra 'character' in Rankin's works.
Anyway - let us know how you get on with it... I hope you like it.
It seems that Len Deighton's 1960s spy stories are soon to be reissued:https://www.theguardian.com/books/202...
As the article notes, Deighton’s heroes are often forced to battle class prejudice as well as malignant foreign powers. And there is frequently little to indicate which is more sinister. These books provided a more grown-up approach to spy tales than the fantastic James Bond novels. Deighton set out to entertain, and succeeded - he never got on a pulpit though.
I did feel that the quality of his writing deteriorated later, when plotting seemed to become the be all and end all of his novels; the earlier books had significantly more character development, and were all the better for it.
I do feel the publishers are making one big mistake, though - their choice of cover. Surely, they could never have improved on this one:
Of course, I read this when it first came out... it may well have dated!
Andy wrote: "I’m in Port Appin, Argyll coast not far from Ballachulish / Glencoe. It has a literary claim to fame.
As well as a Holy Grail one..
I’ll expand later.."
The Appin Murders, Kidnapped.
And Castle Stalker was used as one of the sets for Python & The Holy Grail.
giveusaclue wrote: "Battle of Towton"
We don't live far from Towton and had a wander about the battlefield last week. There is a trail round and a number of information boards giving historical context and some info about how the battle went.
Good way to spend a couple of hours.
We don't live far from Towton and had a wander about the battlefield last week. There is a trail round and a number of information boards giving historical context and some info about how the battle went.
Good way to spend a couple of hours.
scarletnoir wrote: "It seems that Len Deighton's 1960s spy stories are soon to be reissued:https://www.theguardian.com/books/202...
As the articl..."
i found Deighton very dissapointing to read, i expected a lot from his ouevre and having watched the films with Michael Caine in and SS-GB a few years back but on the page, i just felt...not for me, something about how he writes just made me stop reading
AB76 wrote: "Fuzzywuzz wrote: "I ventured out to my nearest bookshop today. It was wonderful to be somewhere that wasn't home, work or the supermarket, but also quite stressful to be walking through a town cent..."Yes, caution does seem to be out the window. Cafes with outdoor seating and tables packed like sardines are hardly adhering to social distancing. Most people show a lack of spatial awareness...I could go on, but suffice to say that I find it much easier to go about shopping etc. at off-peak times, and this was in pre-Covid times.
scarletnoir wrote: "Fuzzywuzz wrote: "...Knots and Crosses by Ian Rankin..."You don't say if you are familiar with the Rebus series, or not. This is the first (though not the first I read), and not the best - Rankin..."
No, I've never read any of the Rebus books. Despite trying to expand my reading scope, reading crime/thrillers is like being enveloped in a warm, comfortable blanket. I usually will read one interspersed with other book types.
It may have been you previously who have made some excellent recommendations vis-à-vis crime/thrillers in the past. Book one of the Rebus series was a good place to start, or so I thought! I'll keep you posted :)
Finally, I have bought myself a proper reading light. Expensive, that’s why I delayed but what a difference it has made for now I can read my poetry books again.I had despaired of enjoying Crow (Ted Hughes- marvellous) fully. Don’t know if you have tried reading with a magnifying glass but, as you do not see the whole line one’s brain races ahead of the text. That’s the only rway I can describe what happens - eyes meet the edge of the glass, interrupts the flow.
It’s an odd looking lamp , reminds me of an ostrich head for it has a long neck but it illuminates the page. Wish I had bought it sooner
This topic has been frozen by the moderator. No new comments can be posted.
Ersatz TLS
Books mentioned in this topic
Antisemitism (other topics)Knots and Crosses (other topics)
Kidnapped (other topics)
Ipcress danger immediat (other topics)
Native: Life in a Vanishing Landscape (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Patrick Laurie (other topics)Olivia Laing (other topics)
Jean Lartéguy (other topics)
Patrick Laurie (other topics)
Artem Chekh (other topics)
More...
One of the most awful books I had the misfortune to read."
I agree - Olivia Laing pretty much lost me from that second answer, so that by the time I reached the "it's the way you say it" answer, I knew our tastes were inimical. I'd thought about reading The Lonely City: Adventures in the Art of Being Alone, but after paging through it in the library decided against it.