What books are you reading now? (2024)

[SueLucie]

I missed hearing her Reith lectures but am really looking forward to reading them here. I forgot to mention this collection includes film reviews - they will be a treat, though a glance at the titles suggests I probably haven’t seen the films.
A huge loss, as you say.

[Alwynne]

Some pleasing plot twists and fascinating historical detail in The Djinn's Apple. Set in medieval Baghdad, it's a YA novella by Algerian author Djamila Morani. But I didn't always find the prose style and the overall delivery worked for me.

Link to my review:

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Alwynne]

I finished a novel by Kiyoko Murata A Woman of Pleasure widely acclaimed in Japan this is the first of her books available in English. It's a detailed account of life for women forced to work in brothels in Japan. Set in the early 1900s it incorporates historical events like the 1904 courtesan strike. I thought the style was slightly uneven, but I was fascinated by the historical, social and cultural aspects. I also liked that Murata focuses on those and steers clear of manipulating her readers' emotions.

Link to my review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Roman Clodia]

Thanks - I'd noted that but was waiting for some reviews - now requested!

[Lady Clementina]

Roman Clodia wrote: "More Barbara Pym for me: I'm starting A Glass of Blessings

"

Lovely--this is among my favourites of hers!

[Nigeyb]

This one sounds like a must read

[Alwynne]

Roman Clodia wrote: "Thanks - I'd noted that but was waiting for some reviews - now requested!"

The style is not the smoothest but think her material should interest you. Although I will never again look at a pair of tweezers in quite the same way.

[Roman Clodia]

Lady Clementina wrote: ""

Lovely--this is among my favourites of hers!"

One of my favorites too, Lady C! Though I say that about nearly every Pym I read:

www.goodreads.com/review/show/6257580952

[Alwynne]

I finished a short but striking debut novel by Swiss poet Rebecca Gisler About Uncle inventive and thoughtful, filled with memorable images, that raises interesting questions about contemporary Western society, about language, family, connection and disconnection.

Link to my review:

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Roman Clodia]

Following on from Rachel Cusk's Parade, I read her essayistic response to the breakdown of her marriage, Aftermath: On Marriage and Separation. It's been pretty divisive but I loved it. It's cerebral but intense enough for me to have to split it over a few days:

www.goodreads.com/review/show/4319553507

[Alwynne]

I finished a novel from the 1980s by comparatively-neglected author Janice Elliott Secret Places set during WW2, it's an intriguing mix of coming-of-age story, lesbian love story and unflinching examination of prejudice and discrimination in wartime England directed towards a young German refugee. An unusual depiction of WW2 and an author who would seem to fit the bill for rediscovery by a publisher like McNally or Persephone, although the novel itself is far from perfect it has a number of memorable features.

Link to my review:

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Lady Clementina]

Roman Clodia wrote: "Lady Clementina wrote: ""

Lovely--this is among my favourites of hers!"

One of my favorites too, Lady C! Though I say that about nearly every Pym I read:
..."

Oh, me too!

[Alwynne]

I finished revisiting a debut poetry collection from Dublin-based, queer poet Rosamund Taylor In Her Jaws powerful, inventive, fierce but graceful, with some wonderful imagery. I don't read much poetry but this is surprisingly accessible. And I loved the use of myth and history.

Link to my review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

There's a great interview with Taylor in the Irish Times that works well to frame her work and the themes/issues she's exploring - including autism and identity.

https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/bo...

[Roman Clodia]

I finished a wonderful collection of Joyce Carol Oates short stories from 1960-2000s - often dark, violent and disturbing, but marvellously crafted:

www.goodreads.com/review/show/5660998025

[John]

I have wanted to read Graham Greene for a long time. I decided to try Our Man in Havana.

A vacuum cleaner salesman finds himself involved in espionage. Sounds hilarious — and it is not a lengthy read, either.

I am getting tired of the novels (Donna Tartt and Zadie Smith, can you hear me?) that clock in at 575 pages.

[Martin]

If it's your first Greene you are in for a treat.

[Nigeyb]

I loved that novel John - the film is excellent too

[Nigeyb]

John wrote:


"I have wanted to read Graham Greene for a long time. I decided to try Our Man in Havana."


Here's our April 2020 discussion thread....

https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

I'd love to read your musings on there John

[John]

Thanks for the input. I look forward to reading this book.

[Roman Clodia]

I've read an ARC of the new Monique Roffey, Passiontide, and loved it:

www.goodreads.com/review/show/6287212851

[Alwynne]

I finished a cult novel from Asako Yuzuki Butter. A fascinating study of women, food, the body and femininity. It's very uneven, and much too long, but I liked the use of intertextuality and the insights into contemporary Japanese culture and its impact on women.

Link to my review:

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Roman Clodia]

I've been dithering over requesting Butter on NetGalley but suspect I'd share your frustrations - another one for the library list, perhaps? Appreciated your review, anyway.

[Alwynne]

Roman Clodia wrote: "I've been dithering over requesting Butter on NetGalley but suspect I'd share your frustrations - another one for the library list, perhaps? Appreciated your review, anyway."

It's one of those novels that loses its way, so the feminist angle is basically abandoned, instead the plot speeds up and takes a more sensationalist turn. This, in turn, morphs into one of those life-lesson narratives that've been very popular in Japan.

I don't know if you watch K-dramas at all but the standard format consists of 16 episodes with the story wrapped up at the end. A number of series tend to have covered all the main plot points around 13 episodes so that the last three can seem surplus to requirements or rambling for no reason. This is a little like that, I kept thinking it'd finished then turned the page to find yet more twists and subplots.

Having said that, I liked the the earlier sections a lot, enjoyed the detail of the recipes, the perspective on food culture etc But then again, I am a diehard K- and J-drama fan! So I'm also used to genre mash-ups and rambling plots.

[Alwynne]

If you have access to Netflix you can watch a drama based on another of her novels, it's called 'The Many Faces of Ito'.

[Alwynne]

Roman Clodia wrote: "Following on from Rachel Cusk's Parade, I read her essayistic response to the breakdown of her marriage, Aftermath: On Marriage and Separation. It's been pretty divisive but I loved..."

I read that one too, thought it was utterly compelling, I even liked her book on motherhood.

[Roman Clodia]

I've read a few books by Japanese women which have a great start then somehow lose their way - I don't have much patience for rambling! I'll pick it up from the library at some point as I'm still intrigued - but I'm trying not to choose books from NG where I can predict a lukewarm review.

Ha, I am contemplating Cusk on motherhood just because it's her - and I'd expect something cerebral rather than sentimental.

[Alwynne]

Roman Clodia wrote: "I've read a few books by Japanese women which have a great start then somehow lose their way - I don't have much patience for rambling! I'll pick it up from the library at some point as I'm still i..."

I think it's partly a difference in genre conventions but also I wondered if this was also serialised like so many Japanese novels.

I finished Jennifer Croft's The Extinction of Irena Rey which like fellow translator Kate Briggs's The Long Form is very much a novel of ideas. Here posing as a mystery revolving around the disappearance of a renowned European author. Sometimes highly entertaining, sometimes a bit of a slog. Lots of commentary on authorship, reception, publishing, translation etc

Link to my review:

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Alwynne]

I finished another book from Pushkin Press's excellent Japanese novella series, this time by award-winning author Toh EnJoe known for his elliptical, speculative fiction Harlequin Butterfly. I enjoyed this a great deal, although possibly because it reminded me of reading Philip K. Dick.

Link to my review:

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Tania]

That one looks really interesting.

I'm currently reading China Court by Rumer Godden. It's about several generations living in one house; there are a lot of characters, but they are all starting to become very distinct for me, and so the story is becoming clearer. It's quite an odd style, as she jumps through variuos different timelines, but it is done well.

[Brian E]

Tania wrote: "I'm currently reading China Court by Rumer Godden. It's about several generations living in one house; there are a lot of characte..."

I enjoyed China Court very much. If you enjoy her time-flipping style, which I did, you might want to try her earlier time-flipping book that is also "about several generations living in one house" called A Fugue in Time aka Take Three Tenses: A Fugue in Time.

[Alwynne]

Tania wrote: "That one looks really interesting.

I'm currently reading China Court by Rumer Godden. It's about several generations living in one house; there are a lot of characte..."

I should try more Godden, I loved her children's books.

I see btw that Sally Rooney has a new book on the way, am I the only one that's underwhelmed?!

[Alwynne]

Roman Clodia wrote: "I've read a few books by Japanese women which have a great start then somehow lose their way - I don't have much patience for rambling! I'll pick it up from the library at some point as I'm still i..."

Definitely unsentimental, refreshingly so, I think that's part of the reason why there was such an outcry about it.

[Tania]

Brian E wrote: "Tania wrote: "I'm currently reading China Court by Rumer Godden. It's about several generations living in one house; there are a lot of characte..."

I enjoyed China Court: The Hours of a Country House"

Thanks Brian, I'll certainly bare that in mind as I would like to read more by her. I loved Kingfishers Catch Fire, but I eas underwhelmed by Black Narcissus.

@Alwynne, I haven't read any of her childrens books, but I have been meaning to read An Episode of Sparrows for years as it has been favourably compared to The Secret Garden, which was my favourite book for years, though it has been such a long time since I reaf it.

[Roman Clodia]

Alwynne wrote: "I see btw that Sally Rooney has a new book on the way, am I the only one that's underwhelmed?!"

You're not alone! Her books feel like such easy reading to me, I can't understand all the fuss.

[Susan_MG]

I have just started the Accursed, Joyce Carol Oates, and I’m a bit shocked at the difference in writing style from the short story collection I am also reading. The historic details have taken me by surprise (I haven’t gotten to the main storyline yet). I grew up in the Philadelphia suburbs (quite near Camden) and am familiar with Princeton but I have absolutely no remembrance of learning history of that period in school. This beginning is quite alarming to me but the writing is so clear and compelling. I can’t put it down.

[Blaine]

The Accursed is on my 2024 list!

[Susan_MG]

Early pages but I am immediately captured by it.

[Roman Clodia]

I'll be very interested in what you both think of The Accursed!

[Janice]

I am reading Cranford by Elizabeth Gaskell

[SueLucie]

I have just finished The Black Friar , second in an excellent historical thriller series set in Cromwell’s time by S.G. MacLean. She is Scottish author Shona MacLean, niece of Alistair, and I am going to hear her speak about her books and career next week.

[Alwynne]

Janice wrote: "I am reading Cranford by Elizabeth Gaskell"

I haven't read that one but I thought the BBC adaptations featuring Judi Dench were excellent.

[Alwynne]

I finished the latest Xochitl Gonzalez novel Anita de Monte Laughs Last partly based on the life and suspicious death of artist Ana Mendieta. I am a huge admirer of Mendieta's art, so find it hard to disentangle my enjoyment of this one from my attachment to Mendieta. There's also a character Raquel who appears to be a version of Gonzalez, their life experiences overlap, and some of Raquel's observations mirror aspects of Gonzalez's articles for The Atlantic. Overall not always the most balanced piece and some decisions I could've done without but also moving and often gripping.

Link to my review:

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Roman Clodia]

I loved the audiobook of Dead Animals by Phoebe Stuckes, an almost gothic melding of classic weird horror with modern precarity, sexual trauma and female rage:

www.goodreads.com/review/show/6309405833

[Alwynne]

Roman Clodia wrote: "I loved the audiobook of Dead Animals by Phoebe Stuckes, an almost gothic melding of classic weird horror with modern precarity, sexual trauma and female rage:

w..."

I noticed that one because of the striking cover design and wondered what it might be like.

[Alwynne]

This year is the 50th anniversary of Ann Allen Shockley's ground-breaking novel Loving Her considered iconic because of its status as the first explicitly lesbian novel by, and about, a Black woman in America. As a novel it's unbalanced and often quite a disturbing read, sometimes deliberately, sometimes inadvertently. But in historical and cultural terms I found it fascinating.

Link to my review:

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Roman Clodia]

Alwynne wrote: "I noticed that one because of the striking cover design and wondered what it might be like"

I've seen some of the reviews complain about the writing, something which the audio might have erased. I happened to be travelling so could listen straight through (it's about 4 hours) and would have been hard-pressed if anyone had tried to tear me away from this!

I loved the imagery which encompasses a spectrum from everyday microagressions, especially around not eating meat and generally being a woman, to more weird tropes. It's suggestive rather than tying up everything neatly. Also, the audio is perfectly read with a great match of voice and narrative.

I'd love to hear what you think. I did wonder if I would have had the same experience if I'd read rather than listened.

[Alwynne]

Roman Clodia wrote: "Alwynne wrote: "I noticed that one because of the striking cover design and wondered what it might be like"

I've seen some of the reviews complain about the writing, something which the audio migh..."

I'll see if it's still on Netgalley! After a run of dense/downbeat titles, I finally finished the available entries in Umi Sakurai's manga series A Man & His Cat Vol. 9. I preferred the earlier more stripped-back entries but this still retained enough of its charm to capture my attention. I can't face nine separate reviews so this covers the series so far - three more instalments due out this year.

Link to my review:

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Alwynne]

I finished a debut novel by Korean Canadian writer Yeji Y. Ham The Invisible Hotel it's billed as horror but I'm not sure why, it's more realist with surrealist elements, and the horror is more to do with historical events or suggested rather than graphic. It's really an examination of the aftermath of the original phase of the Korean War and the way it now plays out in today's divided Korea seen from the perspective of a woman and her family in rural Korea. It's overly long and some of the metaphors are too forced/laboured but worth reading for anyone interested in Korean society or Korean history.

Link to my review:

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Alwynne]

I finished a debut novel by poet Kaveh Akbar Martyr! often inventive, this quickly morphed from more provocative story about identity, othering and alienated youth into a more conventional story of queer love and reconciliation. Unbalanced and a bit sentimental at times but highly readable.

Link to my review:

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Susan_MG]

I am finally getting back to The Accursed. The characters are amazing. jCO is splendid in her descriptions. I’m a bit puzzled as to the references to Calvin Coolidge as an ex President in this time frame as he was President in 1920s which is later than the time when Woodrow Wilson was President at Princeton. But, this is a fiction with real life persons incorporated into the story. In other words, None of it may be true. But, the story does leach from JCO’s experience while at Princeton. I’m about halfway and the KKK references and attitudes on race, religion, morals all play major roles in this work.
I don’t think I would have chosen this gothic genre if it wasn’t suggested to me but I am enjoying it. JCO is not light reading. I know I will read this again in print.