Ancient & Medieval Historical Fiction discussion
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What Are You Reading Right Now? ( Hwæt béon ðu bocrædung?)
message 7701:
by
Rafael
(new)
Nov 15, 2016 07:08PM
I am reading a brazilian edition of Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie.
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I'm reading the Chinese version of The Peony Pavilion: Mudan ting. It's a richly textured literary drama with poetic undertone. I rely heavily on the annotations which are full of historical and literary information to gain an appreciation of the masterpiece!
I've started a few more books, Frog Music by Emma Donoghue. I'm not that keen on it so far, a mystery set in the Wild West sounds good but so far it's not interesting. and Adultery by Richard B. Wright which is better but not as good as I was expecting based on the last book I read by this author.
While reading up on another classic play The Peach Blossom Fan, I 've discovered a very interesting historical figure: a famous 17th century Ming courtesan cum poetess named Liu Rushi. Like George Sand of 19th century France, she loved donning men's clothing and mingling with the literati and was a talented and prolific poetry writer. I'm trying to dig up more information about her at the library in Hong Kong! My next historical novel is in embryonic form!
Gretchen wrote: "Frog Music was quite possibly the worst book I have ever read."Ha, I did go into it with a bit of trepidation, as you are not my only friend to think that.
Gretchen wrote: "Frog Music was quite possibly the worst book I have ever read."I remember your virulent hatred for that book. LOL.
Thank you all for your comments on Frog Music. It has been on my "to be read" list, but at the very least, if I don't remove it entirely, it gets moved waaaaay down the list!
I'll be avoiding Frog Music too!Currently reading A Killer in Winter
- I'm reading the series out of order but thoroughly enjoying this book anyway.
Needed to read
before it's due back at the library but as soon as it's done, I'm gonna read
so I can be ready to read book #2 with you all in December!
Allie wrote: "Gretchen wrote: "Frog Music was quite possibly the worst book I have ever read."I remember your virulent hatred for that book. LOL."
It was worse than the post-election Thanksgiving meal for 20 people I'm planning. My mom says we can't have a Bloody Mary bar because we are eating too early. All that means is I'm making mimosas instead.
Allie wrote: "Needed to read
before it's due back at the library but as soon as it's done, I'm gonna read
so I can be..."I am pretty new here. Do you have group reads? Sounds like it! I would love to get in on Ellis Peters if it is still possible! Someone fill me in please! Thanks in advance!
Gretchen wrote: "Allie wrote: "Gretchen wrote: "Frog Music was quite possibly the worst book I have ever read."I remember your virulent hatred for that book. LOL."
It was worse than the post-election Thanksgivin..."
Can I come to your house? I don't eat meat, but your taters and mimosas would be fair game! We made a decision a few years ago to NOT travel on holidays. Which means we have had peaceful and calm days ever since. We are tossing around having homemade pizza or green chili for the holiday---mimosas would go nicely with either, don't you think?!
The one for December is here: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...You'll find all of them here: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/group...
Pamela wrote: "...Currently reading A Killer in Winter
- I'm reading the series out of order but thoroughly enjoying this book anyway."Mrs Happy brought me Ms. Gregory's latest Matthew Bartholomew mystery (at least to me:))
home from the library - it's probably #2 or 3 on the nightstand. I'm up to 12 checked out again. It's good that I've got a 4 day weekend this weekend :)
I'm currently reading a WW II NF look at Douglas MacArthur's contributions to the Allied Victory
I've started the Chinese edition of The Book and the Sword by Jin Yong and find myself totally immersed in it ~ the thrill that I experienced in my first reading in childhood is coming back! Better still , I'm now able to appreciate the author's literary skill, apart from his superb storytelling.
Hey Alice, I was in your area of Canada last week, out at the River Rock. Has a couple nice walks along along the West Dyke Trail, beautiful area there, I imagine those houses area pretty pricey but nice view of the ocean. I have started another book myself, Germline by T.C. McCarthy. A military SciFi that is turning out to be pretty good so far but we'll see how it turns out.
Dawn wrote: "The one for December is here: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...You'll find all of them here: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/group_..."
Thank you!
Carlos wrote: "My book review of that book: Meh!"Lmao. I don't feel bad about taking it out of my tbr then!
Allie wrote: "Carlos wrote: "My book review of that book: Meh!"Lmao. I don't feel bad about taking it out of my tbr then!"
I never had it on my tbr; I prefer to remember Sir Derek Jacobi and the television series.
Dawn wrote: "Hey Alice, I was in your area of Canada last week, out at the River Rock. Has a couple nice walks along along the West Dyke Trail, beautiful area there, I imagine those houses area pretty pricey bu..."Oh Dawn, so we've missed the chance of meeting each other! I'll be heading back home from Hong Kong on December 7th. Next week I'll explore my favorite haunts: the various beaches on Hong Kong island!
I'm really glad to have dug up interesting information about the historical characters for my next novel: they were all courtesans from the end of Ming dynasty with high principles and great literary talent. Very excited!
Home in time for Christmas then, enjoy your last week and a bit in Hong Kong. It sounds like you are having a good time.
I'm listening to A Morbid Taste for Bones by Ellis Peters. It's quite enjoyable just a bit dated. Say, whats with this pose in the authors profile pic?
https://www.goodreads.com/photo/autho...
Ace wrote: "I'm listening to A Morbid Taste for Bones by Ellis Peters. It's quite enjoyable just a bit dated. Say, whats with this pose in the authors profile pic?
https://www.goo..."
What is she holding? When I enlarge it, it becomes too blurry for me to tell.
Same here Carol, I think its something from the basket in front of her, but more importantly, why is she holding it up like that?
Ace wrote: "Same here Carol, I think its something from the basket in front of her, but more importantly, why is she holding it up like that?"Then there's that, lol. Too odd.
It is definitely from the basket and is some kind of plant/seed. Looks to me like she may have been smelling it. Since Brother Cadfael was an herbal healer, perhaps the pic is sort of a reference to that?
When The Bough Breaks, And Other Stories / Naomi Mitchison: short story collection covering most of the periods of Roman history -- Caesar to Alaric.
Carol wrote: "What is she holding? When I enlarge it, it becomes too blurry for me to tell...."My sister thinks that they are love-in-a-mist seed heads.
I had a look at some Google Images and there are so many more flattering and beautiful pictures of her. Any librarians among us that can upload a nicer one? I finished the first Cadfael. Looking forward to book 2.
Started the "prequel" to Brother Cadfael, "A Rare Benedictine". Three short stories and the first one explains how he ended up in Shrewsbury. I always figured it had to be something like on the "road to Woodstock", but it is nice to know for sure. Sort of rounds things out. I am not sure if the other two short stories are also prequels to "Morbid Taste" so will have to check the dates.
Lynne wrote: "For those who, like me, always need more information!http://www.motherearthliving.com/Plan..."
*raises hand*.
Yes, that's me. Thanks for the link to a great article.
happy wrote: "I just started
#25 in the Sister Fidelma series"
Have your read ALL the Fidelma's? I have them in one of my to-be-read piles, the one with the historical mysteries. Are these good? How do they compare to Ellis Peters?
This is the first one - I don't normally read a series out of order, but Mrs. Happy saw it came it to the library and brought it home for me.
Jane wrote: "The Chimes / Anna SmaillThe Real Lives of Roman Britain / Guy de la Bedoyere"
I just started reading The Chimes. Be interested to hear your thoughts on this one.
Lynne wrote: "happy wrote: "I just started
#25 in the Sister Fidelma series"
Have your read ALL the Fidelma's? I have them in one of my to-be-read piles, the one with the..."
I've read several of the Sister Fidelma's through the years. Tried to read them in order, but have read ones from the library or a few I've picked up from a used book store. I've always enjoyed them.
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