Because it hasn’t been very normal on the Ramblings lately, I’m afraid. While my scheduled posts were popping up during the week, I’ve been running around like a mad thing dealing with a few emergencies re the Aged Parents, involving emergency ops, finding a safe place for one AP, and kennelling their dog. It’s a good thing I wasn’t at work, really, but it wasn’t the Easter break I’d been anticipating… Fortunately things have settled a bit, and I can get a little reading in before the hols are over.
I *had* planned a little post over the Easter weekend which was to be titled “I love it when a book calls my name!” – because that’s what it felt like recently when I had quite a nice book haul. I had a few little arrivals from various sources and they went something like this:
“Roadside Picnic” by the brother Strugatsky came through the post – I’ve loved both the books of theirs that I’ve read so I figured it was about time I read their most famous work (and I did love Tarkovsky’s film “Stalker” that was based on this book).
Two lovely old books by Mark Aldanov, also through the post – inspired by the interesting post here, on the Russian Dinosaur blog – I love discovering new (old) Russian authors. And aren’t the covers lovely??
I wish I could remember where I heard about Mavis Gallant and this book of hers – but I can’t. However, it sounded lovely and I ordered a cheap copy online – the first version that arrived had the right dustjacket with completely the wrong book inside it… Fortunately, a replacement was forthcoming….
The rest of the books to follow were charity shop finds, and very nice ones too!
First up, a couple of Simenon titles in a nice old Book Club edition: “Maigret and the Millionaires” and “Maigret and the Gangsters” – which were perfect reading for recent stressful times.
This one I’m not too sure about, however. It sounded good from the blurb, so I risked 75p, but when I looked it up online, I read quite a few negatives about the quality of the writing and the lack of original content. I’m not sure if I should spend any time on it – has anyone read it, and have they any opinions??
Down in the Samaritans Book Cave, I spotted this:
I have Ratushinskaya’s memoir, but I didn’t know she’d done a novel too – and it should hopefully be right up my street! I scanned the rest of the shelves and didn’t spot anything, so was just about to go and pay a paltry 50p for the above, when I swear a book was calling to me…
Even though I’d checked out the fiction section, my eyes must have slid over this one without seeing it, because I’ve been looking for it for ages! And it must have known and called out to me, because something made me go back and check to see if it was there and it was! So a lovely few new books have arrived, and I feel no guilt because there are four large boxes of books in the garage on their way out and more to follow. Now I just need to get my brain back into gear to do a little more reading…. 🙂
Apr 12, 2015 @ 02:56:50
All of Penelope Fitzgerald’s novels are wonderful and as an added bonus, they are short.
Apr 12, 2015 @ 10:36:34
🙂 That does help, when reading time is limited! I’ve heard such good things about her that I’m really looking forward to this one.
Apr 12, 2015 @ 06:17:18
Books are such a comfort when life decides it’s time to test us with the unexpected – I hope you manage to recapture a little holiday peace.
Apr 12, 2015 @ 10:36:59
They are – reading has always been my coping mechanism, and the Maigrets certainly did the trick for me this time.
Apr 12, 2015 @ 08:31:34
The Beginning of Spring is wonderful, I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Wishing you all the best with your parents. (I have a few health worries of my own at the moment, so I know how difficult these things can be…)
Apr 12, 2015 @ 10:37:49
I’m really keen to read it soon. Thanks for your wishes and I hope your own health worries are resolved speedily and effectively.
Apr 12, 2015 @ 20:04:45
I have that Lisa Hamilton book too. Hope things calm down for you all now. Health of older parents can be such a worry. Best wishes if course.
Apr 12, 2015 @ 20:32:41
Thanks Ali! And if you read that book before me I’ll be interested to hear what you think. 🙂
Apr 12, 2015 @ 23:47:33
Goodness, I am so glad you’re back to normal with your reading! Eldercare is very complicated and time-consuming. There are so many options, and it’s hard to find a good one for someone you love who has been very ill.
And, my goodness, you find the best books in England! I love Penelope Fitzgerald, and would certainly like a look at the Mavis Gallant!
Apr 13, 2015 @ 09:02:16
Yes, it’s been a trying time – the hardest thing was finding somewhere safe for my dad, and also trying to reassure everyone that everyone else was ok, because they were worrying about each other and the dog!
Apr 13, 2015 @ 09:44:51
That does sound hectic, my best wishes to you all, I hope it slows down a bit now for you and you’ve managed a bit of escapism this weekend. 🙂
Apr 13, 2015 @ 11:25:20
Thanks Alex! I finished Suite Francaise and started The Voyage Out for a re-read – lovely!
Apr 13, 2015 @ 19:46:29
Have you read ‘Hard to be a God’ by the Strugatsky brothers ? A film based on the book was released just a few months ago. I had not heard of them until I saw a trailer for the film, which made me want to search out the book.
I like the cover for Paris Notebooks!
Apr 13, 2015 @ 20:03:29
No, I’m still exploring their work. but I like the sound of this one! Paris Notebooks is calling to me too….
Apr 13, 2015 @ 21:05:43
Glad things have settled down a bit, Karen – I can really relate (sic).
Apr 13, 2015 @ 21:29:53
🙂 Having ageing parents is no fun – but I guess I’ll be there one day myself!
Apr 14, 2015 @ 23:10:06
It’s amazing you’ve been keeping up as well as you have: congrats. Hopefully things settle for a bit to allow for some more rest and relaxation for all involved. Mavis Gallant is one of the authors I’m considering for my next chronological short story project, when I’m finished with Alice Munro: her works are just wonderfully complex and satisfying. Enjoy your new finds!
Apr 15, 2015 @ 08:34:03
Thanks! Things are calm just now (touch wood)! I’m hoping to get to the Gallant soon – I’m intrigued by her!
Apr 15, 2015 @ 10:45:36
Glad you’re getting back to normal and reading and buying books is always a comfort. Hope the AP situation remains handlable and know that we’re all here for you if you need to vent / talk about it. Thinking of you.
Apr 15, 2015 @ 10:49:31
Thanks Liz. Yes, calm at the moment (touch wood) – the fun will come when we have to get them settled back home…. :s