although the phrase “one step forward, two steps back” comes to mind, because although I donated another seven books today, I did come home with three new ones…
However, I’m not going to beat myself up about this *too* much; because for a start the Jennifer Dawson is an upgrade of a Virago I already have. Mind is a bit more battered, so this one will be a shinier replacement. The Proust matches my set of “Remembrance….” very nicely and the Philip Larkin is essential as I think I own everything else of his that’s been published. Having said that, I’m not 100% sure I *want* to read the Larkin, as I’ve heard scurrilous things about it – we shall see….
Kaggsy's Bookish Ramblings 
Jun 06, 2015 @ 16:53:28
Every time I see your posts where you have lovingly photographed your latest acquisitions I picture towering stacks just threatening to fall right behind you! I donated bags full of books to the spring round of charity sales but it has hardly made a difference. Bookcases, like nature, abhorr a vaccum it seems. 🙂
Jun 06, 2015 @ 16:54:48
It’s a wee bit like that round here, though all the books *are* on shelves – so as long as they stay standing we’ll be ok…. And yes – a bookcase doesn’t stay empty long in my house!
Jun 06, 2015 @ 17:47:15
I read the J. Santeuil many years ago – same cover as yours – but remember little about it now, sad to say. I took a bagful to Clic Sargent recently, but on looking in the cellar for plant pots earlier today was reminded of the boxes full of overflow books down there, and several more in the garage. 1 step forward, 3 steps back!
Jun 06, 2015 @ 19:00:28
Books seem to end up in all sorts of corners all over the house, don’t they? It’s a challenge to keep track of them…. 🙂
Jun 06, 2015 @ 18:25:10
I’m jealous of your Jean Santeuil. I keep looking out for a copy but will probably end up getting it from eBay or Amazon. I had a library copy kicking around for months as I was on the verge of starting it but never did.
Jun 06, 2015 @ 18:59:44
I don’t think I’ve ever seen it before anywhere, but the Samaritans Book Cave (where I found it) tend to have a good and unusual selection – plus they’re a bit cheaper than the Oxfam! 🙂
Jun 06, 2015 @ 18:46:30
Well, that is still 4 down! So it is completley justified to bring these three beauties home…have a great weekend! Johanna
Jun 06, 2015 @ 18:59:04
You too Johanna – and I feel no guilt! 🙂
Jun 06, 2015 @ 18:56:24
Lovely looking books Karen that Virago isn’t one that I’ve heard of.
Jun 06, 2015 @ 18:58:34
It’s not one I see very often – would you like my spare (no-one has claimed it on LT yet….)
Jun 06, 2015 @ 19:47:45
Oh I would love it. You send me so many books most of which I haven’t read yet. Oh the guilt!
Jun 06, 2015 @ 19:56:22
🙂 Don’t worry about the guilt – you haven’t seen all my shelves…. I’ll send it off in the week!
Jun 06, 2015 @ 20:40:53
Thank you so much.
Jun 06, 2015 @ 22:02:49
I must confess that three books is very moderate indeed when I add up what’s arrived here this week. I haven’t read that Jennifer Dawson but the one I have read was very good, and that it’s been published by Virago and Valancourt speaks very well for ‘The Ha-Ha’.
Jun 07, 2015 @ 11:32:14
I think three is reasonably, particularly as I’m donating at the same time!
Jun 07, 2015 @ 05:32:51
Ooh, I’ve read Larkin’s novels (trust me to find the novels) but didn’t know he wrote any other short fiction. Love his poems, and that he was Barbara Pym’s friend! I may have to look for this.
Jun 07, 2015 @ 11:30:24
Well, some of this is a little dodgy, I believe – Larkin writing saucy schoolgirl tales under a female name! But as a Larkin completist, I need to own them….
Jun 08, 2015 @ 01:21:55
Oh no! Maybe I’ll skip it!
Jun 08, 2015 @ 08:38:33
I’m not sure I’ll actually read it, if I’m honest….
Jun 08, 2015 @ 18:14:58
I thinki getting rid of seven books and only acquiring three more is pretty good going. When I have culls the books frequently migrate from the car boot back to the house!
Jun 08, 2015 @ 19:43:23
That *has* been known to happen to me! Nowadays, I grab a handful that have to go and take them straight to the charity shop – it’s the only way…
Jun 14, 2015 @ 12:29:05
Oh The Ha-Ha – read that one years ago in the first flowering of my Virago obsession!
Jun 14, 2015 @ 12:42:49
But can you recall anything about it??? 🙂
Jun 15, 2015 @ 09:59:54
Um, no, except it might be a coming-of-age tale. I don’t seem to own it, either, and I’m sure I did at some stage!