As we slide into a new decade, it’s time for a look back over 2019 and the books I read – and there really were some crackers in there! But I really struggle to pick favourites, because so many of my reads are outstanding for different reasons. I can’t possibly do a Top Ten, so instead I thought I’d post some thoughts about favourite books, publishers and genres – here goes!
Russians
Inevitably I have read more Russian authors this year, although there was a slight hiatus at one point so that I ended up thinking the blog was suffering from Russian Reading Deficiency! However, a quick dose of the Gogols soon sorted that out! Spring was the season of Dostoevsky’s “The Devils”, in a lovely new edition from Alma Classics, and it was an intense read which absorbed me for some time; it was a bit of a marathon in the end, but worth every minute spent reading it. A really epic book in many ways, full of the humour and drama you’d expect from Dosty – wonderful!
I’ve also been enjoying some more modern works from the wonderful publisher Glagoslav; they’ve put out some excellent titles from countries I haven’t always read from before. A really interesting imprint, and one to watch.
Golden Age Crime
There has been, I’m pleased to say, a lot of Golden Age Crime on the Ramblings this year. It’s a favourite reading genre of mine and much has come from the wonderful British Library Crime Classics imprint. There have been some excellent books released, lots of new authors and some really great anthologies. Plus plenty of Reggie Fortune, which makes me happy! I also revisited the Queen of Crime, who’s always a joy to read; next year, I must spend some time with Lord Peter Wimsey!
Poetry
There has also been much poetry on the Ramblings in 2019, which makes me very happy. I discovered the Morden Tower poets, Basil Bunting, Tom Pickard and the vastly entertaining (and very clever) Brian Bilston. I also went back to Philip Larkin, one of my favourite poets ever. I still don’t read enough of the wonderful verse volumes I have on my shelves so that’s another thing I need to rectify in 2020. Interesting how many of the poets I love are from the cold North (a place I’m often drawn back to) – and published by Bloodaxe Books!
Essays and Non-Fiction
I’m not sure why I’ve been drawn to non-fiction works so much this year, but I seem to have read quite a lot! There are of course all the lovely books put out by Notting Hill Editions, who make an art of issuing fascinating essay collections which are also beautiful to look at. If I can find my Shostakovich, I’ll share a picture of all my NHE books at some point…
Equally, Fitzcarraldo Editions release some really thought-provoking works and I rather crave adjoining book shelves with my Fitzcarraldo and Notting Hills next to each other. The Ian Penman collection was a particular treat this year from Fitzcarraldo; and other publishers have produced equally fascinating books, like the marvellous “Selfies”. A lot of these books lie outside any strict definition of fiction or non-fiction, and I do find I like that kind of book nowadays.
Translated Literature
Mention of Fitzcarraldo brings me by necessity to Olga Tokarczuk’s “Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead” which definitely *is* one of my books of the year. I was blown away by her “Flights” last year, and this title didn’t disappoint. I read a lot of translated works, and am eternally grateful to translators. NYRB and Pushkin Press have issued numerous wonderful books in translation that I’m so happy to have read, like “Isolde” and “Rock, Paper, Scissors” and “Portraits without Frames”…. I was also so happy to rediscover Mishima and find that I loved his work just as much as ever. Well, I could go on and on, but suffice to say that I am made a happy reader thanks to the efforts of all those fine people who translate books! 😀
John Berger
Berger deserves a special mention; I’ve read a number of his books this year (and there is a review pending of one I finished very recently) and each has been a wonderful, thought-provoking and unique experience. Several have been in beautiful editions from Notting Hill; and he’s proved to be a a very human (and humane) writer with so much to say. I really have no doubt that I’ll continue to read him in 2020.
Reading Clubs
I’ve been very happy to once more co-host two Reading Club weeks during 2019 with Simon from Stuck in a Book. This year, we focused on books from 1965 and 1930, and it was such fun! We plan to continue in 2020, with the 1920 Club happening in April, so do join in – we have the most wonderful discussions and it’s a great way to pick up ideas for books to read!
Documentaries and Interviews!
I took a slight tangent on what is, after all, a book blog in March when Professor Richard Clay’s “How to Go Viral” documentary aired on UK TV. I first became aware of his work back in 2014 via his documentary on French Revolutionary iconoclasm, followed by his fascinating look at the history of graffiti and then his epic series “Utopia”; and so I was delighted when Richard agreed to be interviewed for the blog. I do love a good documentary (and apart from a few notable exceptions, there’s been a bit of a dearth lately). Richard’s ideas are so very interesting, and you can read the interview here and here. He’s been filming a new documentary recently, so that’s something to look forward in 2020! 🙂
The Summer Big Book
I can’t finish this rather rambly post without mention of a very special reading experience I had in the summer; if I was forced at gunpoint to pick a read of the year, I would probably have to mention Victor Serge’s Notebooks, published by NYRB. I’ve raved about Serge’s writing many times on the Ramblings, and was ridiculously excited about the release of this very chunky collection. At just under 600 pages, it’s no quick read, but a wonderfully rich and rewarding one; it accompanied me on my travels during the summer, giving me a glimpse into Serge’s life and mind, as well as all the notable people and places he encountered. A brilliant and immersive read, and one I won’t forget.
It has been a very difficult time out there in Real Life recently, with a feeling (here, at least) that the world is slipping gradually into being a more harsh and intolerant place; reading and books and ideas have always been my coping mechanism, and will continue to be essential I suspect. Anyway – this post will have to do as a bit of a snapshot of my 2019 reading, although I can’t help feeling I’ve missed too many out. There are *so* many books I’ve read and loved this year that I feel mean not mentioning them; I’ll just suggest you go and read my posts to see what books have meant the most to me! 2019 has been a great reading year, and here’s hoping 2020 is as good!
*****
A lot of people have been doing their “Books of the Decade” this month, and I did consider this for a brief moment. However, the blog’s only been here since 2012, and frankly before that I couldn’t tell you what I was reading!! My end of year posts during the blog’s life would no doubt give you a flavour of how my reading tastes have evolved – and I’m sure they have – so check them out if you wish!
Dec 31, 2019 @ 08:50:16
I hope your reading continues to provide solace in 2020, Karen. Happy new year.
Dec 31, 2019 @ 11:41:15
Thanks Simon, and Happy New Year to you and yours! 😀
Dec 31, 2019 @ 10:53:52
I bought the Penman after your review. Looking forward to it, as we share a love of books about music. I’m always impressed by the depth of your reading and reviewing Karen – here’s to more in 2020!
Dec 31, 2019 @ 11:40:44
I do hope you love it, Annabel – I’ve adored his writing since the heyday of NME so it was just perfect for me! 😀 And thank you – looking forward to more fab 2020 reading!
Dec 31, 2019 @ 12:22:59
I somehow managed to go the whole year without reading any Russians, very unexpected, I’m glad you did better!
Dec 31, 2019 @ 13:07:52
I can never read too many Russians! And I had a book shuffle yesterday and found at least a dozen on the pending pille, which is a good way to start a new year! 😀
Dec 31, 2019 @ 13:46:24
Definitely sounds like a great start! I usually enjoy them too, which is why I was so surprised not to have read any this year…
Dec 31, 2019 @ 15:53:44
Well, since I’m toying with the idea of signing up for a translated lit challenge, they might well come in handy… ;D
Dec 31, 2019 @ 12:31:11
Fantastic post. You have had a wonderful year reading such a variety of books. Drive your Plow over the Bones of your Dead is definitely a book I must get round to soon. Looking forward to the next club week, they are such fun. I do understand why you find it hard to pick favourites.
Dec 31, 2019 @ 13:07:16
Thanks Ali! I do like to read very different types of books – I get fed up reading all one thing. Drive your Plow is fab – hope you enjoy it. I’m looking forward to 1920 as there are some wonderful choices.
And yes – I can’t pick favourites. I think it would be hard with such a range of books!
Dec 31, 2019 @ 14:05:38
I, too, find it hard to narrow down a list of favourites. They’re all so different and I love them all for different reasons. I love how you’ve written about your year of reading. Happy New Year!
Dec 31, 2019 @ 15:52:50
It’s really difficult for me to do a traditional list, so I much prefer going for a themed approach! I do read a fairly wide variety of books and comparisons don’t work well I find. Happy New Year to you too! 😀
Dec 31, 2019 @ 14:43:46
You’ve had such a varied year of reading! I hope 2020 will be another good one for you. I’m already looking forward to 1920 Club. 🙂
Dec 31, 2019 @ 15:51:36
Yes, very varied which is what I love! Already have some wonderful looking books lined up for next year. And I’m so excited for 1920 – a marvellous year! 😀
Dec 31, 2019 @ 15:43:38
What a wonderful range of books – something for every reading mood! I haven’t read a single Russian since the War and Peace read-along, but I think 2020 might be the year when I finally introduce myself to Dostoevsky.
Happy New Year!
Dec 31, 2019 @ 15:50:42
Thanks Jane – that’s a great way to put it, I do have reading moods. I do hope you get to meet Dostoevsky in 2020 – I adore his work! If you don’t fancy a chunkster, The Double and The Gambler are good introductions to his style – I love them both!
Happy New Year to you and yours! 😀
Dec 31, 2019 @ 17:33:41
A lovely review of your literary year, touching on all your ‘trademark’ areas from the Russians to vintage crime to Victor Serge! I hope to get around to Drive Your Plow next year, but we’ll see what the future brings.
Wishing you all the very best for 2020, Karen. I think many of us will be seeking solace in books in the weeks and months ahead…
Dec 31, 2019 @ 19:36:31
Thanks Jacqui – I did think it was a very *me* post! I hope you like Drive your Plow – I thought it was remarkable.
All the best to you too for 2020 – I think comfort in words is the way forward…
Dec 31, 2019 @ 17:44:05
I sometimes find it hard to pick my best reads of the year, though this year I arrived at them quite quickly. Your review of the year is probably a better idea! As you will discover, I’m planning on some Russian reading in January. All the best for 2020!
Dec 31, 2019 @ 19:35:41
Yeah, a bare list is a real struggle because of the different genres and styles. I prefer an overview! Look forward to seeing what Russians you approach. Happy new year! 😀
Dec 31, 2019 @ 19:16:48
A great years reading Karen looking forward to see what you read next year
Dec 31, 2019 @ 19:34:39
Thanks Stu! Lining up some interesting books I hope! 😀
Dec 31, 2019 @ 21:17:06
Happy New Year, Karen. When I was in Pune recently I presented a talk on book reviewing—critical writing, how to pitch, etc. But I always champion the much maligned book blog. Being able to follow one’s own evolving reading pathways and journey with others is an experience no structured magazine or formal literary site offers. I look forward to seeing where the year ahead takes you.
Jan 01, 2020 @ 10:14:14
Thanks Joe, and to you. And yes, I do love the somewhat rambling nature of my reading and blogging – there’s a reason for the blog’s name! Following my whim does mean I stumble across some real treasures!
Dec 31, 2019 @ 21:36:54
I must say Russia escaped me this year but I did manage a visit. I am inspired to read more but doubt it will be soon. Who knows. I read a lot of non fiction this year. It seems it goes up in number along with my age. Is that a thing? Looking forward to seeing what you get up to this year. 🤠🐧
Jan 01, 2020 @ 10:13:20
Ah, I’m very envious of your visit! And like you, I find myself very drawn to non-fiction nowadays – maybe it is an age thing! :DD
Jan 01, 2020 @ 06:20:31
What a lot of interesting books you crossed paths with this year! The Notting Hill Editions look particularly intriguing – I can’t wait to browse through their website.
All the best for 2020 and may it only bring you good things and great books!
Jan 01, 2020 @ 10:11:18
I do love to read in a varied way, I confess! And yes – Notting Hill Editions books and lovely and so very interesting!
Hope 2020 is a bookish year for you too! 😀
Jan 01, 2020 @ 12:22:37
Wonderful round up, Karen.
I never got to say it but I love your Vive le Livre! subtitle.
Happy reading in 2020 and I’ll follow your reading journey with great pleasure.
Jan 01, 2020 @ 13:04:41
Thanks Emma! As for the subtitle, that actually came from an exchange with Richard Clay, and I liked it so much I adopted it! 😀
Jan 01, 2020 @ 12:42:34
A lovely retrospective – I’ll even excuse the lack of ranking 😉
One of my reading resolutions for the year is to actually read the Fitzcarraldo essays I’ve been buying…
Jan 01, 2020 @ 13:01:55
LOL! I just can’t do a straightforward list – always rambly, me! As for Fitzcarraldo, that’s one of my aims too, so we can spur each other on! They really are marvellous books!
Jan 01, 2020 @ 17:56:13
What a super snapshot of your reading year!! I couldn’t do the decade thing as I couldn’t just pick from my books of the year in case something had kind of bobbed up from not being a best of in its year, if you see what I mean! Happy reading and escaping in 2020!
Jan 01, 2020 @ 18:40:29
Yes, picking favourites from a year is hard enough let alone a decade…. Happy reading to you to – look forward to your bookish thoughts!
Jan 03, 2020 @ 11:35:00
I love how diverse your reading is, yet maintaining depth.
That said, I could probably do without (or at least my wallet could do without) being introduced to new publishers like Glagoslav and Notting Hill Editions.
And yes, vivre le livre!
Jan 03, 2020 @ 11:41:43
Thanks Max! I consider myself as now being at an age when I don’t want to waste time on fripperies and apart from the necessary palate cleansing and relaxation of something like a BLCC, I want to be reading books of reasonable substance!
And sorry about the new publishers – both are bringing out such interesting books that I just want to spread the word! I do seem to find myself reading more essays and non fiction and books which stretch the boundary genres nowadays – which is fine by me! 😀