May has been an odd sort of reading month for me. I’ve read fewer books than I might have expected, given the amount of extra time I’ve got through not going out, paying visits to London and the like. I must admit to feeling a little bit twitchy after about 10 weeks of lockdown, with the only places I go to being the post office and the occasional nip into the local Co-op for veg. Browsing the local charity shops was one of my great pleasures and I’ve no idea when I’ll do that again. But I’m trying not to be too ungrateful, as I can work from home and safety is the main thing. Nevertheless, books *have* still made their way into the house, and I have been having a little bit of a shuffle of the book table, trying to decide what to read next – never an easy task for me… 😀 Here’s what’s been attracting my attention recently!
I have been shouting a bit recently on social media about Elizabeth Bowen; and the random discovery that there were some enticing-looking editions from Edinburgh University Press, bringing together uncollected short stories, essays, broadcasts and the like, was just too much to resist. They arrived, together with two other, older collections, as well as a book of Bowen and Charles Ritchie’s love letters. As I’ve said, I really could go on a Bowen Binge right now.
I’m also a huge fan of classics (fairly obviously) and there are a lot vying for attention right now. Carlyle and Chateaubriand have been lurking for a while, with Huysmans and Barbellion more recent arrivals. However, Ruskin has been someone I’ve always intended to read (so I really *should* get round to it before I get any older). The little hardback about why Ruskin matters turned up somewhere in my online browsing, and so I picked up some selected writings of Ruskin himself while I was at it. A new copy of Woolf’s “The Waves” may have fallen into my basket at the same time – I quite fancy a re-read and my original copy (which is nearly 40 years old) is just too crumbly and fragile to be comfortable with.
One thing I *have* been taking advantage of during these strange times is online bookish stuff; by which I mean mainly the festivals. The Charleston Festival moved online and there was a marvellous broadcast of an interview with Virago’s Lennie Goodings by Joan Bakewell – what a pair of inspirational women! However, one author has been very much in my sightline, from the Charleston Festival and also the Hay Online Festival, and that’s Philippe Sands. I’d previously read his short work on the city of Lvov/Lemberg and “East West Street” had been on my wishlist for ages; so stumbling across it just before lockdown in a charity shop was a treat. Sands is a notable human rights lawyer, and his most recent book “Ratline” deals with the life (and afterlife) of prominent Nazis. His talks for Charleston and Hay were sobering and fascinating, and had me gathering together a number of titles covering difficult WW2 and post-War topics. Arendt, West and Czapski are all authors who’ve considered the inhumanity of our race, and bearing in mind the fragile stage of many countries at the moment, any of these books could be timely reading. It’s ironic that I’ve never attended either festival in person, but this current crisis has given me the chance to…
Books about books and books about authors are always a good thing, and there are plenty lurking on the TBR. One of the Nabokovs I’ve had for a while, the other arrived recently; as did the Steiner. The Very Short Introduction to Russian Literature takes an intrguing angle, and might be well matched with Isaiah Berlin (and indeed Nabokov). This could be another wormhole…
Or, indeed, I could just go down a British Library Crime Classics wormhole!! This is quite a nice pile of their titles, though nowhere near as impressive as the one Simon from Stuck in a Book shared on Twitter! These are a mixture of review copies and ones procured by my dear friend J., who seems to come across them in charity shops more than I do. They’re such a wonderful comforting distraction to read – and there are two Lorac titles in there which are *very* tempting!
Finally, a little random pile of various enticing titles! I have been dipping into Mollie Panter-Downes’ “London War Notes”, which has been distracting and surprisingly cathartic. Since I’m not likely to be at the beach any time soon, “A Fortnight in September” by R. C. Sherriff is also very appealing – I do love a Persephone. Bachelard is another book which have been lurking for a while, and since reading “Malicroix” I’m keener than ever to get to it. The two white cover Fitzcarraldos are the last two I have unread, and both appeal strongly. And last, but certainly not least, is a lovely collection of essays by Joseph Brodsky, into which I’ve also been dipping. They’re marvellous, but best read slowly with time to digest in between – such a good writer.
So – an *awful* lot of choices and I find myself very undecided about what to actually read next. Have you read any of these? Which would take *your* fancy?????
MarinaSofia
May 28, 2020 @ 06:52:42
This looks a bit like my piles I’ve set aside for possible 20 books of summer reading. More like 70 books of summer… and I’ll end up reading something completely different anyway!
kaggsysbookishramblings
May 28, 2020 @ 10:45:42
Hah! I’m the same! I make piles (but never plans nowadays) and then end up going off at a tangent. It’s good to take a kind of inventory of what you have lurking, though, just so you don’t forget…
roughghosts
May 28, 2020 @ 07:11:35
I make piles too but am not reckless enough to share them! I am curious about Ruskin though. He was an inspiration on Gandhi, and after seeing a quote from him inscribed on the wall in Gandhi’s house at his ashram in Wardha, I picked up a copy of Unto This Last and Other Writings before heading home from India last year. It looks quite interesting, maybe something to slowly work through before either one of us gets too much older!
kaggsysbookishramblings
May 28, 2020 @ 10:44:42
LOL! I like sharing pictures of books, but I’m more likely to go off and read something completely different and not featured in them! Having said that, I *have* started Why Ruskin Matters, and interestingly she’s just mentioned the Gandhi inspiration. Certainly it seems that Ruskin was an early ecologist, an anti-vivisectionist, and someone who believed in slowing down and really looking at the world. So yes – someone I want to read sooner rather than later! 😀
buriedinprint
May 28, 2020 @ 19:21:56
Hahaha. Reckless! Indeed.
kaggsysbookishramblings
May 28, 2020 @ 19:28:41
:DDD I live dangerously…
rosemarykaye
May 28, 2020 @ 08:50:01
Goodness me, what an impressive collection!
The only one I have read is the RC Sherriff, which remains one of my very favourite books. I’ve recommended it to a few people who didn’t seem to enjoy it as much as I had hoped – always so disappointing when that happens – so I look forward to your thoughts.
I have some British Library Classic Crime books but haven’t read any of the ones in your photo. I do love the covers, even if occasionally the content isn’t brilliant.
And I so agree about charity shops! Browsing them on the way home is an almost daily pastime for me, and at the weekend they are combined with a coffee & scones stop as part of my Saturday morning routine. Simple pleasures. I sometimes hesitate to admit how much I miss them, as I’m worried it might sound selfish & silly, so I’m extremely glad to know someone feels the same way. I suppose by the time we get back to them they’ll definitely have new stock! My top meccas for books are Shelter, British Heart Foundation & Bethany, but of course they do vary so much from place to place.
Rosemary
kaggsysbookishramblings
May 28, 2020 @ 12:25:28
The Sherriff *does* sound marvellous – I loved his Hopkins Manuscript, so I’m really hopeful this will be good (although very different subject matter). As for the crime classics, I usually find them a reliable read; and since I’ve read and loved GA crime since my teens, they do tend to be a go-to comfort read for me.
I don’t think it’s selfish to miss our normal routines; humans are creatures of habit, and my pleasures are fairly simple ones too. A browse round the charity shops and lunch out at Hank’s Vegan Deli had been my Saturday morning routine for a long time now, and I miss it. I’m lucky, because I can work at home and staying in doesn’t really present any problems (apart from the fact Mr. Kaggsy isn’t used to me being here all the time!). Many people have had it much, much tougher. But I would like to get back to normal – and even visit my mum and my kids at some point this year…
rosemarykaye
May 28, 2020 @ 12:36:40
Thank you – yes, I agree about wanting some ‘normality’, even though, like you, I am quite happy being at home, and very lucky to have space, garden (small), countryside, etc. And again yes, I haven’t seen any of my children or my mother since early March, one not since February, so it will be good to see them when we can. If we are allowed to meet up with one other household soon I am hoping we can drive half way to Aviemore and meet my son and DIL for a walk – but he is frontline NHS staff so I suppose he might not want to take risks. We’ll wait and see.
kaggsysbookishramblings
May 28, 2020 @ 12:39:20
I’m lucky too really, with a home, small garden and a fairly non-built up area, though I do envy those near country and sea. It *is* hard not seeing family, particularly when certain elements seem to think they’re above such restrictions. But yes – some kind of normality would be lovely…
Café Society
May 28, 2020 @ 09:00:21
Maybe the Bowen essays. For some reason I just can’t get into her fiction but perhaps reading her thoughts more directly might help me to come to terms with her work.
kaggsysbookishramblings
May 28, 2020 @ 10:42:53
From the few I’ve dipped into, she’s an excellent essayist. Her fiction is not always easy – needs to be read slowly I find, but is very rewarding. Perhaps try her short stories? The ones I’ve read have been outstanding!
JacquiWine
May 28, 2020 @ 09:19:13
I’m a little envious of your lovely pile of BLCCs! Golden Age crime seems like a great option for the lockdown, suitably entertaining and escapist for the current times. xx
kaggsysbookishramblings
May 28, 2020 @ 10:41:52
They *are* very enticing, aren’t they? As you say, perfect for our times and I do find myself tempted to just read a whole bunch and shut off from the political shenanigans going on around us.
Tredynas Days
May 28, 2020 @ 10:25:53
I’m also getting a bit stir crazy during lockdown. Country walks help, but it’s painful not seeing loved ones. Your collection of books is enticing – not much there I’ve read, but plenty of familiar authors. I’m working very slowly through Trollope’s second Palliser novel – enjoying the weird paralllels with politics and Parliamentary posturing as they are today. Not much changes in the ranks of the power elite.
kaggsysbookishramblings
May 28, 2020 @ 10:39:36
It *is* hard being inside all the time. I’m not a great traveller but even local trips to town were something to enjoy and I miss them. As for the book piles, they *do* provide comfort – it’s just a case of deciding what next!
Caroline
May 28, 2020 @ 11:19:54
You’re such a tease, showing us all your lovely titles. I have a Bachelard collection. I used to like him very much. There must still be some unread ones somewhere. Compared to you, we didn’t have that much of a lockdown. I can imagine it takes its toll. And now ours has been over for two weeks. I went to the bookshop yesterday but only to pick up something I ordered. I didn’t have time to browse. It was all a bit overwhelming as you’re not allowed to move freely but have to follow certain paths to prevent people from crossing.
kaggsysbookishramblings
May 28, 2020 @ 12:17:13
LOL! I do like to share book pictures (because I love to see pictures of other people’s books). I do want to read the Bachelard, though I wonder how well I would engage at the moment. We have been in lockdown since 23rd March effectively, and our household has been observing it closely. It *does* make going out feel very weird and I tend to shy away from other people at the moment, which I don’t like. I can’t say I ever expected to live through times like this.
Caroline
May 28, 2020 @ 13:12:48
None of us have. Not quite like this aynway. But it also makes it special. There have always been catstrophes but one portion of the world populations was always not affected. To have gone through something that every single person went through as well -it’s strange. For the first time, we can talk about something and the other person, whether they live in Australia, Africa, . . . . knows exactly what you’re talking about.
kaggsysbookishramblings
May 28, 2020 @ 13:32:32
True. And if nothing else, it really does prove that the planet is smaller than we think and we live in a Global Village…
Jennifer
May 28, 2020 @ 12:03:06
The Fortnight in September is one of my favorite Persephone titles. But then, that stack of British Library Crime Classics is very enticing…
kaggsysbookishramblings
May 28, 2020 @ 12:15:24
I must admit the thought of some Persephone escapism is very appealing. And I loved Sherriff’s writing. But classic crime…. Choices, choices!
madamebibilophile
May 28, 2020 @ 13:50:40
Lovely post Kaggsy! Those BLCCs are especially tempting at the moment, some cosy crime escapism. Once I’ve finished my novella reading this month I’ll definitely be digging out some golden age crime.
I’ll be interested to see what you read first – the Sherriff is a gentle read…
kaggsysbookishramblings
May 28, 2020 @ 13:59:48
Yes, escapism *is* very appealing right now, though I tend to find I like to alternate styles of book – so I follow up something light with something ridiculously compex! ;D We’ll see… The Sherriff *is* very tempting!
Claire (The Captive Reader)
May 28, 2020 @ 14:45:01
Spoiled for choice! I’d go for Love’s Civil War, since I can never resist a collection of letters (or anything related to Charles Ritchie), or East West Street, which I started a while back and was loving but had to return to the library before finishing.
kaggsysbookishramblings
May 28, 2020 @ 15:59:19
I know! I must admit I’m very drawn to both of those – I don’t know why I find non-fiction so appealing at the moment!
heavenali
May 28, 2020 @ 17:21:18
What wonderful book collections. This Elizabeth Bowen from Edinburgh University Press look wonderful, I might need to look those up myself. You have reminded me that I have The Meaning of Treason tbr on my kindle, I have an idea it will be quite dense though fascinating. Interesting that you mention Lennie Goodings, I just got her book A bite of the Apple for my birthday. And those BLCC are very enticing indeed.
kaggsysbookishramblings
May 28, 2020 @ 17:45:04
I really couldn’t resist those Bowen EUP books, but they *weren’t* cheap – I had to do some serious searching to find them at a price I was prepared to pay. They do look lovely though. The Lennie Goodings book is great, and if you can track down that interview with her and Joan Bakewell, it’s well worth watching. It was on the Charleston Festival Youtube channel when I last looked!
Reese Warner
May 28, 2020 @ 18:19:45
Oooh. So many fascinating books! I’m very much looking forward to what you make of Why Ruskin Matters–I’ve been hearing good things about that. I’ve dipped into Ruskin but don’t know him well. And the Joanna Pocock! And Elizabeth Bowen!
I’ve got Huysmans piled up next to my reading chair, too, for possible rereading–I’ve been reading James Gibbons Huneker & he’s brought Huysmans back to mind.
I think Russian Thinkers is really good.
kaggsysbookishramblings
May 28, 2020 @ 19:30:23
They’re all so tempting… As you might see from the sidebar, I’ve started on the Ruskin and it’s fascinating, if very partisan! (But then I expected it to be so). I hope to go on to read the man himself. But Bowen and Pocock and Crime Classics and Huysmans and Barbellion and Sands and…. You get my dilemma. And Russian Thinkers has been sitting unread for too long!
buriedinprint
May 28, 2020 @ 19:24:50
Hmmmm. So many good choices. I would love to join in a Bowen binge (although I’m not sure if I have enough to properly binge, only 2 or 3 maybe?) because she’s one I’ve enjoyed consistently but never taken proper time to explore. And I love the idea of those crime classics, for their not-quite-predictability. But I also would like to read some Hannah Arendt, because I’ve never done so, but I did watch a biopic 3 or 4 years ago and was blown away by it, and immediately resolved to follow-up but, of course, you know what I’m going to say, it hasn’t happened yet. Whatever you choose, even if it’s something else entirely, I hope it suits your fancy. Like you, I’ve found May a bit strange for reading habits and patterns, but I’m still reading and pleased about that. Stay well!
kaggsysbookishramblings
May 28, 2020 @ 19:32:33
2 or 3 is enough for a binge, I think – because Bowen is not a fast or light read but an incredibly rewarding one. The Crime Classics are pure comfort and joy – the pile of Arendt and related not so, but necessary reading. A fascinating character. Most likely I will get to her eventually, but it might be the summer. May is settling down reading wise, as I get to the end of it – but the world is not getting any calmer. You stay safe and well too! 😀
TravellinPenguin
May 29, 2020 @ 00:13:47
I love the books on your book table. Not read any of those. The British crime classics are just beautiful.
kaggsysbookishramblings
May 29, 2020 @ 15:28:43
The book table *does* take a lot of strain, but I have now taken most of the books off it and settled to just two. One was in the piles, and the other wasn’t… ;D
Janakay | YouMightAsWellRead
May 29, 2020 @ 13:16:25
Ah, Kaggsy, you’ve done it again! I’ve had a very pleasant hour or so clicking on various items in your wonderful piles and adding several of them to my own “I must have it list” (you wicked girl! Every time you do one of these postings, my TBR pile grows exponentially!). Thanks to one of your previous postings, I discovered the classic British crime series; the only one I’ve read so far is The Murder of My Aunt, which was a very nice treat (other reads will follow at some point). One of my clicks on another entry in your pile disclosed that the Brodsky volume included an essay on C.P. Cavafy, one of my favorite poets, so … another book for the collection! (like you, I love to dip in/out of collections of critical essays). I’ve read several of Bowen’s novels (Eva Trout is on my list for this year) but little of her other writings, so a copy of The Mulberry Tree will soon be headed my way. Thankfully I already have Nabokov’s lectures on literature, Russian and otherwise, gathering dust on the shelves, but I just finished re-skimming his lecture on Anna Karenina, with his advice to focus on the story and not agonize too much over all the agrarian reform stuff (it’s been too, too long since I’ve dipped a tentative toe into Russian lit). Alejandro Zambra has not previously come my way, so now I really must check out Not To Read… well, you get the drift, I’m sure!
kaggsysbookishramblings
May 29, 2020 @ 15:27:53
LOL! Sorry to be a bad influence, but then I do get many of my own temptations from other people’s blogs! The BLCCs are such a joy, and make wonderful comfort reading. As for the Brodsky, the essays are marvellous and yes, Cavafy features in there. Bowen’s prose is proving to be wonderfully evocative so far, and as for Nabokov, I would tend to agree with him about Anna Karenina – and I felt much the same about War and Peace too, concertrating on the story and not so much the politics. There are so many wonderful books out there – we *are* indeed spoiled! 😀
Simon T
May 29, 2020 @ 15:41:26
I think the Sherriff is even better than Hopkin’s Manuscript! It’s probably my favourite of his, though Greengates is also a rival. Frankly, I love it all.
I’ve read one BLCC since I tweeted and pulled down a few more!
kaggsysbookishramblings
May 29, 2020 @ 18:58:19
High praise indeed, Simon! I really am keen to read it soon. I have Greengates lurking too…
Or a BLCC – they’re great, aren’t they?
chrisharding53
May 30, 2020 @ 20:00:55
The Fortnight in September is wonderful, I do hope you enjoy it! Like you, I had plans to read lots of TBRs during lockdown, but got very anxious and couldn’t settle to do anything. But for the last couple of weeks I’ve calmed down a bit, and have been catching up on Persephones – Long Live Great Bardfield, The Happy Tree, Mariana, Family Roundabout. The pile of unread grey books has been whittled down to two, so I think I would be quite justified in ordering some more (even though I have a lot of other TBRs)!
kaggsysbookishramblings
May 31, 2020 @ 18:41:32
I’ve been managing to read some of the TBR,l although despite the madness of the world new books have still been arriving. As things continue to get daft, I may have to go for more comfort reading… :s
Liz Dexter
May 31, 2020 @ 09:28:25
Lovely piles! I’d quite like to reread Fortnight in September tho I have it in an older edition than the Persephone one. I have been reading more than usual and not sure how – apart from the somewhat horrific realisation that I’ve taken a couple of games off my phone. Really??! And I have now finished my 908 page history of the oceans, which frees up mealtime reading time no end! Happy reading, whatever you choose.
kaggsysbookishramblings
May 31, 2020 @ 18:39:36
I *am* tempted by the Sherriff but typically, after posting those pictures, have gone off at a bit of a tangent. I *am* enjoying what I’m reading, though! 😀
“Blanched Sun, – blighted grass, – blinded man.” #whyruskinmatters #johnruskin @QuercusBooks | Kaggsy's Bookish Ramblings
Jul 01, 2020 @ 07:10:04