During December, on book blogs and Twitter, I’ve seen many a ‘best of’ post; however, I always prefer to leave my look back on the year until the very end – I have known, in the past, some of my best reads of a year to arrive at the very end! 2021 has not been an easy year in many ways, but I have read more books than ever (my coping mechanism) and so I shan’t pick a best of – I never do – but instead will look back at some of the highlights… 😀
Classic Crime
As always, I have sought consolation at difficult times with murder, mayhem and mysteries! Golden Age Crime has always been a huge favourite and a comfort read for me, and 2021 was no different. As well as any number of marvellous British Library Crime Classics, I’ve managed to find an excuse to revisit Agatha Christie, the Queen of Crime. And Edmund Crispin, another long-term love, has made appearances here. Really, I doubt I would have made it through the year without crime!!
As an extra crime treat, I was invited to take part in the Crime Reprint of the Year Award by Kate at Cross Examining Crime, and was happy to nominate two favourite books – such fun! 😀
British Library Women Writers
As well as reissuing some wonderful Classic Crime, British Library Publishing have also been releasing stellar titles in their Women Writers series. I’ve covered a number this year, including Edith Olivier’s The Love Child and Diana Tutton’s Mamma. However, a highlight was their reissue of F. Tennyson Jesse’s A Pin to See the Peepshow, a book I regard very highly. I was delighted to take part in the blog tour and sang the book’s praises – a wonderful and moving read!
Russia
Inevitably there are Russians, as books and authors from that country are some of my favourites. I spent time with Dostoevsky for his bicentenary; squeezed in Nabokov short stories; read a wonderful anthology of classic short works, and a brilliant collection of new writing; and reacquainted myself with a recently rediscovered author who wrote for the drawer. I can never read enough Russians, and frankly I think you’ll see plenty more books from that country appearing here in 2022!!
France
As well as a love for Russian culture, I also have a passion for all things French, most particularly Parisian. There were plenty of French treats this year, from unpublished fiction from a favourite writer, a marvellous non-fiction work exploring the culture of mid-century Paris, poetry from that city, some hypnotic prose from Marie Ndiaye and a lovely look at Sylvia Plath‘s relationship to the place. All lovely, and all have drawn me back to reading French authors; I’m currently rediscovering Jean Genet, and have a good number of unread Sartre, Camus and others on the TBR!
Of course, I have to mention Roland Barthes, who has been much on my mind this year. I’ve only read one of his works in 2021, and also Derrida‘s piece on him, but I am keen to continue with him in 2022. A readalong on Twitter of A Love’s Discourse went by the by leading up to Christmas, as my head was in totally the wrong place, but I shall hope to get back to this one soon.
New to me authors vs old favourites
I must admit to being a reader who loves to discover new authors and books, though this year I’ve also sought comfort from the familiar. I don’t do statistics, but I do see from the list I keep that I *have* explored new writers this year. Margarita Khemlin, Marguerite Duras, Amanda Cross, Gilbert Adair and Alex Niven are just a few names who have intrigued this year, but I’m happy to keep the mix of old and new going. From the old guard, George Orwell continues to be a constant delight – I can’t foresee a time when I’ll ever stop reading him! John Berger is a more recent favourite and I’ll definitely be continuing with his works in 2022. Burroughs and Beverley Nichols, a disparate pairing if there ever was one, are both names I love to revisit regularly. Really, there are so many books and so little time, as we always say!
Projects and Reading Events
We get onto shaky ground for some of these, as I’m often a bit rubbish at keeping up with this kind of thing. As far as events go, I co-hosted Read Indies Month in February with Lizzy and this was wonderful fun – so many great independent publishers to support! And Simon and I co-hosted two reading club weeks this year – 1936 and 1976. Both years had an excellent selection of books available to read, and the response was wonderful! I’m happy to say we’ll be running the #1954Club from 18-24 April 2022 and there are some really great books from that year, so do join in!
As for other events, I have dipped into Spanish Lit Month, German Lit Month, Novellas in November and a few more – I like to take part in these when I can and when it fits in with the TBR and also what I fancy reading!
My own personal reading projects, which are all really centred round various Penguin collections, have been pretty intermittent this year – whether from lack of focus, the state of the world or just wrong book at wrong time, the only one I’ve made headway with is the Penguin Moderns box set. I’ve had great fun with this little series of books – there are some marvellous authors and titles in it – and I have high hopes that I might actually finish reading it in 2022!
Disappointments…
I always try to be selective in what I read, but there are occasional misfires and DNFs. I started the year with one, The Housekeeper and The Professor, which really didn’t gel with me; I struggled with Confessions of a Heretic, which was not for me; and I tried to read a high profile book about Russian authors and frankly disliked it immensely. But the balance is heavily in favour of successful reads, so that’s good!!
Poetry
2021 also saw me spending a good amount of time with poets and poetry, and this was a real pleasure. There were biographies – John Sutherland’s marvellous Monica Jones, Philip Larkin and Me was a highlight, as was Gail Crowther’s magisterial Three Martini Afternoons at the Ritz, which explored the lives of Sylvia Plath and Anne Sexton. I discovered new poets, too, often via the NYRB Poets imprint, and this was particularly wonderful.
Translated works
I generally read a lot of work in translation. And I continued to read a lot of work in translation during 2021 – yay! And I shall continue to do so in 2022. Thank you *so* much to all those who translate works into English – my reading life is richer because of you!
Favourites?
I can *never* pick favourites or a top ten or a book of the year, and my BFF J. always reckons it’s because I read such a disparate range of books. I tend to think she might be right, and in any case I’ve read so many stunners this year it seems wrong to pick out one. But to satisfy those wanting me to choose *something*, a few which particularly stood out were In Memory of Memory by Maria Stepanova, every short story I read by Nabokov, Unwitting Street by Sigizmund Krzhizhanovsky, New Model Island by Alex Niven, The Edge of the Object by Daniel Williams and Gentleman Overboard by Herbert Clyde Lewis. All of those were oustanding reads, but probably all for very different reasons!!
Well, there you have it! Some of my reading highlights for 2021. Come back to the Ramblings tomorrow to see if I have any plans for the new year, so you can place bets on whether I’ll stick with any of them! 🤣🤣🤣
MarinaSofia
Dec 31, 2021 @ 10:10:10
A very good way to talk about your reading year (and certainly a less time-consuming strategy than writing 7 different posts, one for each category). Reading really is such a heavensent coping mechanism, isn’t it?
kaggsysbookishramblings
Dec 31, 2021 @ 11:58:50
LOL, I admire you for doing your separate posts – I just don’t have the mental energy at the moment, so summarising some highlights seemed the best way forward for me. And yes – I couldn’t cope without reading, certainly not at the moment. I salute the inventors of books!!!
JacquiWine
Dec 31, 2021 @ 10:38:48
What an interesting and diverse year of reading you’ve had, Karen, full of fascinating and unusual books! Like you, I’ve enjoyed the BL Crime Classics series this year, particularly the Loracs/Carol Carnacs with their entertaining plots and evocative settings. Good to see the Women Writers series getting a mention too. Mamma was excellent. but I’ve yet to read the other two that you’ve highlighted here – something to look forward too in 2022, if all goes to plan.
Many thanks to you and Simon for everything you do to make the Club events such a success. I know how much work goes into these things, all the more so when you’re doing it every six months. And I wish you all the best for the year ahead – many more treasures for you to discover, I’m sure!
kaggsysbookishramblings
Dec 31, 2021 @ 11:55:16
Thanks Jacqui – I do like to read across a range of types and genres. It stops me getting bogged down or bored! There have been some great crime classics this year, and I do recommend both of the Women Writers books I highlighted – I’d be particularly interested to hear what you think of the Jesse.
As for the clubs, yes they do take a lot of work but they’re such fun and so satisfying. I’m really looking forward to 1954 – some great titles there, and I really hope I can kickstart my revisit to the Lord of the Rings books for it. All the best to you too for 2022 – look forward to more bookish encounters during the year! 😊
Lisa Hill
Dec 31, 2021 @ 11:18:44
I do love those Orwell covers. I haven’t seen them on sale here in Melbourne, but when I do….
Thank you for sharing your adventures in reading throughout 2021 and happy reading for 2022!
kaggsysbookishramblings
Dec 31, 2021 @ 11:52:11
They’re beautiful, aren’t they? I probably have the essays in anthologies, but Renard produce such lovely editions it was great to have them, and made me read them too! Look forward to sharing the love of books and reading with you in 2022! 😊
Annabel (AnnaBookBel)
Dec 31, 2021 @ 11:19:23
I seem to have a shelf full of BL Classics – but not read any of them yet! Oh dear. BTW, I’ve abandoned that ‘high profile book about Russian authors’ too! Happy reading in 2022.
kaggsysbookishramblings
Dec 31, 2021 @ 11:51:14
I haven’t got through all the Crime Classics I’ve been sent but it’s nice to have a few in reserve, certainly! And glad it wasn’t just me with that book – I really couldn’t deal with it! Here’s to a 2022 of good books!! 😊
Margot Kinberg
Dec 31, 2021 @ 12:20:36
You have had a productive reading year! And I couldn’t agree more about reading as a balm for those difficult times. It’s one way to keep our sanity… I’m glad you’ve had some excellent reads, too. Wishing you and those you love all the best for 2022!
kaggsysbookishramblings
Dec 31, 2021 @ 12:29:20
Definitely – reading is good for the soul and mental health I find. I have been lucky with most of my reads from this year and I have high hopes for 2022. Happy new year to you and yours, Margot!
cirtnecce
Dec 31, 2021 @ 12:49:22
What an amazing reading year! And a huge thanks for having introduced me to some very great authors and books as always! I am completely in agreement with you on the value of reading BLCC during difficult times. This year with everything that turned my life upside down, those volumes saved the day!
kaggsysbookishramblings
Dec 31, 2021 @ 13:04:51
Thank you! BLCC books really are the perfect comfort read and I’m glad you enjoyed so many this year! Happy 2022!
madamebibilophile
Dec 31, 2021 @ 13:34:49
A great reading year and very few disappointments is a lovely thing to look back on Kaggsy! Wishing you wonderful bookish year ahead in 2022 🙂
kaggsysbookishramblings
Jan 01, 2022 @ 15:05:49
Thanks Madame B and a Happy New Year to you. Let’s hope for a successful 2022, at least as far as reading is concerned!
Hayley at RatherTooFondofBooks
Dec 31, 2021 @ 15:20:33
It looks like you had a really good reading year overall! I hope 2022 is full of great books. Happy New Year!
kaggsysbookishramblings
Jan 01, 2022 @ 15:04:18
Thanks Hayley – it’s been a great reading year and hopefully 2022 will be as good. Happy new year!
Claire (The Captive Reader)
Dec 31, 2021 @ 15:43:24
What a year! The reading clubs were highlights for me and I’m so looking forward to 1954 in April. Best wishes for a wonderful 2022!
kaggsysbookishramblings
Jan 01, 2022 @ 15:03:47
It’s been a dreadful year in some ways, but a great reading year for me. Look forward to seeing what you read for 1954, and Happy New Year to you and yours!
Janakay | YouMightAsWellRead
Dec 31, 2021 @ 15:52:25
What a wonderful mix of books! Your reviews, which I’ve enjoyed tremendously this year, have given me lots of ideas for new writers & books to explore. Hopefully I’ll be organized enough to participate at least a little in your spring #1954 club (as you say, it was a great year for books).
As for your mechanism for coping with a difficult year, I totally agree. When stressed out, murder is clearly the only solution!
kaggsysbookishramblings
Jan 01, 2022 @ 15:03:10
Thank you! Always happy to spread the bookish love!! I do hope you can join in with 1954 as it looks to be a stellar year to read from. And yes – murder and mayhem (at least of the GA kind) is surprisingly soothing! 🤣🤣📚📚
neeruahcop
Dec 31, 2021 @ 16:25:14
The Orwell books look magnificent. A very Happy 2022 to you.
kaggsysbookishramblings
Jan 01, 2022 @ 15:01:55
They’re lovely, but then I’m an Orwell addicts! Happy new year to you and yours.
heavenali
Dec 31, 2021 @ 16:53:52
You really have had an excellent reading year, with such a variety of books and writers. I think we have probably read a few of the same BLCC books, they are often good fun comfort reads. I love the women writers series from the British Library too. You were able to join in with so many reading challenges this year, and I really enjoyed the clubs, looking forward to the next one. I love the sound of that John Sutherland book and the one about Sylvia Plath book too.
kaggsysbookishramblings
Jan 01, 2022 @ 15:01:32
Thanks Ali, I do like to go for variety if I can! And yes, the BLCC and BLWW books are such lovely comfort reads. Both the Sutherland and the Crowther biogs are great reads, and I’m very much looking forward to reading from 1954 – so many options!!!
Julé Cunningham
Dec 31, 2021 @ 16:58:47
Relived I’m not the only one who can’t decide on a ‘Top of’ list! Your posts are almost always a danger to my TBR (increasing it that is) and I appreciate your gallimaufry reading!
The penny just dropped as to what that high-profile book on Russian writers is and just adds to my doubts about it, will put it on the probably not list.
Sending you and yours best wishes for the New Year!
kaggsysbookishramblings
Jan 01, 2022 @ 15:00:20
No, I just can’t pick out one – but I do like to focus on some particular joys. Sorry to add to the TBR….
And I would say that if you *do* decide to approach the high profile book, perhaps get a library copy rather than investing hard cash. I know many, many people loved it but I (whispers) actually ended up hating it…
Happy New Year to you and yours too! 😀
Andrew Blackman
Dec 31, 2021 @ 17:27:00
Some great reading inspiration here! Will you be running Read Indies Month again in 2022? I missed it this year, but would love to join in next time if it’s happening again. Happy New Year!
kaggsysbookishramblings
Jan 01, 2022 @ 14:58:08
Thank you! And I hope so – watch this space. Happy new year to you!
Tony
Jan 01, 2022 @ 06:19:36
A very interesting mix of books, even if there’s very little overlap with my list! Here’s to another great reading year in 2022 🙂
kaggsysbookishramblings
Jan 01, 2022 @ 14:56:59
Indeed – happy 2022 to you, and I’ll look forward to seeing what you read!
Simon T
Jan 01, 2022 @ 12:45:53
Lovely round-up – thanks for mentioning BLWW. I am really hoping more people pick up Pin this year, because it’s such a phenomenal book. You remind me that I must read more Orwell, because he never disappoints – and I might start reading for 1954 club soon, as I have SO many shortlisted books!
kaggsysbookishramblings
Jan 01, 2022 @ 14:54:20
Thanks Simon! I too hope plenty of people read Pin because I think it’s such a good book. Really, all of the BLWW books are great choices – look forward to seeing what 2022 brings. As for Orwell, definitely – he’s always a wonderful read. And like you I’m eyeing up 1954 already as there are just tons of choices!!!
michelle
Jan 01, 2022 @ 14:06:50
Coping with murder, mayhem and mysteries make so much sense. 😁
What a diverse range of books you had for the year! Am much looking forward to the Maria Stepanova too. Best wishes for 2022!
kaggsysbookishramblings
Jan 01, 2022 @ 14:52:18
And to you too – hope it’s a good one! The Stepanova is marvellous so I do hope you enjoy it!!
lauratfrey
Jan 01, 2022 @ 18:34:15
I don’t think I’ve ever done one of those reading weeks, but would like to try this year. 1954 is the year my dad was born and might be a nice way to remember him as he passed away this year. I’m going to put a note in my calendar!
kaggsysbookishramblings
Jan 01, 2022 @ 18:54:33
Oh excellent! I hope you can join in – a very low stress event and a very wide range of books from that year! And it would be a lovely way to remember your dad!
awildslimalien
Jan 02, 2022 @ 15:22:04
Extremely flattered that The Edge of the Object should find its way into this set of favourites for the year, Kaggsy. Thanks again for your wonderful review of it – it meant a lot. Wishing you a happy new (reading) year!
kaggsysbookishramblings
Jan 02, 2022 @ 15:43:27
Most welcome – I really loved the book, both for its physical appearance and for the story it told! Happy new year to you too!
Liz Dexter
Jan 02, 2022 @ 17:27:02
What a lovely round-up! My Top 18 of the year (done on 31 Dec this time, when I realised I wouldn’t finish the very good book I was reading in time for the end of the year) included books from both your 1936 and 1976 Weeks!
kaggsysbookishramblings
Jan 02, 2022 @ 20:39:06
Thanks Liz! And so glad you have favourities from the reading weeks. Hope you can join in with 1954!
Max Cairnduff
Jan 04, 2022 @ 10:09:21
Typically eclectic Karen, with lots I haven’t even heard of. Two of those, Unwitting Street and Man Overboard are going to go on my tbr pile which otherwise I’m quite sure they wouldn’t have since I don’t even know the authors.
Happy New Year!
kaggsysbookishramblings
Jan 04, 2022 @ 10:56:13
Ah, well if I’ve convinced you to read those two, I’m happy! I’ve read just about everything available in English by SK and he’s definitely one of my favourite authors!
And happy new year to you too! 😀
Marcie McCauley
Jan 19, 2022 @ 22:02:50
See, this is where being behind online has an advantage: I don’t have to wait until ‘tomorrow’ to find out if you’ve already got a different opinion! LOL (There’s no other advantage. In case you were wondering.) I enjoy this approach to looking back at a year’s reading. And your sense of playfulness too!
kaggsysbookishramblings
Jan 20, 2022 @ 10:58:52
Hah! Indeed! As for round ups, I can never do a best of list, but it’s nice to look back at what I enjoyed!!
Emma
Jan 23, 2022 @ 13:15:27
I’m catching up on posts…
It sounds like you had a great 2021 reading year. I hope 2022 will be just as good!
kaggsysbookishramblings
Jan 23, 2022 @ 13:35:34
Thanks Emma! I’m doing quite well so far this year so I hope it continues!