Let's Fold Scarves

The DailyLit

I have to recommend the DailyLit where you can sign up to read short chunks of public domain literature sent to you daily by e-mail. I am signed up to Bleak House (because this is the only way I’ll get through a Dickens novel), The Time Machine (because I like Wells) and Notes from (the) Underground (because it sounded strange – and it is).

A quote from Notes from Underground:

“I am forty years old now, and you know forty years is a whole lifetime; you know it is extreme old age. To live longer than forty years is bad manners, is vulgar, immoral. Who does live beyond forty? Answer that, sincerely and honestly I will tell you who do: fools and worthless fellows.”

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The Alienist

The Alienist by Caleb Carr

I read this because another book, which is on my tbr pile, has been described as this meets Buffy. I don’t usually find the whole “meets” thing very helpful but when I read the blurb for this, I thought it did sound promising.

I was surprised that it wasn’t at all intellectual which for some reason I had expected it to be. In fact, it is a straightforward serial killer novel but set in the 1890s. However, it is the period detail that won me over to the book, I loved Sarah Waters’ Victorian novels for several reasons but not least because I was utterly convinced by the setting and it is the same here.

The early forensic science, the first days of psychiatry, the appalling social conditions, nascent feminism – all added to the chilling atmosphere.

My only gripe was the slightly disappointing ending with too many “just in the nick of the time” moments. My only puzzle is just what we are supposed to make of the extra eyes in the apartment?

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I apologise

but this is so cute and thanks to Londonist for this.

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We need to talk about Kevin

Half of this novel by Lionel Shriver is stunning, thought provoking, insightful and dowright uncomfortable. However, it over reaches itself and descends into incredulity. I coped with six year old Kevin in nappies and not in therapy but reading about a parent who not just suspected but knew that their son was torturing his sister and did nothing is not believeable (not written this way anyway). The lost of an eye and still nothing doing is just daft.

This is a powerful book but only for half of it.

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Latest

My word, I have just discovered somebody is reading this…well, I suppose that was the point!

Anyway, I have been very slack recently, in fact, ever since my OU course finished and I haven’t been up here looking for excuses not to study.

For my book club we read The Wasp Factory by Iain Banks which I remember reading when it was published twenty years or so ago. I was taken with it then but now it feels rather tiresome, sensational and poorly plotted.

I did enjoy The Dinosaur Hunters by Deborah Cadbury which is an account of the rivalry between Gideon Mantell and Richard Owen in the 19th century.

I have just finished Souls in the Great Machine by Sean McMullen, a science fiction novel set in a future where technology is on a level with the 16th century and The Call intermittently drags all mammals south east unless they are tied down. It was full of fantastic ideas but the characterisation was weak and the plotting all over the place. Still, I have ordered the sequel.

I was still persevering with Lost but only in a “I know this is crap but I need to know what happens” way.

Andy and I are currently on the fourth Season of Buffy which has had some of the worst episodes (“Beer bad”) and some of the best (“Something blue” and “Hush”).

I have Firefly waiting for us – on Maureen’s recommendation I went to see Serenity and I loved it.

Tomorrow is the release day of Aerial by Kate Bush. On Thursday and Friday, I listened to all seven albums and I was blown away by how amazing she is. However, The Red Shoes is by far the weakest. I used to say The Dreaming was my favourite but I hate to be predictable but The Kick Inside is probably my favourite now.

1. The Kick Inside
2. The Dreaming
3. Hounds of Love
4. Lionheart (I even love Oh England My Lionheart now)
5. Never For Ever
6. The Sensual World (Heads We’re Dancing and Deeper Understanding are what drag this down)
7. The Red Shoes (over produced)

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Sidetracked

“Sidetracked” by Henning Mankell – what a disappointment – good reviews on Amazon – recommended by a friend – but – no suspense, no mystery, a rather unbelievable plot, dull meanderings about Wallender’s private life. It was a page turner despite being no good – I think I was desperate to get it finished.

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Millions

“Millions” by Frank Cottrell Boyce – a delightful little story which was very funny in parts. It was cleverly and subtly written (it was never explained why Damian kept asking about a St Maureen but I bet it was his mother’s name). The line that Damian was his mother’s miracle made me weep. Super story.

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