I've just finished The Parable of the Talents by Octavia Butler. It's about a new religious movement called Earthseed rising in a near future in which an American President wants to "make America great again", and it was written in the 1990s. There are some very brutal scenes, but it's very good - it's the second Earthseed novel.
I've just finished The Parable of the Talents by Octavia Butler. It's about a new religious movement called Earthseed rising in a near future in which an American President wants to "make America great again", and it was written in the 1990s. There are some very brutal scenes, but it's very good - it's the second Earthseed novel.
I would be interested to know how close you think the fiction is to reality.
Well, Octavia Butler's president is a fundamentalist Christian preacher, and there are SF elements like hi-tech slave collars, but they set up concentration camps for "undesirables", there's mass homelessness and shanty towns, and there's also a strong sub-theme of climate change.
The book is set at the end of the 18th century and convincingly examines the political, social and cultural, class-bound, misogynistic mores of the time. It is called 'The Warlow Experiment' by Alix Nathan, if you are tempted to find it for yourself.
Nearly at the end of this book now, so writing this before I accidentally give you any spoilers. I must say, I am most impressed by the quality of the writing, and the research that has gone into the period of history when the book is set. For example, finding out which books would have been foremost in the thinking of the time, and reading and understanding them - so that the characters are able to discuss the ideas found therein. Also, researching the way the characters (from different social classes) would have spoken back then - the language and grammatical structure reads more convincingly than many such novels). What could have been a sensationalist lockdown book is actually a very clever morality tale.
I think it's quite safe to say that it's the best book I have read for a very long time.
Right now I'm reading The Bully Pulpit by Doris Kearns Goodwin, about Theodore Roosevelt and William Taft and their presidencies. It's a very thick book (700 pages of main text), and I occasionally wish she had made it a bit thinner, but still it's a fascinating history of a period in American politics I didn't know much about before now.
Currently reading 'The Binding' by Bridget Collins. It's a slightly magical novel, not usually the sort of thing I read at all (well not since my 'Lord of the Rings' days). A young lad is sent to be an apprentice at a book binder's - not an ordinary book binder as we would know it, but one who binds people's bad and terrifying memories, ones they can't cope with. The books are put securely in a vault, and the afflicted victim is sent on their way with the memories cleansed (but with a strange blankness in their lives that they can't quite account for).
The novel starts off very promisingly. However, I'm just coming to the part (about a third of the way through) where a not-too-convincing character, obviously very important to the story, starts throwing his weight around. I do hope the rest of the book doesn't rely too heavily on the personality of this new character, as I think he spoils it, unfortunately.
Before lockdown I was delighted to find two books by Eliot Pattison in the local charity shop, and I've just got round to reading Beautiful Ghosts, which I think is the third in the series. The hero is Shan Tao Yun, who was once a police inspector and starts the story in a prison camp in Tibet in the first book, The Skull Mantra. His police skills are needed to solve a local murder, after which he is unofficially released from the camp and falls in with a group of Tibetan monks.
The details of Tibetan life and religion are fascinating.
Quite the wrong time of year to read 'Murder in Advent' by David Williams, but it really can be read at any time. Perfect for people who enjoy reading a good old murder mystery, but also to enjoy the interplay of characters living and working in a cathedral close. Add in the controversial sale of the Magna Carta to raise funds and you have a perfect sleuthing scenario.
A bit of comfort reading for me now - the Good Omens Script Book. It includes some deleted scenes and it's also interesting to see how the original script compares to what eventually appeared on the screen.
I am reading Mary L. Trump's book on the dysfunctional Trump family. She casts much of the blame on her grandfather, Fred Trump.
Since I finished a book series last night, Mary L. Trump's book will be started today. One of my friends read it recently, and she said she wants to read it again. Let's see if it was worth the money paid!
Currently reading 'The Binding' by Bridget Collins. It's a slightly magical novel, not usually the sort of thing I read at all (well not since my 'Lord of the Rings' days). A young lad is sent to be an apprentice at a book binder's - not an ordinary book binder as we would know it, but one who binds people's bad and terrifying memories, ones they can't cope with. The books are put securely in a vault, and the afflicted victim is sent on their way with the memories cleansed (but with a strange blankness in their lives that they can't quite account for).
That sounds like a great premise for a novel!
I've just finished Jeanette Winterson's Why be happy when you can be normal? - her memoir of two parts of her life, centred around her two mothers, the one who adopted her, and the birth mother whom she later tracked down. I was particularly interested in the description of the church she was raised in: although it was in many ways very narrow-minded, it was also very supportive and intellectually stimulating as well. She's also got a lot to say about the value that novels, poetry and myth had for her when she was growing up, experiencing a lot of hardship for various reasons. I must read more of her fiction.
Tom Gauld , the cartoonist, has some suggestions of reworked classics for reading in a time of lock-down. To give you the tone, He starts with Around the House for Eighty Days by Jules Verne.
Currenly reading Hydrogen Steel by K A Bedford. If you like your SF with a dark and humerous edge read some of Bedford. Personally, I love his writing.
Political pornography... I'm reading A Very Stable Genius - Donald J. Trump's Testing of America by Philip Rucker and Carol Leonnig. I am not sure if I can finish it. It really is like pornography - no real plot, and it doesn't matter what page you open it at, like Fanny Hill. (Someone brought a copy of Fanny Hill to school many years ago and of course we all had a good look at it.)
I've just finished Jeanette Winterson's Why be happy when you can be normal? - her memoir of two parts of her life, centred around her two mothers, the one who adopted her, and the birth mother whom she later tracked down. I was particularly interested in the description of the church she was raised in: although it was in many ways very narrow-minded, it was also very supportive and intellectually stimulating as well. She's also got a lot to say about the value that novels, poetry and myth had for her when she was growing up, experiencing a lot of hardship for various reasons. I must read more of her fiction.
The 1980s BBC production of her semi-autobiographical ‘Oranges are not the only fruit’ is probably my favourite drama series ever. If you have not read Oranges then I recommend reading that. I read several of her novels many years ago and remembering enjoying ‘Boating for beginners’ and ‘The Passion’. She also wrote a children’s book called The King of Capri.
Political pornography... I'm reading A Very Stable Genius - Donald J. Trump's Testing of America by Philip Rucker and Carol Leonnig. I am not sure if I can finish it. It really is like pornography - no real plot, and it doesn't matter what page you open it at, like Fanny Hill. (Someone brought a copy of Fanny Hill to school many years ago and of course we all had a good look at it.)
We had to study "Fanny Hill" at university. At the time it was the raciest thing I'd ever read. Maybe it still is.
After watching Captain Blood to commemorate the death of Olivia de Havilland, I decided to read the original novel. It's interesting to compare the two - the plot is somewhat simplified, but I was surprised to see how much dialogue had been lifted straight off the page and into the script.
I've just finished Jeanette Winterson's Why be happy when you can be normal? - her memoir of two parts of her life, centred around her two mothers, the one who adopted her, and the birth mother whom she later tracked down.
I can remember finding that very, very moving.
Having a break from Moby Dick reading Graham Greene's Our Man in Havana. Only half way through. I've acquired Gilead for future reading. I had felt it might be a bit worthy or twee, but if Rowan Williams recommends it I will give it a go.
Next up in my physical books (I read Kindle books too) is Lewis Carroll - the Alice books.
Not a first read, of course, given that these are the greatest works of literature in the English language.
This copy is a 1932 edition, probably bought for my mum. Hardback and rather worn (the book that is, not my mum). I think there is even a page torn. But this is the copy I read as a child. Repeatedly. Over 20 times.
I've just started The Long Mars by Stephen Baxter and Terry Pratchett. It's more Baxter than Pratchett, but I like both, so that's okay.
There's only been a brief mention of going to Mars so far, but quite a lot of discussion about theology, both Christian and Buddhist.
For instance, if you 'step' across to a parallel Earth where Jesus never trod, is it still possible to be saved?
And Lobsang the Artificial Intelligence is wondering whether his soul is actually still stuck in one of the bardos, and if he dies on a world where he is the only sentient presence, who will read the Book of the Dead over him?
Finally got around to reading Malcolm Bradbury's 'The History Man'. Love the way he uses other characters in the book to send up the principal character, Howard. A must-read for anyone who remembers 1970s sociology.
I remember the TV adaptation of The History Man. It was partly filmed at Lancaster University, where I went, and everyone piled into the TV rooms just to see the University on telly!
I remember the TV adaptation of The History Man. It was partly filmed at Lancaster University, where I went, and everyone piled into the TV rooms just to see the University on telly!
Oh how interesting - I must admit some of the descriptions in the book made me think of Lancaster. Although the location descriptions sounded more like Weymouth!
I'm just reading Maggie O'Farrell's Hamnet and Judith (which seems to be sold in some countries under the title of just Hamnet, but it's the same novel, all about Shakespeare's family) and so far I'm finding it really lovely. About 2/3 of the way into it.
I just finished rereading a wonderful book by Lyanda Lynn Haupt ... "Pilgrim on the Great Bird Continent: The Importance of Everything and Other Lessons from Darwin's Lost Notebooks." (2006, Little, Brown and Company) ... I can never get enough of, by, or about St. Charles Darwin ...
I just reread a beloved book from my past, The Fairy Caravan. It's the only full length book Beatrix Potter ever wrote, and it is a positive delight, filled with folk tales from a Britain long since passed away.
I'm rereading some beloved books too - Joan Aiken's series which begins with "The Wolves of Willoughby Chase." I'm partway through "Night Birds on Nantucket" and trying not to think about the whaling aspect.
"Mr Golightly's Holiday" is still going in the downstairs cloakroom, so to speak.
One of our local parks has one of those informal library stands near it (members of the public leave books there, and you can pick them up and read them for free on the understanding that you'll take them back / replace them with others). I picked up Umberto Eco's Island of the Day Before (don't worry, I washed my hands thoroughly when I got it home, and left it sitting about somewhere for a week before touching it again). TBH I'm finding it hard going. I don't know if I'd find it easier if I was reading it in English, but it has a soporific effect on me like very few books I've read. Two chapters and I'm falling asleep over it. Makes it good bedtime reading, I suppose.
Rebecca Solnit’s ‘Hope in the Dark‘ is my current read. It is a history / a meditation of social change and activism, pointing towards the ever present silvers of hope to be found.
Not the sort of book that I would naturally read, but one that I am determined to finish.
Reflecting on this read, I realise that during my lifetime I have read hardly any books with an American backdrop.
I've been reading "Anyone for Edmund" which is a light, amusing and slightly pointed read about a proposal to make Edmund patron saint of Britain after his bones are discovered.
I've also read "The virus in the age of madness" by Bernard-Henri Levy - a short but dense philosophical essay about the world's response to Covid. IMHO he overstates his case, but it's worth a read.
a proposal to make Edmund patron saint of Britain after his bones are discovered.
Many decades ago, as a child of 13 stricken with mumps, I read a book about a Pope who wanted to make Bach a saint. I haven't thought of it for years. Thanks for reminding me of it.
Snake Agent by Liz Williams is quite a bit of fun - Inspector Chen is the liason between his police department and the police department in Hell, and in this case he's teamed up with a demon police officer from Hell's Vice Squad (which promotes prostitution). His wife is also a demon, who has a familiar which is a tea-kettle that turns into a badger.
@la vie en rouge I love Eco, but he is always challenging (which is partly why I love his writing). That one is not easy going (in English, being the only language I speak), and many people don't like it, but I found it really interesting. Challenging. Made me think.
I've just finished Robertson Davies' Murther and Walking Spirits. Someone said here that he went downhill after What's Bred in the Bone. This was his next book and it is not up to the standard of that masterpiece but I still enjoyed it a lot.
Now on to Marilynne Robinson's Gilead. I'm not as bowled over by it as some (eg Barack Obama) but I can respect it. If only I though small town American religion was always like that nowadays.
I kept seeing internet commercials for "Outlander" on Starz. I poo-poo'd every commercial loudly and rudely, thinking the television show and the books upon which the television show is based would be some romantic, bodice-ripping crap...and then...
And then, I was very bored one day and saw that Netflix had the first three seasons on the app, for a limited time...
Yeaaahhh. I'm so hooked now, it's not even funny. I am going to go online and see if my local library has a digital copy of the first couple of books...sigh.
The sex scenes in the television show are rather graphic but it's a great show. Very good dialogue, good drama, suspense, excellent chemistry between the two leads, etc. The Gaelic is hard to understand and the accents are very thick, but oh, well.
I am really looking forward to getting my hot little hands on the books. 🤣
We watched the first series of Outlander, and were bored half way though. No interest in watching any more.
The Island is difficult, but seems to reflect his ideas well. It is a complex set of ideas he explores there. That is what I like about him, but I know it is not everyones cuppa.
I'm just reading Maggie O'Farrell's Hamnet and Judith (which seems to be sold in some countries under the title of just Hamnet, but it's the same novel, all about Shakespeare's family) and so far I'm finding it really lovely. About 2/3 of the way into it.
I second Trudy's recommendation. O'Farrell's command of language and imagery makes this a story to be savoured. I'll have to go back and read some of her earlier books.
I'd only remembered the Danedyke mystery, though when I started reading the Minster ghost, I thought I might have read it before. The final two in the series were definitely new to me.
Not claiming them as great literature, but enjoyable entertainment for an afternoon's reading...
I'm currently half-way through My Name is Red by Orhan Pamuk. Set in 16-th century Istanbul, this is a multi-faceted and complex book which combines much discussion about the nature and use of art (especially Islamic miniatures) with a love story or two and a murder mystery. Did the victim (one of the painters) fall victim to professional rivalry, romantic jealousy or religious terror?
It is much better (deeper and more interesting) than Silent House by the same author, which I read a couple of years ago. I can now see why Pamuk won a Nobel Prize for Literature - not just to honour a Turkish writer. I am of course reading an English translation.
I'm determined to have another go at science fiction - have never been able to get on with the genre but several of my friends love it so I've got the uneasy feeling I'm missing something. To this end I've borrowed a copy of "Consider Phlebas" by Iain Banks from one of said friends.
Comments
I would be interested to know how close you think the fiction is to reality.
Nearly at the end of this book now, so writing this before I accidentally give you any spoilers. I must say, I am most impressed by the quality of the writing, and the research that has gone into the period of history when the book is set. For example, finding out which books would have been foremost in the thinking of the time, and reading and understanding them - so that the characters are able to discuss the ideas found therein. Also, researching the way the characters (from different social classes) would have spoken back then - the language and grammatical structure reads more convincingly than many such novels). What could have been a sensationalist lockdown book is actually a very clever morality tale.
I think it's quite safe to say that it's the best book I have read for a very long time.
The novel starts off very promisingly. However, I'm just coming to the part (about a third of the way through) where a not-too-convincing character, obviously very important to the story, starts throwing his weight around. I do hope the rest of the book doesn't rely too heavily on the personality of this new character, as I think he spoils it, unfortunately.
The details of Tibetan life and religion are fascinating.
Since I finished a book series last night, Mary L. Trump's book will be started today. One of my friends read it recently, and she said she wants to read it again. Let's see if it was worth the money paid!
That sounds like a great premise for a novel!
I've just finished Jeanette Winterson's Why be happy when you can be normal? - her memoir of two parts of her life, centred around her two mothers, the one who adopted her, and the birth mother whom she later tracked down. I was particularly interested in the description of the church she was raised in: although it was in many ways very narrow-minded, it was also very supportive and intellectually stimulating as well. She's also got a lot to say about the value that novels, poetry and myth had for her when she was growing up, experiencing a lot of hardship for various reasons. I must read more of her fiction.
We had to study "Fanny Hill" at university. At the time it was the raciest thing I'd ever read. Maybe it still is.
I can remember finding that very, very moving.
Having a break from Moby Dick reading Graham Greene's Our Man in Havana. Only half way through. I've acquired Gilead for future reading. I had felt it might be a bit worthy or twee, but if Rowan Williams recommends it I will give it a go.
Not a first read, of course, given that these are the greatest works of literature in the English language.
This copy is a 1932 edition, probably bought for my mum. Hardback and rather worn (the book that is, not my mum). I think there is even a page torn. But this is the copy I read as a child. Repeatedly. Over 20 times.
I haven't read this copy for some 40 years.
There's only been a brief mention of going to Mars so far, but quite a lot of discussion about theology, both Christian and Buddhist.
For instance, if you 'step' across to a parallel Earth where Jesus never trod, is it still possible to be saved?
And Lobsang the Artificial Intelligence is wondering whether his soul is actually still stuck in one of the bardos, and if he dies on a world where he is the only sentient presence, who will read the Book of the Dead over him?
Oh how interesting - I must admit some of the descriptions in the book made me think of Lancaster. Although the location descriptions sounded more like Weymouth!
"Mr Golightly's Holiday" is still going in the downstairs cloakroom, so to speak.
Not the sort of book that I would naturally read, but one that I am determined to finish.
Reflecting on this read, I realise that during my lifetime I have read hardly any books with an American backdrop.
I've also read "The virus in the age of madness" by Bernard-Henri Levy - a short but dense philosophical essay about the world's response to Covid. IMHO he overstates his case, but it's worth a read.
Now on to Marilynne Robinson's Gilead. I'm not as bowled over by it as some (eg Barack Obama) but I can respect it. If only I though small town American religion was always like that nowadays.
And then, I was very bored one day and saw that Netflix had the first three seasons on the app, for a limited time...
Yeaaahhh. I'm so hooked now, it's not even funny. I am going to go online and see if my local library has a digital copy of the first couple of books...sigh.
The sex scenes in the television show are rather graphic but it's a great show. Very good dialogue, good drama, suspense, excellent chemistry between the two leads, etc. The Gaelic is hard to understand and the accents are very thick, but oh, well.
I am really looking forward to getting my hot little hands on the books. 🤣
The Island is difficult, but seems to reflect his ideas well. It is a complex set of ideas he explores there. That is what I like about him, but I know it is not everyones cuppa.
I second Trudy's recommendation. O'Farrell's command of language and imagery makes this a story to be savoured. I'll have to go back and read some of her earlier books.
I'd only remembered the Danedyke mystery, though when I started reading the Minster ghost, I thought I might have read it before. The final two in the series were definitely new to me.
Not claiming them as great literature, but enjoyable entertainment for an afternoon's reading...
It is much better (deeper and more interesting) than Silent House by the same author, which I read a couple of years ago. I can now see why Pamuk won a Nobel Prize for Literature - not just to honour a Turkish writer. I am of course reading an English translation.