Is this a cheat?
Before we take a look at this month’s books, here’s an update regarding Bleak House.
As you may recall from last month, I’m reading Dickens’ Bleak House as it was originally released – in installments. Each month, I’ll read the same chapters that were released in the original, serialized version that same month back in 1852.
As I sat down last week to read chapters five through seven, some of the characters and situations were foggy. (That’s a tip of the hat to Mr. Dickens, who spent considerable time describing the thick fog in London. But still …)
Remembering a comparatively slender volume entitled The Dickens Encyclopaedia, I made room on the comfy chair for it. Just in case.
But is this a cheat? In this case, I think it would be. Claiming to follow the parameters set in 1852 certainly wouldn’t include these crib notes. But at the same time, I don’t want to make this a torturous experience over the next year and a half. So … we’ll see.
Meanwhile, on to the next three chapters in May.
And here are the four books I read cover-to-cover in April:
Book 1: The Pale Horse by Agatha Christie
Creepy, creepy, creepy. Gloriously creepy. Will anyone find a way to cheat this mysterious pattern of death? I certainly didn’t figure it out.
Extra points for Dame Christie’s nod to Macbeth throughout. Simply delicious.
I must admit to being grateful Christie’s works don’t find their way into my dreams – creepy!
Book 2: Every Man For Himself by Beryl Bainbridge
Got to admit this was not what I expected.
Every April, we hear it’s the anniversary of the Titanic disaster, so it seemed like the right time to give this award-winning historical novel a try.
If you lean toward the novel side, this choice should be smooth sailing for you. But if it’s history you’re looking for, probably best to take a pass.
Nearly all of the main characters are fictional. They are wealthy, entitled, and obnoxious.
The book’s title took on an unexpected (non-lifeboat) meaning that made my skin crawl.
Book 3: Wait Till Next Year by Doris Kearns Goodwin
You’re familiar with Doris Kearns Goodwin, right? She of the presidential biographies? Team of Rivals and No Ordinary Time.
Well, she also authored a memoir – a full quarter century ago.
Mom gifted a copy to Dad back then, and now it’s here in our house. (Actually, Gary is pretty sure he read this years ago, which means there may be a second copy downstairs in his stacks.)
This memoir focuses on the author’s childhood obsession with the Brooklyn Dodgers. Even for a reader who is not particularly interested in baseball, this is a charming, engaging story of a postwar childhood. I can’t imagine how incredible this read might be for a fellow Dodgers fan.
Book 4: Queen Lucia by E.F. Benson
Oh, dear. It seems I’m just not cut out for satire.
This first in this six-book series is head-shakingly ridiculous.
We gradually meet this cluster of the idle rich who spend their waking hours scheming how to one-up their neighbors, who are – of course – their dear, dear friends. They take every opportunity to cheat one another out of social supremacy.
Maybe it’s too close to the “Real Housewives of 1920” for comfort? I’ll wait a bit before trying the second in the series.
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I love book talk! The first chapters of Bleak House have been the first actual book I’ve read in years. I was a huge bookworm when I was in middle school and early high school, but I fell off after I started to lose my love of reading books. You’ve inspired me to get interested in books again, so thank you. Also, one of my all time favorite authors is Agatha Christie, particularly And Then There Were None
Wonderful! What a lovely way to start my day – thank you so much!
My Mother was Joan Wharton, I’m her oldest daughter Robin. My daughter Lauren wrote her obituary. My sister Alison just texted me this info. My grandmother moved to Los Angeles to live with one of her sisters. Thank you so much for reaching out! My Grandma Lorena was a very devoted family member, she supported us in many ways. Monday thru Friday she would walk the two blocks to our home, wash the dishes tidy up our house, usually do a load of laundry and make us something delicious to eat! We loved her so very much!
So wonderful to hear from you! I’ll send you an email with another photo I found. Thanks for getting in touch – Gary is delighted, too!