Irish Ides of March
This year, March was filled with reading books from Ireland, about Ireland, and by Irish authors. However, when the 15th of the month came along, I was able to squeeze in a bit of Shakespeare.
Book 1: No Tears in Ireland by Sylvia Couturié
This is the memoir of an aristocratic French girl who spent the war years away from her parents, safe in Ireland.
But it was not an idyllic life, as her nanny was a tough old bird, who kept Sylvia and her little sister away from family friends who could have helped relieve their four years in poverty during World War II. (Her parents were no great catch, either.)
Book 2: I Haven’t Been Entirely Honest with You by Miranda Hart
Another memoir! This one by the actor who played Chummy in the period drama Call the Midwife. It’s not a case of midwife heal thyself, unfortunately, as Miranda struggles mightily with an undiagnosed illness.
Just in case you’ve been feeling terribly rundown lately, here’s the spoiler: She had the aftereffect of a tick bite. Years later, Lyme Disease nearly ruined her life.
Book 3: Prince Caspian by C.S. Lewis
Prince Caspian is the fourth volume of The Chronicles of Narnia.
It’s heartwarming to re-read this collection from my childhood. I do remember bits and pieces from all those years ago, but it still feels like a new adventure.
Book 4: Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare
“Beware the Ides of March!” is perhaps the best-known line from Shakespeare’s history play about the death of Julius Caesar.
No, I didn’t read it from the pictured volume, above, a Christmas gift from Gary. I have a few other copies – less massive – thankfully. Glad I gave it another go as an adult – not sure any high-school student truly appreciates this masterpiece.
Book 5: Miss Marple Stories by Agatha Christie
This compilation of short stories is pulled together in a clever way.
In rather a supper-club setting, the well-seasoned Miss Marple manages to outfox all the younger members as each brings to the table the story of an almost unsolved crime.
Book 6: Hard Times by Charles Dickens
One more Dickens novel under my belt. I shouldn’t have put it off so long.
Apparently, this is the only Dickens novel that doesn’t involve London in any way. Still, the setting is a dirty old town with a couple of men who rule the local school and factory with a hard hand – with “hard facts” only. None of that sentimental slop for them. The general ending is predictable, but the specifics are fun to discover along the way.
Book 7: A Letter from Ireland by Mike Collins
This was a Christmas gift from son James, and it was a good one.
The author has, for years, sent a weekly Letter from Ireland via email to anyone who wants to sign up for it. His book compiles some of those letters, as he discusses the surnames, the counties, and the history the Irish diaspora is itching to learn. Grand stuff, that!
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