I managed to find an old, damaged soft-cover copy of "Mrs. Bridge" in the SC state lending system, and just finished the read this afternoon. While I didn't find it *quite* as humorous, it was engrossing, and took precedence over the other 2 books I started. Loved the format of sometimes ultra short chapters. I'm not sure why, perhaps its slyness, but it reminded me of a very favorite book: "The Debt to Pleasure", by John Lanchester. I have lost count of the books that I've read because of your recommendations now, and hope my requests are either puzzling or amusing someone in the library system. Looking forward to the New Year and more adventures in reading.
Thank you so much Jennifer! And I'm so fascinated to hear that Debt to Pleasure is your favorite book -- it's one of my absolute favorites too (planning to write about it in a few weeks, actuall). Tell me any others in that same general family -- quiet wit? psychological acuity? -- since it seems to capture some uncategorizable thing that I too love.
If you haven't already, please enjoy Eley Williams' Liars Dictionary: A Novel. I recommend for word nerds and writers of all sorts. Although the plot line resembles the path that little Billy makes in a Family Circle Sunday comic, it's a smart, charming read. Sadly and infuriatingly, her other book, Attrib. and Other Stories (earlier writings, I believe) was so not enjoyed by me I left it in a free book box, not sure that was even an ethical action. (I'd sadly paid for that volume, the better book was a library borrow.)
I managed to find an old, damaged soft-cover copy of "Mrs. Bridge" in the SC state lending system, and just finished the read this afternoon. While I didn't find it *quite* as humorous, it was engrossing, and took precedence over the other 2 books I started. Loved the format of sometimes ultra short chapters. I'm not sure why, perhaps its slyness, but it reminded me of a very favorite book: "The Debt to Pleasure", by John Lanchester. I have lost count of the books that I've read because of your recommendations now, and hope my requests are either puzzling or amusing someone in the library system. Looking forward to the New Year and more adventures in reading.
Thank you so much Jennifer! And I'm so fascinated to hear that Debt to Pleasure is your favorite book -- it's one of my absolute favorites too (planning to write about it in a few weeks, actuall). Tell me any others in that same general family -- quiet wit? psychological acuity? -- since it seems to capture some uncategorizable thing that I too love.
If you haven't already, please enjoy Eley Williams' Liars Dictionary: A Novel. I recommend for word nerds and writers of all sorts. Although the plot line resembles the path that little Billy makes in a Family Circle Sunday comic, it's a smart, charming read. Sadly and infuriatingly, her other book, Attrib. and Other Stories (earlier writings, I believe) was so not enjoyed by me I left it in a free book box, not sure that was even an ethical action. (I'd sadly paid for that volume, the better book was a library borrow.)
Oh great! I remember reading good things about that when it came out but I'd forgotten it completely. Putting it on hold now. Thank you thank you