But I was so glad I'd brought along what is now my favorite book of the year so far: The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer.
If you haven't read it yet, you must go out and buy or borrow a copy straight away! The letter format is reminiscent of 84 Charing Cross Road, but the text is even more engaging with a wonderfully witty narrator and a fabulous cast of characters. At times terribly moving and at others laugh-out-loud funny.
Over the past month or so, I've also made progress on my Virago Modern Classics. The Magic Toyshop by Angela Carter is incredibly well-written and frightfully compelling, but very disturbing...
And although I'm a huge fan of Elizabeth Taylor (the author), I wasn't overly impressed with A Game of Hide and Seek. I found the first part much too slow, and while it did pick up in the second part, I found the Celia Birtwell cover more interesting than the story itself.
Do have a look at the Celia Birtwell website: lovely fabrics, wallpapers, and greeting cards. While I knew her name in conjunction with Ossie Clark and 60s and 70s fashion, I wasn't aware of her wonderful range of furnishings!
I have been meaning to read the "Guernsey" book for a while, thanks for the memory jolt! I love Celia Birtwell's work, have you seen her camping stuff for Millet's?! My mother owned an Ossie Clark dress in the 70s and it was beautiful.
ReplyDeleteKimx
It will be my turn to choose a book for bookclub soon, so I shall have a peek at yours and see whether they would suit - oh, the responsibility!
ReplyDeleteI agree with you on the E. Taylor book. nice but... let's just say I kept picking it up and putting it down! And didn't you want to just shake that woman and shout "wake up/get a grip!!!"
ReplyDeleteThank you for the tip on the first book, looks fun!