It's officially spring now, according to the calendar, but the season arrived here in Los Angeles about a month ago. My backyard wisteria is insane, and I'm enjoying all sorts of blooming around the neighborhood--tulip magnolias, lilac vines, cherry and plum blossoms.
I've managed to do a little bit of reading this weekend, moved the bookmarks forward in two different books. First off, I started Gervase Phinn's memoir of his career as a school inspector in the Yorkshire Dales, called The Other Side of the Dale. The cover copy calls Phinn "the James Herriott of schools." I read and loved James Herriott's books about being a veterinarian in the Yorkshire Dales when I was a kid, so this sounded like a good bet. And while the stories don't have the drama of Herriott's, the writing does have a gentle wit that I'm enjoying.
I also (finally) started Sarah Waters' novel Fingersmith, set in Victorian England. It's been sitting on my shelf for quite some time, and I know it's one of those books so many have recommended to me. So far it's really compelling, drawing me into the story of a Victorian con game, and promising some interesting twists and turns in the future.
Posts
5 comments:
Finally, after months of snow, we are beginning to see the signs of spring over here. No luxuriant wisteria yet, but a few daffodils at last! Poor Phinn will not stand comparison with the mighty Sarah Waters, I fear. But it was a gentle and charming book - good for bedtime. I really must pick up another Sarah Waters. I've been meaning to for ages!
The wisteria is so lovely. I so love Sarah Water's writing.
I hope you enjoy Fingersmith. I just finished it a few weeks ago and loved it. The first twist had me in awe!
litlove--lol, bedtime is exactly when I've been reading Phinn. Just finished it, and it was very sweet.
Diane--Thanks about the wisteria--I love when it blooms, it's so extravagant! I have been hearing about Waters forever, so I'm really happy I've finally picked up Fingersmith!
Kathleen--so far I'm really enjoying Fingersmith. I'm going to focus on it this week :)
I have picked up Fingersmith and think it cool.
Post a Comment