March reading

Some of this month's books have been a very mixed bag. The Ben Macintyre biography of Gordievsky was a book group choice. I didn't enjoy it although others found it exciting.

I thought that it was depressing that mankind chooses to spend so much time and energy in negativity and paranoia. 

A friend lent me this curious little autobiography by a descendant of the Victorian artist Holman Hunt. It describes her childhood, being shunted between two very different grandmothers. I found the result rather fey.

This was a traveling library choice. I say 'choice' but there is actually very little on the shelves that appeals. The main advantage is that we can order books. As I've mentioned before, the van stops right outside our house and provides a great service. 'The Dress' concept was interesting and well plotted, of a dress being owned, or borrowed, by a variety of women.

The book that I absolutely LOVED was the follow on to 'Olive Kitteridge'. The same format was followed in 'Olive Again' of  linked stories in which Olive featured to a greater or lesser extent. The characterisation throughout this book is wonderful.

Who knows when the libraries will reopen. I picked two large print books when they were last in the village, chosen only because they are easier to see when I'm reading in bed at night. I suspect that they are both tosh and I'll put them to one side in annoyance before I've got very far. Never mind, the house is full of books and the next few months will be a good time to re-read many of my favourites. Elizabeth Bowen, Elizabeth Taylor, possibly Miss Austin!

(What is it about the name Elizabeth? Three of them, all wonderful writers.)

Keep safe, keep well, and tuck yourself up with a good book!