1.) First off, do keep checking back at this post for A Picture Paints a Thousand Books. I've been so delighted with the responses - both quantity and quality. People have really put thought into this, and I'm keeping the page updated as more people have a go. Do comment if you've done it on your blog, and I'll add you to the list. (picture credit)2.) The Vet's Daughter by Barbara Comyns - Polly and Claire and I had a little read-along, and although (probably because it was out of print!) not a lot of people were able to join in, I hope these fab reviews will make you run and get a copy:
Harriet Devine
Novel Insights
Paperback Reader
Verity's Virago Venture
Stuck-in-a-Book
and Hannah Stoneham has written about My Silent War by Kim Philby... click on the link to find out why it's relevant to this read-along!
Ooo, EDIT: another review! Buried in Print
3.) A couple of links to BBC Radio programmes, probably only applicable for UK readers - these expire, I think, hence the time-sensitive thingummy. Jane very kindly emailed to tell me about Murder Must Advertise by Dorothy L. Sayers - you can listen to it here, courtesy of BBC7. I had to confess to not liking Ms. Sayers, but I'm aware that a lot of you do... You can see Jane's thoughts about the same book here.
And a couple people alerted me to this Radio 4 programme about The L-Shaped Room by Lynne Reid Banks (which is in my 50 Books You Must Read). It's the book's fiftieth anniversary, and Banks is in fine fettle (at 80) as she discusses it with James Naughtie and some readers. Will I raise all sorts of fury against me if I say Naughtie's questions are a bit asinine? But LRB is fascinating, as is the programme. Do have a listen - and read the novel, of course!That's all for today, folks. I spent my afternoon exploring Long Wittenham, chosen at random as a pretty-sounding Oxfordshire village - I was not disappointed, and I daresay there'll be photos later in the week.
I do understand Your Book Needs!
ReplyDeleteI was able to order The Love-Child by Edith Olivier, and Lynne Reid Banks "The L-Shaped Room"
through the inter-library system thankfully. Amazingly, the Miss Hargreaves stories are not available for borrowing from the Library system in Northern CA. which is where I live!
So I will need to purchase them in that Bloomsbury series that are sold at Amazon. Also, the others in the series sound wonderful. Have You read them all?
How grand that You can take such lovely little trips!
Thank you for the links! I'm in the states and I'm able to hear them. And Murder Must Advertise is one of my favorite Whimseys!
ReplyDeleteEvery time you mention The L Shaped Room I resolve to read it soon and this time is no different. I will be linking to an article (also about a 50th anniversary) in this week's Claire's Corner, which mentions The L Shaped Room and is relevant to it.
ReplyDeleteHadn't previously read any Barbara Comyns but I am *loving* the "Vet's Daughter", so many thanks for suggesting it. I'm certainly looking forward to reading more of her writing.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the heads up about the L Shaped room - must listen to that!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the link to the BBC. I'm curious as to why you don't like Ms. Sayers, I would love to know (if you don't mind sharing). (Personally, I have a crush on Lord Peter.)
ReplyDeleteChristy - I do hope you enjoy those, such wonderful titles! I've read 5 of the 6 Bloomsbury Group titles - still haven't read A Kid For Two Farthings, but it's only a matter of time...
ReplyDeletemakedoandread - oh, I didn't realise they'd opened up to the US, that makes me feel less guilty about advertising links!
Claire - this could be the time! I'm sure you'd love it...
Alison - Hurrah! Another Comyns convert...
Hannah - it's such a lovely programme, hope you can listen in Paris.
Kim - I just found the prose very wearying... and I wanted to hit Peter! I often find snobs a bit adorable in books, but him I just found annoying...