I was listening to Carmen Callil on Desert Island Discs (she being the founder of Virago), and she gave a very eloquent reason why the book she'd take to the desert island would be Maurice Guest by Henry Handel Richardson.
Has anybody read it?
You can listen to the whole interview here.
I have not read Maurice Guest, but just recently The Getting of Wisdom which Ii though excellent. A difficult character, a somewhat unresolved end: she is still in the process of getting that wisdom. I will try MG right away, thank you.
ReplyDeleteJust downloaded it off Project Gutenberg. Simon, if anything, you have broadened my reading lists. Cheers
ReplyDeleteNope.
ReplyDeleteYes, I read it a few years ago. Being a pianist and also knowing what it's like to harbor an unrequited love, I naturally gravitated towards the story. A long, engrossing read, beautifully written. However, when I reached the end I wanted to hurl the thing against the wall! If you want to read it, I won't spoil the ending for you, but it annoyed me no end. Definitely NOT a re-read for me!
ReplyDeleteRead this 30+ years ago when I was collecting the original Virago classics. I cannot remember one thing about it...and this is the second time this month some blogger has mentioned one of these old Viragos that I own but can't remember having read. I think I am going to reread them all, record my reviews and then, perhaps, they can go in the attic, thus freeing a whole bookcase for new books!
ReplyDelete