The links in the titles are not affilate links, I'm just making it easy for anyone who wants to buy a copy. Shop local where you can, because for the little bookseller it is a matter of use it or lose it. I've really enjoyed my reads this month - a number were not my usual kind of thing but I was very pleased to have read them.
The Light Between Oceans - M. L. Steadman I looked at the cover of this when it was given to us at bookclub and thought "This is going to be the worst!" But I was delighted I was wrong. It's a very interesting book, where people do wrong things but you understand why. Or you can reserve your judgment. It's complex in how it presents people and their actions. It is not my usual thing at all but I really enjoyed it. My bookclub found it overly sentimental but I didn't. I've not seen the movie though, and most were reading it for the second time.
A Passage to India - E.M. Forster This was a book club pick and I initially thought 'snoozefest' when it was chosen but I really enjoyed it. It's not as harsh as Seige of Khrisnapur in judgment but it is the start of the fall of Empire books. When the event happens I was very engaged and it got me thinking about a lot of things, my own bias in particular which I will do a separate post on). I was surprised most of bookclub didn't really get into it.
The Mother - Jane Caro This was my pick for pleasure as I'd heard some good feedback and she's campaigning in our electorate so I see her photo everywhere and it brainwashed me, apparently. It's what I would call a junky beach read (but that's not an insult, just that it's easy, quick and engrossing). I enjoyed it and finished it in 2 days, whisch is also a compliment.
The Loved One - Evelyn Waugh This was next month's book club pick. I enjoyed it though most of the people had read it and weren't looking forward to revisiting it as they didn't think much of it the first time. I found it funny in that kooky sense and not what I was expecting. Quite frivolous.
I agree 100% about shopping local for our books when we can. This small action helps our small local bookshops to remain. I also loved many of your original thoughts when first presented with the selections of your book club. I often experience the same thing - thinking I will hate a book - or that it will bore me to death. Like you, I have usually been pleasantly surprised.
ReplyDeleteThank you for joining us at #WOYBS. It is greatly appreciated!
I read Jane's book because she is a friend and I was interested in seeing it unfold. I found the places and people she referred to it was more like a non fiction book with so much familiarity and knowing of her place being in the Barrington Ranges, near Dungog, I started to wonder how much was "personal". But it was when I heard her speak about how she came about the develop the characters it was no like that at all. Better insight with her explanation at Newcastle Writers Festival . Denyse.
ReplyDeleteWe read a Passage to India for our A level exams and I remember most of the class enjoyed it. That was fifty years ago so I ought to reread it.
ReplyDeleteI've not read any of these but I'm drawn to The Loved One and The Mother. I might have to add them to my tbr pile.
ReplyDeleteI read Light Between Oceans and few years ago and didn't enjoy it at the time - but it stayed with me. I didn't find it sentimental, but, like you said, bad things done for reasons that were understandable. I haven't read this Evelyn Waugh, but re-read Brideshead only a couple of years ago.
ReplyDeleteJane Caro's Mother was an insightful, and scary at times, read for me and I'm glad read it. I remember reading Light Between Oceans and seeing the movie some years ago - such an interesting/sad dilemma, it's funny how we expect to respond to a book then we change our perceptions after reading it. I always enjoy the different thoughts that come out at bookclub meetings - where you can be honest and share your thoughts openly without judging! Thanks for joining us for #WOYBS Lydia.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your reads with #weekendcoffeeshare. I haven't read any of these books. Missed Her sounds like a book I'd enjoy.
ReplyDeleteI've heard good things about Jane Caro's The Mother and have it downloaded but not read it as yet. I'm loving the selections that everyone is offering in the What's On Your Bookshelf? link so thanks for your contribution, Lydia.
ReplyDeleteI haven't read any of these. Like you, I would have expected both A Passage to India and The Light Between Oceans to be a bit dull, but it goes to prove you can't judge a book by its cover!
ReplyDeletePopping over from At Home a Lot's Book Worms Monthly.
Great selections. Thanks a bunch.
ReplyDeleteI haven't read any of these either, but I enjoyed reading your reviews. Here's mine: https://beyondtheflow.wordpress.com/2022/05/24/whats-on-your-bookshelf-2/
ReplyDeleteBest wishes,
Rowena
Those all sound interesting. I've got a few books I'm reading right now. One for our bookclub called American Predator, it's a true Crime. I can't remember the name of the other one....I did share it on my post. It's just slipping my mind right now.
ReplyDeleteLittle bookshops are so important aren't they :-) I love when surprise (brilliant) reads pop up and surprise you. I think I need to read Light between the ocean - I've just watched the movie trailer and it looks gut wrenching! Thank you for sharing your bookshelf over on the #DreamTeam x
ReplyDeleteNice to see a short stories writer in here - I often find more time to read them. #dreamteam
ReplyDeleteI've not heard of the first book but it must be good if it is going to be released as a film! Thanks for linking up with #DreamTeam
ReplyDeleteJust from looking at the cover for "The Light Between Oceans" I would not go out of my way unless it was a book club book.
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