In July we had a flood in the house, and as a result, our TV was out for several weeks. Guess what happened? I read. And read and read and read. I dove into books with a relish and abandon that hasn’t been there for a long time. Around the same time, I discovered reading on my Ipad, with a larger font size and backlight that is truly heavenly.
I’ve been lucky to have found some great reads (with help from my Book Club!); books that are substantial but engaging beyond belief – perfect for lollagagging summer afternoons when my kids are spent and the baby is napping.
The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton is a multi-generational tale of familial intrigue. Moving between Brisbane, the Cornish coastline and Edwardian England we discover an Authoress with mystical fairy tales, a child left alone on trans-Atlantic ship, a mother with a tragic secret. As Morton weaves her tale, we learn how these women are connected, what led to their tragedy and how fiction and reality can merge so eloquently. This book reminded me a lot of one of my favourite novels, Possession by A.S. Byatt.
On a more contemporary note, I read So Much Pretty by Cara Hoffman. A young girl on the verge of her life dies mysteriously in a small town in upstate New York. An out-of-town journalist covers the story, discovering the dark underbelly of a seemingly pastoral village. Simultaneously, we learn about the idealistic Piper family, who move from Manhattan to give their daughter, Alice, a pure childhood, close to the land and far from the evils of the city.
Alice is gifted and precocious and grows up idyllically with her friend Theo. What happens when innocence is lost? When everything we believe in proves to be a myth? Hoffman is a tremendous talent; she moves effortlessly between different voices, while also providing a fascinating commentary on small town American society as it exists today.
Every so often a book creates a frenzy that is felt everywhere. The last time I remember it happening was with The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and its sequels – the trilogy by the late Stieg Larrson. This year, the it book is most definitely The Help by Kathryn Stockett (this is her debut novel). Initially, I heard too much about it, and as a result, sort of lost my interest in this novel. But, a friend lent it to me and I gave it a shot; I wanted to read the book before the movie came out. I’m so glad I did; it’s an easy read, well-written, funny and alarming. I don’t know much about the Deep South, and this was an eye-opening foray into the volatile world of race relations circa 1963.
Skeeter is an aspiring journalist who longs for her childhood nanny, Constantine, who mysteriously disappeared when Skeeter was at university.
Skeeter’s longing for her childhood caregiver prompts her to examine more closely the society within which she lives, particularly the shocking dynamics between her white, society friends and their black domestic employees. Some of the characters are a bit “cookie-cutter” – it’s clear to the reader who’s good and who’s bad. I would have liked to have seen a bit more grey in her portrayals.
Largely, this book piqued my interest in this dark legacy of the American South, and made me want to know more. I always assumed much of that discrimination existed a long, long time ago. To learn that it happened less than ten years before I was born was disturbing in a way that went straight to my core.
Okay, Amreen, here are my thoughts: http://thevalentine4.com/2011/08/31/so-much-pretty/ I was careful not to spoil it for anyone who hasn’t read it. Awesome book recommendation. It was truly, literally thought-provoking, and I look forward to reading more of her work.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on The Help! I want to see the movie too – but i wonder how it will hold up to the book? I just read a light novel called “A Scandalous Secret” by Jaishree Misra, if you’re looking for something fluffy and fun. I just started “One Day” – also being made into a movie – by Dave Nicholls, so far soooo good.
FINALLY finished it last night!! LOVED IT! Even the disturbing points. Still can’t believe that these things were happening less than 10 yrs before I was born.
For me, it was a very captivating book in both good & bad ways. I couldn’t put it down because I wanted to find out what happened next. I’m trying to be careful to not tell what happens in the end & ruin it for others. I would love to read the next book (what happens to all the characters afterwards…). Hoping that she’ll write it. Now I want to see the movie!!
Yes, it’s a strange thing. To be so compelled to keep reading something that is so disturbing. There were times in the book when I felt uncomfortable – like I was actually sitting in the room when the characters were talking. I wonder if people in the South still feel “guilty” about that legacy? Happy reading! Let me know your conclusions….
Thanks! I can’t wait to hear your thoughts…I’m dying to chat with someone about certain things but i don’t want to give anything away until you read it!
Absolutely. I’ve made myself a note to update you once I’ve read it! (I won’t even pretend like I’ll remember on my own).
I’m reading “the Help” right now & I’m having a hard time putting it down. It is a very well written book, though as you say in ways disturbing. These things also were happening not all that long before I was born too.
To make it even more disturbing to me, I’m in an inter-racial relationship that would NOT have been allowed in this time period. It is very sobering.
Haven’t quite finished it yet, but WILL have it done before the weekend I’m sure.
I really enjoyed The Help, and so have my reading club, and another friend I lent it to. It’s a great read, though angering.
I actually missed the book club meeting where this book was discussed and was disappointed for that. It’s such a great book – it really seeps into your brain on so many levels – I’d be interested to hear what you think?
I’m going to recommend So Much Pretty to my Mother’s Group bookclub. It looks like a great read!