I'm back to reading from my list this week. Whittling is definitely in progress. The pile is four books shorter now. At the moment I've mainly been juggling the following books:
Perfume: The Story of a Murderer by Patrick Suskind -- This is certainly compelling reading. Jean-Baptiste is a pretty repugnant character--rather tick like as the narrator says. I must say the book is written in quite an ornate manner--I actually like it, it seems only fitting as the story is about scent--perfume especially. I am enjoying the descriptions greatly and very curious about where it is all leading. I may have to check out the film adaption later as well.
David Copperfield by Charles Dickens -- This is my first Dickens novel. Last year I read A Christmas Carol, but that is more of a novella and I have long wanted to read his novels. I like Dickens. At least I am enjoying David Copperfield. I've read that this is his most autobiographical novel. And I've heard a lot of criticism about how he handled female characters, so I am intrigued by the women in this novel. I like Betsey Trotwood and Agnes. I'm not sure what I think of David's beloved, Dora. She's sweet, but in a sort of childlike way. I'll have to see how the women compare in his other novels (when I get to them--I have more I'd like to read). And oh, Uriah Heep. Ack. Ever so 'umble, he gives me the creeps like few other characters in a novel ever have (including Jean-Baptiste Grenouille from Perfume--creepy, too, but in a different way). I keep trying to picture an actor playing that role and I can't do it. Just please, don't let him end up with Agnes. Ack.
Not Yet Drown'd by Peg Kingman -- I'm enjoying this as well. There is lots of historical detail. At the moment the characters are en route to India. While I love anything set on a ship, I have to say I am a little anxious to get the destination. There is a bit of a mystery tied up in the story and I am ready for it. Things are sort of meandering and I want to get to the 'meat' of the story.
Although I don't want to think about the holidays--and all the work that is associated with them (and raking up leaves before and during them). I am greatly looking forward to having a little extra time off from work, however. I am in dire need of a break! I've already started a mental list of what I might read during those extra free hours.