So, here is part two of my recent book buying binge. I seem to go back and forth between buying books, borrowing from the library where I work or the public library, or putting in interlibrary loan requests. I think I am now once again on an ILL binge, so my pocketbook will get a wee rest. In any case I seem to need a steady influx of books--much like an addict needs a regular fix. I sometimes wonder if I could go an entire month without any new (library or otherwise) books crossing my threshold. Then I take several deep breaths in order to stop any possibility of hyperventilating, shake my head and assure myself I have no plans of finding the answer to that one anytime soon. I mean, if nothing else library books are always allowed.
But let me mention my new books. From top to bottom:
Remember that freaky story I read last month by Ethel Wilson? Ms. BuriedinPrint was kind enough to draw attention to Wilson's novel, Swamp Angel, and look what happens. Anyone compared with Elizabeth Taylor, Anita Brookner and Elizabeth von Arnim is someone whose books I want to read. I found this lovely used (and in perfect condition) New Canadian Library edition. Written in 1954, it is Wilson's best-loved novel is a study of "one woman's integrity and the redemptive power of compassion."
I'm not a poetry reader, but I really would like to be. Since I read so little of it I am never sure where to start, but I do know I like Robert Frost. I love those Everyman's Library editions called "pocket poets", so I treated myself to Frost. It's the perfect size to slip into a coat pocket or my purse. Let's see if I can do just that.
South African writer, Sheila Kohler, is someone I've had my eye on. Her recently published Love Child is about "a forbidden marriage, a baby lost, and a love triangle gone horribly wrong." Sounds good to me.
And I keep hearing how wonderful Simon Van Booy's Everything Beautiful Began After is. The setting is Athens and it is about yet another love triangle. Not sure what's up with that, but I guess I am into reading about problematic relationships.
Thanks for the reading suggestions for Greek classics. Another long list I now have to choose from, but I decided since Aeschylus was mentioned by so many people I'd opt for The Oresteia as a starting point. I wasn't sure which translation to get so chose the Robert Fagles version. My library has several editions of this, but it seems like something worth owning. I'll be watching it after reading it. And I plan on reading every bit of the preface and introduction before diving in.
I know I already own an old copy of Edith Hamilton's Mythology, but it seems to have gone the way of poor Muriel Spark. Another book that is MIA on my bookshelves. It's nice to have a larger trade size edition, I'm telling myself. This seems the perfect book to keep by my bedside and dip into--read a story here and there.
Last but not least is Peter Cunningham's Consequences of the Heart. This is set during WWII and you'll never guess...it has yet another love triangle. I swear I didn't plan it, but there it is. Two men in love with the same woman. What is my subconscious trying to tell me?
By the way, I've decided to give Audible a try. I've been listening a lot to my MP3 player when I walk, but I am getting tired of the same music over and over. My freebie book (via Amazon) is Georgette Heyer's Venetia, which is read by the (ever so easy on the eyes and most likely ears, too) Richard Armitage. I'm thinking that should pass the time quite nicely!