A Work in Progress

Teaser Tuesday: Mrs. Dalloway

On to my second (proper--canonical) classic of the year and as with Jane Austen's Persuasion, another reread.  I swear my next classic is going to be something entirely new to me.  But I am excited about my next selection, reread or not, as I have decided to make a mini project out of it.  And as the classic in question is a novel by Virginia Woolf, a reread is a very good thing indeed.  I don't think I have read anything by Virginia Woolf for a very long time, more than five years now, so it is time for a nice little challenge. 

I have chosen to read Woolf's 1925 novel Mrs. Dalloway.  And while I have read Mrs. Dalloway before, I suspect this time around it is going to feel like a first try anyway.  I really want to read it carefully and closely and get something more out of it than a vague impression of a story.  Virginia Woolf is one of those authors who tends to intimidate me a little bit.  But my book pairing is going to be fun, so I shall take it all in stride, and I think we are going to get on well together. 

Over the holidays I went to this tiny independent bookstore in a passageway of stores that is situated between two buildings.  It is a cool place to shop since it is enclosed in glass and makes for an unusual place to spend an hour or two.  The little bookstore has lots of wonderful books that are right up my alley, but maybe it is for the best that I don't often get to go there.  Their hours are fairly limited and are mostly at times when I am at work.  It was a treat to get there when they were open and I was at leisure to browse, and I came across a copy of Mrs. Dalloway's Party.  The edition I found is a UK edition under the Vintage Classics imprint, though it can also easily be had here in the US in an edition published by Harcourt Books.  This little find is the inspiration for my selection-why just read the little book of stories when I can read the novel as well and maybe even some other book or two of peripheral (or more direct) interest.

So, first up will be the book of stories.  At least I will read the first couple and decide whether to read the whole set of seven short stories before moving on to the novel or interspersing them as I go and just jumping right into the book.  The book of stories is quite slim with just over 50 pages.  The stories included, in case you are curious are: Mrs. Dalloway and Bond Street, The Man Who Loved His Kind, The Introduction, Ancestors, Together and Apart, the New Dress and A Summing Up.  I think in the case of Virginia Woolf I won't worry about potential spoilers and read the introduction first.  I think it will be better to put it all into context.  But a little teaser first from the first of the stories in the collection.  "Mrs. Dalloway in Bond Street" begins

"Mrs. Dalloway said she would buy the gloves herself.  Big Ben was striking as she stepped out into the street.  It was eleven o'clock and the unused hour was fresh as if issued to children on a beach.  But there was something solemn in the deliberate swing of the repeated strokes; something stirring in the murmur of wheels and the shuffle of footsteps."

The stories look quite manageable--maybe ten pages each or even shorter.  Taking a peek at the start of the novel itself . . .  It starts

"Mrs. Dalloway said she would buy the flowers herself."

"For Lucy had her work cut out for her.  The doors would be taken off their hinges; Rumpelmayer's men were coming.  And then, thought Clarissa Dalloway, what a morning--fresh as if issued to children on a beach."

What fun--I think I am going to enjoy this little project very much.  And to take it all a little further, I came across a book called The Mrs. Dalloway Reader, which I have just ordered and will watch for very eagerly.  I have only taken a look at the table of contents in the online preview, but it is edited by Francine Prose and appears to include a number of essays along with the text of Mrs. Dalloway.   It's the essays I want and I think they will help shed light on the story.  I know there is a recent fictionalized novel about Virginia and her sister, which I have somewhere and have heard is very good--in case I want to take the project a step further.  We'll see.  First the stories.  If anyone would like to join me and chat along the way, please feel free.  Or if you have other reading suggestions--other texts that would complement the novel, I am happy to add to my reading pile.  June is a ways off still, but considering how pokey I can be with reading sometimes, maybe I will have to celebrate with some sort of personal Mrs. Dalloway party festivity!

The Mysterious Affair at Styles, Agatha Christie

Whenever I start a 'new' Agatha Christie mystery I tell myself that I am going to note the clues down properly so I can solve the crime.  She has written some tricky stories, challenging to unravel, but she always gives the reader a fighting chance to uncover the murderer fair and square.  (Well, there might be an occasional exception, but her novels are always puzzles that you can piece together if you are diligent enough).  Alas her first published novel and her first Hercule Poirot mystery, The Mysterious Affair at Styles, once again stumped me. 

Agatha Christie is so good at diverting attention and dropping in red herrings.  You are looking in one direction, crossing out suspects left and right, sure you are on the right track, but while you are looking in one place the murderer just walks across the stage right in front of your eyes grinning at you.  And you are none the wiser.  Of course when all is said and done and Hercule or Miss Marple calmly explains the mystery away you just think to yourself, now how did I miss that.  It was obvious all along.

The Mysterious Affair at Styles was published in 1920 and was generally well received.  Apparently the story was first serialized in the Times and a little piece of trivia for you--it was one of the first ten books published by Penguin when it begin in 1935.  Agatha Christie novels really are true puzzles.  There are bits about the personal lives of the characters, in particular the suspects, but I'd say her novels are much more about the sorting out of the crime rather than developing the characters.  There are a core number that return again and again yet it doesn't really seem to matter which order you read the mysteries as there is not really a lot of detail about their personal lives or backstories.  And while there are hints to time and place, but other than as elements that have to do with the mystery, her stories are not really social critiques or historical observations. 

The story takes place during WWI at Styles Court in Essex.  I don't think Hercule Poirot or Miss Marple ever narrate their stories in first person (though I might be mistaken in this).  In this novel it is Poirot's friend, Hastings (is his first name ever given in this story?  I don't think so, or I didn't note it down), who narrates the story.  Hastings is an interesting man.  He almost seems a bit of a rival of Poirot in terms of wanting to solve the crime and gets a little frustrated with Poirot when he won't fill in details.  But it is all done good-naturedly.  Hastings has met up with his old chum John Cavendish of Styles who invites him down to this country home and after the murder Poirot, a Belgian refugee of the War, has joined the group.

Our victim is John Cavendish's stepmother Emily Inglethorpe.  John is a barrister with a gorgeous wife, and his younger brother Lawrence is a doctor-turned writer.  John would have been set to inherit the manor house had not his father willed it to his second wife for the duration of her life.  There is a bit of animosity, but they would likely have gotten on well enough with her had she not remarried a much younger Alfred Inglethorpe whom everyone is sure is just a fortune hunter.  He is Emily's junior by more than twenty years though seems pretty devoted to her.  He is a little odd with this great black beard.  Lady Emily is known as the Lady Bountiful with her work with the community.  Her friend and dedicated factotum is Evelyn (Evie) Howard who acts as secretary and is fiercely protective of Emily.  As a matter of fact she loathes Alfred, certain he is only using Emily for her wealth and status.  Emily has a young protegé, Cynthia Murdoch, who works in the Red Cross dispensary. 

There is a twist to this mystery/murder.  Emily goes into convulsions behind the locked doors of her bedroom.  It is obvious that she is in some sort of distress but no one can get to her in time as the  locked out of her rooms.  And after the coroner has had a chance to examine the body it is determined she died of strychnine poisoning.  And as you can see there is a full cast of suspects.  Young husband?  Either of two stepsons?  A daughter-in-law?  A young woman with access to medications?  Someone else entirely?  There are other peripheral characters introduced.  There are cups of cocoa and coffee.  A torn up letter later concluded to be a will.  Motives abound, but with Emily in a locked room who had access to her?  The husband was not even on the estate when the death occurred. 

Oh, so tricky.  But mere child's play once Poirot has looked at it all from all the angles and questioned everyone.  I would need a flow chart to keep it all straight, but our wily detective (did you know he was a policeman in Belgium?  I didn't), with the agility of a grasshopper pieces it all together in his head--such brain power does he possess!

Agatha Christie always tells a cracking good story and this one was no exception.  I do love a good vintage crime novel and plan on reading more this year (more Agatha, and maybe something by Margery Allingham or Ngaio Marsh or Mignon Eberhart and definitely something by Josephine Tey).   The Mysterious Affair at Styles was my February prompt (these prompts are turning out to be so much better than any other formal list I have tried to read from in the past).  I have already turned my sights on to March and will be sharing my selection in just a couple of days!

February 24: Weekend Book Notes

Lots and lots of interest hit my email inbox, so I will just get to it and share the highlights!

I do love a good book list and all the better when it comes in the form of an award longlist like the just announced Walter Scott Prize for Historical Fiction.  Of the baker's dozen of books on the list I own three (as yet unread, ahem) and have easy access to a further two.  I might add a few of the others to my reading pile as well and order those other titles that are tempting me.

The February pick for the Virago Modern Classic book club is Patricia Highsmith's Deep Water.  As I am only just now beginning to read the January pick, Molly Keane's Good Behavior in earnest, I will have to save the Highsmith for later.  I have read her and very much admire her writing so I hope to get back to it sooner or later.

I personally have already 'mined' the list of highly anticipated debut novels from PW.  None are on my own list from yesterday, which will give you an idea of just how Long my own list is. 

I really want to see this movie and should really read the book, too.

Did you see these cool library cards?  I wish my own was not so boring.  I think of the group the cards from Victoria, B.C. are my favorite.

Books and cats, right?  How can you improve on that combination?  Books, cats and coffee!  (Yes, I might have to buy one of those!).

My own handwriting these days is pretty atrocious, but look at these samples.  I think there are actually books out there you can buy to help improve your writing (a lost art these days?).  Maybe that would be a good project to keep myself busy with and add some self-improvement in my life.  I tried calligraphy but I must say I was never very good at it.  (Didn't persevere, however . . . ).

Yesterday I mentioned a forthcoming book that is worthy of Agatha Christie.  How about a new Argentinian classic detective novel in the Agatha Christie mode?  Another one I am going to have to buy.

Last week I told you about Laurie Lico Albanese's wonderful novel Stolen Beauty.  It's always interesting to hear about an author's take on her own work--you can read about her inspiration for writing the novel here.

Will you be watching the Oscars this weekend?  I usually just catch the last hour or so.  I have seen a number of the films that have been nominated for awards so I will be curious to see who wins.  As a nod in the direction of the upcoming celebration--a list of the Top 10 Hollywood Novels.  And this one is great fun--If they gave Oscars to books, here are the 2016 Nominees!

I shall leave you with those links to explore on this very snowy (to follow our springlike weather) Friday.  Happy weekend everyone!

Seven New Books and One Podcast

How is it possible to add seven books and a podcast over the course of a mere half hour online?  What did I do before the internet?  I have never been at a loss for something good to read.  But now I cannot possibly keep up.  Before it was a gentle stream gurgling by and now it is more like a tsunami when it comes to books that catch my eye. 

These few books (and a podcast) caught my eye today:

Goodnight from London by Jennifer Robson -- " . . . a lush historical novel that tells the fascinating story of Ruby Sutton, an ambitious American journalist who moves to London in 1940 to report on the Second World War, and to start a new life an ocean away from her past."  Last year I read her novel Somewhere in France and really liked it. 

Magpie Murders by Anthony Horowitz -- How can I possibly pass up a book with this temptation--" fiendishly brilliant, riveting thriller weaves a classic whodunit worthy of Agatha Christie into a chilling, ingeniously original modern-day mystery."  You can never have too many classic whodunnits if you ask me!

The Coldest City by Antony Johnston -- Graphic novel.  Spy story.  What's not to like?  "November 1989. Communism is collapsing, and soon the Berlin Wall will come down with it. But before that happens there is one last bit of cloak & dagger to attend to. Two weeks ago, an undercover MI6 officer was killed in Berlin. He was carrying information from a source in the East — a list that allegedly contains the name of every espionage agent working in Berlin, on all sides. No list was found on his body. Now Lorraine Broughton, an experienced spy with no pre-existing ties to Berlin, has been sent into this powderkeg of social unrest, counter- espionage, defections gone bad and secret assassinations to bring back the list and save the lives of the British agents whose identities reside on it."  (This is actually an older book but I only just discovered it on a new book list).

Lady Mechanika, volume 1: Mystery of the Mechanical Corpse by Joe Benitez -- More graphic novel goodness.  "In a Victorian world filled with flying dirigibles, clockwork automatons, and elegantly fashionable attire, a young woman with mechanical limbs and no memory of how she got them searches desperately for the secrets to her past."  Sounds like fun, doesn't it?

Live from Cairo by Ian Bassingthwaite -- ". . . a lively debut novel about an impulsive American attorney, a methodical Egyptian translator, and a disillusioned Iraqi-American resettlement officer trying to protect a refugee who finds herself trapped in Cairo during the turbulent aftermath of the January 25 revolution."  I keep saying how I need to read a novel set in or about this region of the world.  So timely.  Must get to it!

Murder in Matera: A True Story of Passion, Famnily, and Forgiveness in Southern Italy by Helene Stapinski -- "Murder in Matera is a literary whodunit and a moving tale of self-discovery that brings into focus a long ago tragedy in a little-known region remarkable for its stunning sunny beauty and dark buried secrets."

Erotic Stories for Punjabi Widows by Balli Kaur Jaswal -- Okay, I know, a very saucy title, but . . . "A lively, sexy, and thought-provoking East-meets-West story about community, friendship, and women’s lives at all ages—a spicy and alluring mix of Together Tea and Calendar Girls."

and Whitehall (Season One) by Liz Duffy Adams, Delia Sherman, Barbara Samuel, Madeleine Robins, Mary Robinette Kowal and Sarah Smith -- Last month I mentioned Serial Box, which is subscription based serialized fiction podcasts.  I am still very curious about it, though I have not yet given it a try.  I think I might just have found one to tempt me.  How is this for a teaser: "An inlaid snuffbox of Restoration allures, subtle and lusty, exquisite and dangerous . . . pure pleasure."  Oooh.  Must try the first episode at the very least!  I think I might be able to sample the first one for free.  I might just do that tonight . . . 

It would seem that I am on far too many new books lists.  Or, maybe not.  It all depends on how you look at it, right?

Teaser Tuesday: New Starts

Resisting is sometimes futile.  When a book calls loud enough it is just downright rude to ignore it.  And I am all for civility these days.  So I have started not just one new book.  No, not one.  Not even two.  But yes, three new books (one an eGalley) added to my in progress pile.  The year is young, so why worry about cleaning up those 'in progress books'.  I have months and months to be good (and bad). 

So, first up, and I am sorry I am not going to be able to share a teaser since Jacqueline Winspear's newest Maisie Dobbs mystery, In this Grave Hour (#13 in case you are counting!) is not due to be released until March 14, is a book I have been eagerly awaiting.  I held off for more than a month.  It has been sitting in my Bluefire Reading app for a while now.  But if I don't start reading it will not be accessible and I waited too long to get in line at the library.  I will just say that it starts with the announcement of England's declaration of war and the start of WWII!  Such a long journey I feel like I have taken with Maisie. 

It is early days, but if you have missed the Maisie we all know and love, she seems to be back.  The story, which has just the tiniest little hint of espionage overtones, appears to be a more traditional Maisie mystery.  She has returned to her role as psychologist/investigator.  It is now my gym book since it is on my tablet and can easily sit propped on the stationary bike.  Nothing like a good book to keep me motivated to exercise!

***

I have been regularly visiting my favorite used bookstore in search of new Viragos, but if something else catches my eye, I will grab it, too.  I have never read Francine Prose, and I didn't realize she had written so many books.  I guess I am mostly familiar with her newer books, but I found one published back in 1981 called Household Saints about an Italian-American family living in NYC's Little Italy ca. 1950.  It is light and humorous--at least on first impression.  The story revolves around the Santangelo family in particular.  At the start Joseph Santangelo wins his wife in a game of pinochle!  Joseph's mother tries to talk him out of marrying Catherine Falconetti.  She tells him--you don't even know this girl (she is a mere 17.  I am not sure how old Joseph is--his 20s perhaps?).

"And then, for the first time that either of them could remember, his mother's own magic worked against her.  For as Joseph stared down at his plate, he thought of the sausage he rubbed (he's a butcher by the way) in front of Catherine's face, and of her serious wide eyes watching him.  More than anything in the world, he wanted to see her look like that again."

"Sensing the sudden change in him, Mrs. Santangelo resorted to her darkest tone, saying,"

"'Joseph, if you marry that girl, your whole life will taste like that meal'."

"But Joseph's only reaction to this gloomy prophecy was a dreamy grin."

"'As I remember,' he said, 'the antipasto was delicious'."

This coming after a disastrous meal cooked by Catherine.   I am really enjoying this.  I love finding these little old gems in the used bookstore.  I even seek them out.

***

So, one brand new book.  One old book but new to me.  And now one old book and long untouched on my shelves.  There is a sort of symmetry about it all, don't you think?  You know how much I love Mary Russell.  There have been lots of reinterpretation of Sherlock Holmes as a character and of his various mysteries and adventures.  I am not well-read really when it comes to Sherlockania.  I have read a book or two and maybe a short story or two, but Sherlock is such an icon that you don't necessarily have to be well read to know something about the man and the mysteries. 

I have had several of Carole Nelson Douglas's books on my shelves for years.  She is a prolific writer and at one time in her long career she took the one woman to better Sherlock Holmes and give her her own adventures--Irene Adler.  I cannot tell you how many times I have picked up the first of the series, Good Night, Mr. Holmes, which was published in 1990.  Another case of just the book I need at the moment, as I have just started and it has clicked nicely!

I don't know anything about Irene Adler, other than she is an opera singer.  She reminds me of Mary Russell (Holmes definitely prefers women who are his intellectual equals) in that she is adept at subterfuge, well read and very articulate with a very dry sense of humor.  I like her.  Here is a little something about her (rather the author's interpretation of her).  And just to put it into context--the narrator is sort of a Watson-type foil (or will be) to Irene.  Penelope Huxleigh is a former governess (her family left for India and didn't take her along) and daughter to a curate who has also left her.  She is wandering the streets of 18th century London trying to figure out what to do next when she is spotted by Miss Adler, who comes to her rescue.

"Before I could act or the awful child could answer, someone else was in our midst.  A lady had wheeled from the crowd to seize the lad's arm.  Had she not been so well dressed, my protective instincts would have led me to defend even this wretched ragamuffin."

"But the lady was magnificently attired--a sheared beaver muff cuffed one entire forearm.  The brown felt hat smartly tipped over her brow was lavished with velvet ribbons and crowned with a peacock-blue bird in full flight."

"She descended upon us like some glorious goddess, her dark eyes flashing fire, her pendant amber earrings swaying exuberantly.  Then that angelic face screwed into an unlovely snarl.  A stream of Queen's English translated through the scullery poured from her mouth."

She certainly shows more than a little moxie.  I think she and I are going to get on well together, too.  I think there are only a handful of Irene Adler mysteries, so I will work my way through them slowly.  And I should read Arthur Conan Doyle's short story "A Scandal in Bohemia", too.  And then maybe it will soon be time for another Mary Russell, too.  Yep, more reading paths are diverging.

Needlework Progress: Now Something New

Finally a finished project!  I must apologize as these photos are all going to be very poor--this is what happens when you take photos of needlework at night in bad artificial light, but you will get the idea.  I finished my Valentine's Day cushion late last night but only the stitching. 

It was easy, relaxing stitching and will make a very nice pin cushion.  I am sure I have some red (or maybe green) cotton fabric I can use for the backing.  It is a matter of pulling out my fabric stash bin, which is best reserved for the weekend.  I have several finished projects now--or almost finished--that just need to be turned into something (pin cushions or little pillows perhaps).  This will also need the date/year and my initials in some unobtrusive corner.  I didn't quite finish it for the holiday, but close enough.

I thought I might continue on with some more hearts or Valentine's Day-related design, but now I think I am ready for something a little different.   I am leaning towards a nice sampler of some sort.

What do you think about this one?  I have long wanted to stitch it.  It is called "My Betrothed Sampler" and the designer is the (now defunct) Birds of a Feather.  It will be stitched on hand dyed linen in a color called 'Nightingale' which is a pale grey color that verges almost on lavender. 

I have always been a little hesitant about stitching this one, as I am no longer married and am unlikely ever to be so again, but then why should that matter?  The wording reads as follows:

"To my betrothed who will one day see, this little piece that has been worked by me.  For you I give my best endeavor, I'll strive to serve and be obedient ever."

So, this is meant to be a reproduction sampler in the style a girl or young woman would have stitched in the early 1800s.  The 'obedient' reference is the other little catch.  Maybe I could change it some way to read something a little more subversive?  Or is that too naughty?  Maybe I should just stitch it as is to stay in the spirit of the period.

Or, there is this design called "Farm House" by Blackbird Designs.  It is sort of a companion piece to this sampler that I stitched years ago (and sits waiting to be framed and hung on my wall).  You can see the linen peeking out just to the right of the chart.  I actually started this one (also a long time ago), so it would be easy to pick up again. 

This chart (and the other I linked to above) is one of a series called "Anniversaries of the Heart" which was meant to be stitched in a larger sampler.  You can see some other stitcher's finished project here.  Isn't that an amazing piece?  I only own these two houses from the set, so mine will just hang next to each other.

It's a bit of a toss up in terms of which new project to choose.  One has lots of small motifs that would be fun to work on (the Betrothed design), rather than that house right in the middle of the design which can be a little tedious to work on initially (small motifs make you feel like you are making real progress), but then the house design is smaller and I have those first stitches already in and just waiting to be added to.

Much like my daily book choice (which will go into my bookbag for the day) I will likely see what appeals to me most in the morning.  The choice just needs to really appeal and feel a little inspired to make me want to keep returning to it!

A Suitable Boy: Part 7

It's been a while since I've written about Vikram Seth's A Suitable Boy, but I have finally managed to finish part seven, which was more than 150 pages long.  I've already started part eight and with just under 50 pages I hope to make quick work of it.  It will also be the second of five "slices" of the book (if you recall I cut the book into smaller portions to make it easier to carry about) finished.  Reading through that middle part (third slice) will mean I am more than halfway through this chunkster of a story.  I am quite enjoying it, but I had some distractions over the last couple of months and now hope I am back in a normal reading routine with it.

So just a  little refresher since enough time has passed for details to begin fading (and this is likely more for me than anyone else, so feel free to skim over this bit).  There are four families that the story is mostly concerned with: the Mehras (and it is Lata Mehra the university student who has fallen for a Muslim cricket player, Kabir Durrani, and whose family wants to find a 'suitable boy' for), the Kapoors, the Chatterjis and so far a bit less of the Khans.  Two of the Mehra children are married into the Kapoor and Chatterji families.  It is ca. 1950, post-Partition India with most of the action happening in Brahmpur and Calcutta, and there is a lot of civil unrest at the moment (clashes between Hindus and Muslims and wealthier class and lower class/caste).

In the last section most of the time was spent with the Kapoor family (Lata's sister Savita is in a happily arranged marriage with Pran Kapoor who is in the English faculty at the university Lata attends), but now in section eight Lata and her mother take center stage once again.  Mrs. Rupa Mehra whisked Lata away to Calcutta after discovering her romance (just at its beginning) with Kabir.  Finished with her final exams for the year it is hopefully just the break Lata will need to forget the cricket player (doesn't really happen I'm afraid).  Her elder brother Arun, wife Meenakshi and their daughter Aparna are in Calcutta along with her other single brother Varun. 

Arun is a terrible snob and an awful bully and Meenakshi is not much better.  He gets along reasonably well with Luts (Lata) but generally glowers at younger brother Varun.  But things have gotten interesting, and I am going to get gossipy here . . . Meenakshi is having an affair with one of Arun's British colleagues.  Naughty, naughty, and of course Arun hasn't a clue.  I think the gentleman in question would like to cool things off, but Meenakshi can be pretty persuasive (something of a seductress and likes nice clothes and is most certainly trendy).  Arun is referred to as a 'domestic tyrant' and boy is that a very apt description.  He is quite affable with his British colleagues and wants to please and excel at Bentson and Pryce, but he is pretty awful to his family.  He and Meenakshi make the social rounds and are not often home in the evenings.

Varun is really his own best enemy.  He does not know how or have the courage to stand up to Arun who thinks he is a lazy, good-for-nothing.  Lata tries to smooth things down between the two, but Varun plays into his hands since he likes to go off and drink and gamble and not attend to his studies.  Even Mrs. Rupa Mehra cannot escape his scathing remarks.  When her daughter Savita sends her mangoes (she is quite fond of them and rarely can stop at just one) he criticizes her for eating too many and the sugar has an ill effect on her diabetes.  

The Chatterji family, however, seem to have appeal to Lata.  She is befriended by Meenakshi's younger and also very sociable sister Kakoli (Kuku) and her brother Amit takes a particular liking to Lata.  Could he be the suitable boy?  He is a writer and poet and things click nicely between he and Lata.  They spend time with each other, but as they are practically family it is acceptable.  She, a lover of English literature, and he a writer might make a perfect couple.  Mrs. Mehra, however, frowns upon the idea of losing another child to the Chatterji clan.  They (the girls anyway-Meenakshi and Kuku) have a rather annoying habit of talking in rhyming couplets.  Usually it is a lot of silliness and plays on words, but it even grates on Arun at times.  But the Chatterjis are most welcoming to Lata including her on their outings. 

Perhaps Lata will get a bit of independence since her mother is returning to Brahmpur by way of Delhi as Savita is expecting her first baby.  Unknown to her family Lata received a letter from Kabir at the outset of this section.  As much as she might be enjoying Calcutta, hanging out with Amit and going to parties, she finds her mind going back to her cricket player often.  Since the letter is rather provoking I will end with mention of it--it annoyed Lata with its flippant tone!  Even towards the end of the section when she thinks of it, it is with a rush of anger.  But does she think of Amit in romantic terms?  Hard to say (and he can be somewhat condescending at times), but things seem to be much more open in Calcutta-mixed parties and the women showing so much more skin.  Not that Lata is nothing but modest. 

Now it is time to return to the Kapoors in section eight.  Now Maan Kapoor is also being whisked away from his inappropriate affair with the older Saeeda Bai who is a ghazal singer and a courtesan.  Ostensibly he is going to (he feels like it is exile!) the countryside to study and learn Urdu (the language of Saeeda who recites/sings poetry).  He's going to stay with his tutor and tutor's family (who begs him not to embarrass him, but after saying of course he would never do such a thing, he instantly regrets it--knowing his downfalls and limitations).  It should be an interesting section, I think.  And I hope to tell you about it at this time next Friday!

Just to keep things tidy and in order (for handy reference): an introduction, part one, part two, part three, part four, part five, part six.

Meh! Inspiration Please?

Is it just me?  Or maybe it is the February blahs?  I am feeling utterly devoid of any inspiration or motivation.  All my ambitious reading plans for this month are slowly swishing down the drain.  I am managing to read but only short works and comics, and while there is nothing wrong with that I have a massive pile of books in progress or almost finished and books I want to start just out there on the horizon waiting (im)patiently, but I feel like I am moving through treacle.  Maybe, though, it is spring fever.  Did I say it is February?  It feels much more like late March.  I am not complaining about the much warmer than average weather (though what does this bode for spring and summer, I wonder?), but I think my mind and body are completely confused.

How often do I say/think . . . focus, focus.  There is so much to do and accomplish and I can't seem to manage any of it.  It seems far too early in the year to be thinking and worrying about this. 

So, here is your homework: (don't worry, it's easy, so don't click away just yet) tell me a story.  Just one or two lines.  It doesn't even have to be a story per se.  Tell me something inspiring.  Something you are doing or reading or creating or want to do.  A name, a quote, a title, an event, a website.  Anything at all.  Something you are excited about, can't wait for.  Something that makes you want to get up from your computer and start doing Right Now.

Personally I would like to finish a book.  An actual full length novel.  I think I tend to have grander plans and ideas and need to focus on something really small and achievable. 

You?

Paper Girls 1 and 2 by Brian K. Vaughan

I grew up in the 1980s, rode my bike, hung out with gal pals, but I must say I was never a badass tweenie like the girls in Brian K. Vaughan's comic Paper Girls.  Maybe given the right set of friends, or a little more courage, I would have been (and don't get me wrong--when I say badass it is more like kick ass girls who don't take any crap from others--um, monsters included . . . ).  However, it is quite fun to read about them and be able to give a silent nod of recognition for small-ish town living ca. 1988 which was very much like my own. 

This is a story that is very 'gulpable' (good thing for a serial comic).  One or two sittings and you will fly through the very wild and weird adventures of a quartet of girls who deliver newspapers at the crack of dawn.  Only one fateful Halloween something strange happens and all of a sudden everyone in the Cleveland suburb of Stony Stream disappears and strange things begin to happen.  Does a parallel universe open?  Time travel?  Aliens from another solar system?  One thing is certain, this story is like taking a snow globe and shaking it up and letting all those silent snowflakes loose.  Time moves fluidly back and forth, and strange dimensions seem to take shape.

But let me go back to the start of the story, such that it is.  First Erin, one of our heroines, has the weirdest dream in which Christa McAuliffe makes an appearance.  A red apple.  And a younger sister is missing.  And Erin has the chance to save her.  Maybe.  Erin is twelve and set to begin a brand new paper route, but on this particular day-after-Halloween morning, boys still roaming the streets from post-trick-or-treating festivities give her trouble.  She is rescued by a band of three sassy papergirls, Mackenzie (Mac), Tiffany and KJ.  They decide power in numbers is the wiser choice, especially when they have super cool walkie talkies (forgive me--they are Realistic TRC-218 CBs, but it is easier to call them walkie talkies) and can split into pairs. 

Okay.  I'm sorry to have to say this again (and I might still yet again before I finish this post) things start getting a little weird.  Is it just high school boys, or are there creepy creatures speaking some strange language none of them have ever heard?  One steals one of their walkie talkies, which is so very not cool, and the girls race after him, following him (they think) into an abandoned house.

And now the refrain, one more time, please everybody:  And then things really start to get weird.

In the basement is what seems to be a rocket ship perhaps?  Something alien in any case.  This is such a wild ride of a story that I am not sure I can even tell you more and make any sense, because two collected volumes in (I think that is something like ten individual comics) and I am as confused as ever.  It's hard to tell sometimes who is on whose side?  Who are the good guys and the not so good guys?  There are these old-timers who look like us, and these creatures who look like us gone all wrong.  There are multiple 'Erins' (imagine meeting your forty year old self when you are only twelve--yeah, I would have been pretty freaked, too).  And then there are these really weird-unlike-anything-you-have-ever-seen monsters.  There is this weird time slip action going on--1988?  2016?  Somewhere and sometime in the future here or elsewhere? 

Sometimes, though, you just have to go with the flow. Suffice it to say, this is one crazy-entertaining-pager-turner of a story and you just have to let it all wash over you and join the ride with an open mind.  I am only sorry that there are only two collections available and this is a story that is in progress.  Number 11 just came out and number 12 is slated for March 1.  Now what?  Am I going to be prodded into buying the individual comics?  Or can I possibly wait until the next five or six are collected into one book?  So many questions.  So few answers.  I am currently contemplating subscribing so I get the forthcoming issues each month (yes, indeed, this is totally appealing to my former twelve-year-old self who did buy Archie comics at the mall at that age, so this is all sort of déja vu to me). 

And just to give credit the creators are Brian K. Vaughan (of Saga fame), Cliff Chiang, Matt Wilson and Jared K. Fletcher--whose middle schools photos (were they twelve in those old B&Ws?) appear in the back of the second collected volume.

Stolen Beauty by Laurie Lico Albanese

There is a line from Friedrich Schiller's Ode to Joy that reads "You millions, I embrace you.  This kiss is for all the world!".  In Laurie Lico Albanese's vividly imagined historical novel, Stolen Beauty, Viennese painter Gustav Klimt is looking for inspiration for his famous Beethoven Frieze that decorates one of the rooms in the Secession Building.  In particular he is trying to work out how to portray the arts--music, painting, sculpture and poetry--in a mural that will show an entire cycle of creativity.  It is Adele Bloch-Bauer, one of Klimt's patrons and likely one of his muses, who suggests the quiet intimacy of an embrace rather than a kiss (though which is more intense is arguable).

You have probably 'met' Adele Bloch-Bauer even if you don't think you recognize the name, and a very long court battle over an iconic Klimt painting (not so very long ago finally resolved and returned to its rightful owner) put her in world news some 80 years after her death.  The 'stolen beauty' of the title is Adele Bloch-Bauer's stunning portrait that Klimt painted in 1907.  It hung for a very long time in Vienna's Upper Belvedere Museum where I had the good fortune to stand before this immense (it is nearly 5' x 5'), sumptuously golden portrait of a woman I knew nothing about at the time.

The story doesn't revolve so much around the portrait, rather the woman portrayed in it, as well as Adele Bloch-Bauer's family, a prominent Jewish family that lost everything in 1938 with the annexation of Austria by the German Reich.  A dark time that Adele did not live to see.  Stolen Beauty is a story told in parallel narratives, and Laurie Lico Albanese successfully pulls off both the glittering social whirl of fin-de-siecle Vienna as well as the harrowing nightmare world in which Adele's niece, Maria Altmann and her husband Fritz must endure the 'Aryanization' of.  They lose their home, their belongings, and their business, even their country--barely escaping to safety.

Already in the early 1900s, the world in which Adele is a prominent Society lady and benefactress of the arts, along with her husband Ferdinand Bloch, there are hints of what is to come.  By the time Klimt is painting Adele's portrait Vienna is showing very disturbing and outwardly blatant signs of antisemitism and intolerance.  There is hushed talk of Zionism in the fashionable salons yet the idea that--surely it cannot happen here--still pervades their society.  Although it's unknown just how intimate the relationship actually was, the story brings to life an imagined and very persuasive scenario between Adele and the artist.  Adele Bloch-Bauer was, apparently, the only woman Klimt actually painted two portraits of.  As a girl she dreamed of being an intellectual, learned, artistic woman--not boxed in by her family or a repressed and restrictive society.  Her first step is marriage to an older man who seems willing to let her think and act independently, but it is through the artist that she finds her real voice, her passion and even a power.

There is surely a glimpse of the flesh and blood woman both literally and figuratively through those paintings--both the two portraits and the others where she served as inspiration if not the actual subject, as well the author infuses the woman, the 'character' of Adele with light and breath.  And then later long after the war has ended, when Maria begins her fight to reclaim her beloved aunt's portrait as well as the other artworks belonging to the family but stolen by the Nazis, Adele's fierce spirit is recalled.  I didn't 'know' Adele Bloch-Bauer when I stood in front of her portrait, but Laurie Lico Albanese has filled in the details for me so I can imagine the amazing women she and her niece were.   

Stolen Beauty is a story every bit as opulent as Klimt's art and equally as suspenseful as any war story where happy outcomes are not assured.  It's a lavish story that Albanese does not scrimp on and a page turner as well.  Definitely this is a story I am happy to press into the hand's of friends who love good historical fiction or have an artistic bent!  There is so much more I could (and want) to tell you about this wonderful story, but I'll let you discover Adele and her world yourself.  You can check out the author's website here.  Thanks to Simon & Schuster for offering access to a galley copy of the ebook, though I think I will have to splurge on a paper copy for my own shelves (Vienna being one of my favorite places, if not the actual place these days, at least in the pages of a book!).