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Currently Reading: Assassin’s Fate by Robin Hobb 

Oh man this is the last book in The Realm of the Elderlings series! It’s gonna be hard to say goodbye to these characters. I’ve been reading through this fantasy series since 2018! 

#Assassin's Fate #Robin Hobb #Currently Reading #Fantasy #Fitz and the Fool #Realm of the Elderlings

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Review: Thank You, Jeeves by P.G. Wodehouse

About: 

Thank You, Jeeves was written by P.G. Wodehouse and published in 1934. It is the fourth book in the Jeeves and Wooster series and the first novel in the series. This is a comedic series centered around Bertie Wooster and his valet Jeeves. At the beginning of this novel Bertie is told by his landlord that he must leave his flat unless he will give up his newfound love of playing the banjolele. He refuses and decides to rent a cottage in the country. Jeeves does not want to put up with Bertie and his infernal racket in an even smaller abode, so he leaves Bertie’s service. When Bertie moves to the country however, he gets mixed up in his old school friend Chuffy’s love life and needs the genius Jeeves to help him and his friend out. 

Did I Like It?: 

It was interesting finally reading a Jeeves and Wooster novel after all the short stories. I was thinking I might prefer it more, but I’m still not sure. This delivered all the usual laughs. Bertie was hilarious as always. It’s always the lingo that cracks me up. Not just that, but also things like the hilarious over the top names of the characters. His friend ‘Chuffy’ or Lord Chuffnell Regis for example. This one didn’t age as well as the others though however as a good deal of the humor relied on blackface. I’m not one for banning books with problematic material, I think it reminds us how far we’ve come. All the blackface jokes were certainly startling though. Bertie did make a good point that it’s amazing how differently people react to you based on the color of your skin. That could have been taken as P.G. Wodehouse using a joke (acceptable in his time) trying to make a point  about how stupid racism is. Yet, also it could have been a flippant remark and he was simply going for the laughs. Who knows. Regardless, I’m really glad we FINALLY stopped using blackface for comedy. Since a lot of the plot centered on this, it did lesson my enjoyment of this one. I’ve been reading a Jeeves and Wooster book once a year and while I’m enjoying them for sure and find comedic relief in them, I’m not sure that I totally love them yet. I will continue with my read of the series in a year though and continue to see what I think.

Do I Recommend It?:

I recommend this series for those that want some classic comedy. For those that like old timey British upper-class humor. This particular installment is worth a read if you’re trying to read the whole series, but if you’re just wanting to try one out I would not recommend starting here. 

~Katie 

#Jeeves and Wooster #P.G. Wodehouse #Thank You Jeeves #Book Review #1930's literature #comedic literature

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Currently Reading: Thank You, Jeeves by P.G. Wodehouse 

Every year I’ve been reading a book from the Jeeves and Wooster series, this is my fourth year doing so! So far, the books I have read were short stories, this is the first novel! Looking forward to diving in and getting some laughs! 

#Jeeves and Wooster #P.G. Wodehouse #Thank You Jeeves #1930's lit #Comic literature #w.w. norton #Norton Jeeves and Wooster

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Review: The Rehearsal by Eleanor Catton

Synopsis:

The Rehearsal was written by the New Zealander author Eleanor Catton and published in 2008. The novel is about a school scandal between a girl and her music teacher and the drama school that acts out a play based on this local scandal. The form of the novel is experimental. There are sections from the point of view of the girl’s peers, which seem like they are really just part of the play and then sections from the point of view of a drama student Stanley. The lines between reality and performance are blurred and then collide at the end.

Storyline:

I wasn’t expecting this novel to be so experimental in style, although I found it to be interesting. Stanley’s section is obviously reality, but the section from the students at the girl’s high school I was confused by. Sometimes I thought it was reality, but just with a dramatic tone and an ‘All the world’s a stage’ kinda vibe. Then at others I thought it was definitely scenes from the play about the scandal. This was the kind of experimental novel though that while I found it intriguing I didn’t find it 100% successful. It was the author’s debut novel and I found it to be too ambitious and maybe even too pretentious. Even the language was too descriptive and wordy in a way that’s more annoying than beautiful. That being said I adore her second novel The Luminaries, which is experimental in form as well! The form though did allow for some interesting themes to crop up. The biggest of course being the lines between reality and performance. Our perception of what is real.How obsessed people can become with scandals and stories. This desire to be a voyeur to these intimate moments of other people’s lives. An obsession with other people’s intimate moments, yet perhaps when it comes to intimate moments of our own we’re just acting. Another theme was that of ‘rehearsing for life’. Like how all the drama of high school is really just a rehearsal for adult life. These themes were great, but again just not fully executed well.

Setting:

The novel was set between the girl’s high school, the drama institute and a private saxophone teacher’s room. These places worked well for this type of novel. Although it definitely wasn’t a novel focused on setting.

Characters:

The characters were very fascinating. Stanley was great and the easiest to read. It’s interesting because the more Stanley was involved at the institute, the more he ‘acted’ in everyday life. Isolde and Julia were the biggest characters in the other parts of the novel. Isolde is the sister of the girl involved with the teacher. It was really hard to tell what was her reality. Sometimes it seems like she has a relationship with Stanley, others with Julia. Who knows, perhaps it was both? Julia was sort of an outcast at school because she’s ‘hardcore’ and a lesbian. Again it’s hard to tells about whether the relationship between Isolde and her is true or just what she desires. The girl’s saxophone teacher is a particularly enigmatic character. She’s weirdly obsessed with these girl’s lives particularly the relationship between Julia and Isolde. We don’t know how much of that relationship is just the saxophone teacher’s own desires just being projected. We find out that she’s been in love with her long time friend, but has never done anything about it.

Did I Like It?:

I sort of liked it. It was interesting I’ll give it that. Great concepts just not quite fully realized or put together well in my opinion. It’s just one of those books where you can tell it’s a debut novel. Regardless I still love The Luminaries!

Do I Recommend This?:

Only a little. I’d say if you really like books about theatre or girl’s coming of age than perhaps you might find interest. In terms of girl’s coming of age I feel like if you liked The Virgin Suicides by Jeffrey Eugenides or The Girl’s by Emma Cline you might like this. In terms of theatre it reminded me a bit of Dodie Smith novel called The Town in Bloom.

~Katie 

#The Rehearsal #Eleanor Catton #Book Review #New Zealand Literature #Contemporary literature

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“That moment you’re talking about. That one perfect kiss. It’s all there is. Everything from this point onward is only going to be a facsimile, darling. You will try and re-create that one kiss with all your lovers, try and replay it over and over; it will sit like an old video loop on a television screen in front of you, and you will lean forward to touch the cool bulge of the glass with your forehead and you will feel the ripple-fur of static with your fingers and your cheek and you will be illumined, lit up by the blue black glow of it, the bursts of light, but in the end you will never really be able to touch it, this perfect memory, this one solitary moment of unknowing where you were simply innocent of who you were, of what you might become. You will never touch that feeling again.”

- The Rehearsal by Eleanor Catton

#the rehearsal #quote #eleanor catton #kiss

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“Acting is not about making a copy of something that already exists. The proscenium arch is not a window. The stage is not a little three-walled room where life goes on as normal. Theater is a concrete of life as normal. Theater is a purified version of real life, an extraction, an essence of human behavior that is stranger and more tragic and more perfect than everything that is ordinary about me and you.”

- The Rehearsal by Eleanor Catton

#the rehearsal #eleanor catton #quote #acting #drama

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Currently Reading: The Rehearsal by Eleanor Catton 

#The Rehearsal #Eleonor Catton #Contemporary Fiction #New Zealand Literature

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Review: Winter’s Tales by Isak Dinesen (Karen Blixen)

About:

Winter’s Tales is a short story collection written by the Danish writer Karen Blixen ( also known as Isak Dinesen) and published in 1942. These tales were written and published during the Nazi occupation of Denmark during World War II, which can be felt sometimes in the tone of these stories. However none of them are set in the 20th century. They’re all set in the 19th century with the exception of a couple stories. An undertone of longing seems to be present in most of the stories. Whether it’s to escape somewhere else or of love. Many of the love interests have such longing between them but nothing ever gets consummated so to speak.

Did I Like It?:

This was a very enjoyable collection of short stories. I had previously read the author’s memoir about her time in Africa, Out of Africa and was excited to read her fiction. She is truly a wonderful writer and storyteller. These stories all had a folktale feel to them. All set in the past. In various places in Europe and Scandinavia. There wasn’t one bad story in the whole collection! I enjoyed them all.

The Sailor- Boy’s Tale was about a boy who one day saves a peregrine falcon on his ship, only to find out later on that it was actually a shape shifting Lapp woman ( I believe the proper term for them now are the Sami people) who does him a favor in return. This story was mostly set in Norway.

The Young Man with a Carnation was about a writer staying in Belgium who is afraid he can’t keep up the esteem he has built up for his writing and is only doing it for his ego. He sees a man one night who looks so happy and he realizes he does not feel this way, which gives him a strong desire to run away to sea. He doesn’t end up doing it, but it changes his perspective on his writing and his motives.

The Pearls was about a newly married woman on her honeymoon who was disconcerted that her husband didn’t ever seem to feel any fear and was determined to make him feel it at some point.

The Invincible Slave- Owners was about a man staying at a hotel in Germany where he falls in love with this girl staying there. She seems wealthy and ever dependent on her governess. One of her ‘slaves’ that she couldn’t do without as the man saw it. He realizes that she is not what she seems and ends disguising himself to her as well.

The Heroine was about an English man staying in a German hotel during a war between Germany and France. Some French people are also staying at the hotel including a beguiling young woman. When they are all captured by the Germans the young French woman saves the day by respecting herself.

The Dreaming Child was about a poor orphan boy who dreamed that he was from a rich and great house. When he is actually adopted into one he accepts it as his own and bewilders his new parents. His step mother in particular realizes they are truly similar as they share the trait of dreaming and the lines between reality and fantasy are blurred. This one was one set in Blixen’s native Denmark.

Alkmene was about a mysterious girl that was adopted. Her neighbor who is a lot older than her was her friend for a long time and eventually fell in love with her, but she had other ideas for her life. This one felt strange, but also that air of longing was particularly poignant in this one.

The Fish was  one story not set in the 19th century. It was set in the Middle Ages following King Erik. He can’t ever seem to find satisfaction in his life anymore. Then a tale is told of how he came in possession of a certain lady’s ring through the belly of a fish. Apparently in actual life King Erik was murdered for seducing this lady. I like how Blixen came up with a story of how that assumption might have been made. This was another set in her native Denmark and it was cool it drew on the history as well.

Peter and Rosa was about two cousins brought up together. The boy desperately wants to run away to sea and Rosa after thinking she’d like it if he’d leave discovers she doesn’t want him to go after all. This story ended up having such a magical feel. Also extremely poignant in its sense of longing and desire. Even of clashing passions. It ended in such a dramatic, dark, fairytalesque, but beautiful way. It’s hard to pick , but this might be my favorite.

Sorrow - Acre was about a young man returning to his Uncle’s farm in Denmark. This was the other story not set in the 19th century ( I think it was the 18th). His uncle is making a woman work a whole field of his in order to save her son from being punished for burning down a barn. This story was about new ideas clashing with old ones. A new way of thinking colliding with an old order.

A Consolatory Tale was about a man and his friend talking in a cafe in Paris. The man is a writer and tired of how an artist always needs the public. His friend tells him the story of a time in Persia when he was intimate with the Prince and how he discovered that opposites always coexist. Rich and poor. Men and women. Artists and the people who consume the art. This was the most moralistic and because it seemed like it was trying to teach a lesson I liked it the least, but it was still good.

Do I recommend this?:

Yes! Wonderful short stories if you’re looking for a good classic collection. This is for those who like the past, a sense of wistfulness, desire or longing or are looking for some good Danish literature. While this is called Winter’s Tales there’s nothing wintry about it except perhaps the mood, so you don’t necessarily need to read it in winter.

~ Katie 

#Winter's Tales #Isak Dinesen #Karen Blixen #Short Stories #Danish Literature #1940's literature #penguin modern classics

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“Is it by the will of the Lord that mankind cannot be happy, but must ever be longing for the things which they have not got, and which , maybe, are nowhere to be found? The beasts and the birds are at ease on this earth, may it not, then, be good enough for the human beings whom God has set within it: the peasants who complain of their hard lot, the great lords, who never get enough, and the young priests who sign for Paradise, in the green woods? Might not man, - might not, after all, one man out of them all, be in such understanding with the Lord as to say: “I have solved the riddle of this our life. I have made the earth my own, and I am happy with her?”

- The Fish from Winter’s Tales by Isak Dinesen ( aka Karen Blixen)

#the fish #winter’s tales #karen blixen #isak dinesen

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“It was no wonder that God had ceased to love him, for he had, of his own free will, exchanged the things of the Lord, - the moon, the sea, friendship, fights - for the words that describe them.”

- The Young Man With a Carnation from Winter’s Tales by Isak Dinesen ( aka Karen Blixen)

#the young man with a carnation #winter’s tales #isak dinesen #karen blixen #danish literature

[katiesclassicbooks]

Currently Reading: Winter’s Tales by Isak Dinesen 

#Currently Reading #Winter's Tales #Isak Dinesen #Danish Literature #Danish Classics #1940's literature #short stories #winter #Penguin Modern Classics

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Book Review: An Australian Girl by Catherine Martin

Synopsis:

An Australian Girl was written by the Australian author Catherine Martin and was published in 1890. This is the story of Stella. A true Australian girl born and raised in Australia. She is a new woman of Australia. Independent. Physically healthy, enjoying exploring the wild landscape around her. Intellectual with a love of learning and reading. Craving discourse with an equally intellectual companion. At the beginning of the novel Stella keeps trying to reject the marriage proposals of her friend since childhood, Ted. She seems quite cynical of the marriage institution and while she is fond of Ted, they are not intellectual equals and she does not love him. Then unexpectedly she falls in love with a man named Anselm. They start off as having a ‘true friendship. He is her intellectual equal and she can’t help falling in love with him. It seems like Stella has found the perfect match, but then deception and the intervention of a desperate and greedy woman changes the course of Stella’s story.

Storyline:

I so enjoyed this novel, there were so many things packed in here. First of all the writing! Oh my the writing was gorgeous and passionate. The parts following Stella were beautiful in particular and the description of the natural landscape was off the charts fantastic. In part this was a wonderful novel about Australia as it was soon to become a country in 1901 and not just a bunch of colonies. Not only is the natural beauty of Australia commented on, but all the different people and experiences. The aboriginals are touched on, the people exploring the bush in search of gold and what not. The people trying to make a living off of sheep farming. The society in the urban center of Melbourne. The foreigners coming to Australia with fresh eyes. The youth who were born and raised in Australia like Stella and Ted. On the other hand this was a novel about Stella, this new woman of Australia trying to find a new place for herself and struggling against Victorian ideals. The institution of marriage is criticized and Stella questions the ideals of marriage and love. Marriage never goes well in this book. Stella ends up marrying the wrong man. You hear stories about her sister’s and friend’s marriages turning out to be failures. Ted’s sister Laurette’s marriage is quite horrible as she is married to a man who gambles away their money and has affairs. It’s a loveless marriage that threatens to leave Laurette in ruin, so she takes actions that end up making her the villain of the novel. Even with all that criticism of marriage, Stella finds love. A love based in friendship and mental equality. These seem to be the ideals for the best type of partnership that the author it seems found lacking in most marriages. Weirdly enough the ending of the novel goes in a strange direction , away from Stella’s desires. Honestly I loved everything about the novel except the ending. It does not end so called happily and Stella does not follow her desires. I almost saw it in a sense of her not being able to break away from the old world and the old traditions as much as she’d like. The novel ends in England ( the old world) and with Stella falling back on religion. It’s like she’s pulled back into the old a bit and can’t quite break free from the old ideals and moral code enough to be truly independent and follow her own heart.

Setting:

The setting of An Australian Girl was one of my all time favorite settings I’ve read about in awhile. It’s mostly set in Australia of course, although near the end it’s set for a bit in Berlin, Germany and in London, England. Australia’s natural beauty was described with such passion. Such fantastic descriptions that really brought it to life. There were so many I loved: the Mallee Scrub where her family had a house, her family’s garden and surrounding views in Adelaide, other parts of the bush, a place called The Wicked Wood, the Peeloo Plain that with all it’s waving grasses looked like an ocean, her brother’s house and surrounding gardens with trees native to Australia and also from all over the world and horseback rides on the beach. This world was described to be one of splendor, melancholy, beauty, mystery and a kind of sacred loneliness.

Characters:

Stella was a fantastic character. She was so passionate, so smart and so independent. Such a love for her native Australia. I loved seeing her develop. When she was more ‘innocent’ however is when I liked her the best. She seemed so content to be with herself and to read and experience the natural world. She has one of those sensitive temperaments though, which can be so alive to the beauty of the world, but whom tragedy touches deeply. Near the end of the novel her mental anguish wracks her nervous system and also weakens her body. I loved Anselm. I so badly wanted that relationship to work out. I loved how their love was based on a deep friendship that grew because they could share so much intellectually. Such a beautiful relationship dynamic. It was hard to dislike Ted too much though because he seemed so good natured and like he cared so much for Stella. He just doesn’t understand her depth and isn’t her equal mentally. Laurette I disliked as the villain she was. So selfish. Yet, she was the character the most trapped and constrained. Lots of little interesting side characters and stories as the novel went on, which I thought added to the picture of Australia in particular.

Did I Like It?:

I loved this novel! Definitely a hidden gem. I know the ending wasn’t one I wanted or agreed with, but I still loved the bulk of it so thoroughly. A wonderful Australian classic and a wonderful classic in general. I want to check out more by this author!

Do I Recommend it?:

Yes very highly! This book currently is out of print, although they reprinted it in the 90’s and I found it easy to get a hold of a copy. I feel like this is such a gem of a book though that I really would like to see gain a readership again. It is a fabulous book by a female author in the Victorian period for one. Most of all it is an Australian classic that really captures what it meant to be Australian at the time.   It should not be forgotten and should be valued as a wonderful work of Australian literature and a great classic of it’s time by a female author.

~Katie 

#An Australian Girl #Catherine Martin #Book Review #Australian Literature #Oxford World Classics #Victorian literature

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“Looked round the room with that quick response to the mere presence of books instinctive to those who love them.”

- An Australian Girl by Catherine Martin

#An Australian Girl #Catherine Martin #Quote

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“Always before this you walked as if you were treading on air - your eyes dancing. It didn’t matter whether the sun were shining or not, it came in with you.”

- An Australian Girl by Catherine Martin

#An Australian Girl #Quote #Catherine Martin

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“To achieve anything in the world, a man has to learn to be hard on himself, and that often produces a certain hardness in other respects. It would seem that to work long and constantly, even though the work is what interests us most, begets a certain strain of insensibility.”

- An Australian Girl by Catherine Martin

#An Australian Girl #Catherine Martin #Quote

[katiesclassicbooks]

“Keep in mind all the time I am away - “Remember to live.” Do not let spectres come between you and the sunshine you love so well.”

- An Australian Girl by Catherine Martin

#An Australian Girl #Catherine Martin #Quote

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“They were so far removed from the sagging prose, the dullness, The satiety of the ‘usual order of things.’ The hour was one of the charmed soft-footed fairies which come once or twice in the years of man’s earthly pilgrimage- bearing in both hands a cup filled to the brim with life’s costliest wine.”

- An Australian Girl by Catherine Martin

#an australian girl #catherine martin #quote