During this time of doubtfulness and confinement it’s hard to settle down to reading. I’ve found myself gravitating to books that pull me in and carry me along with a story, letting me live in another world for a time. Along with some dependable rereads these included a couple of outstanding new-to-me titles (most notably An Anthropologist on Mars and The Scapegoat, both of which were fantastic).
As I looked for a book to count for my Around the World project this month, I decided on The Gustav Sonata. I’ve no idea what connection British author Rose Tremain may have with Switzerland, or why she chose it as a setting for her novel, but from my foreigner’s point of view I think she did a good job at capturing some of the character of the Swiss, their strength and their vulnerability, and the conflicting realities behind the surface image that they like to present. Have you read it, or would you like to?
What else have you been reading this month?
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Reviews
- For Back to the Classics, I reviewed The World I Live In by Helen Keller, a fascinating picture of some of our more overlooked senses.
Other Books Read
Rudolf Steiner by Gary Lachman- The Talisman Ring by Georgette Heyer – Reread
- An Anthropologist on Mars by Oliver Sacks
- Funny, You Don’t Look Autistic by Michael McCreary
- The Enchanted Castle by E. Nesbit – Reread
- The Convenient Marriage by Georgette Heyer – Reread
- The Brothers Lionheart by Astrid Lindgren – Reread
- The Gustav Sonata by Rose Tremain – Around the World
- The Scapegoat by Daphne DuMaurier
Other Features and Events
- As the world went into lockdown, I posted a list of fourteen books about freedom.
- I asked Do you like books about fighting?
Shared in the Sunday Post hosted by Caffeinated Book Reviewer and the Monthly Wrap-up Round-up hosted by Feed Your Fiction Addiction
The Emerald City Book Review Archive 
The Brothers Lionheart is such a favourite of mine, I’m always happy to see people reading it. I have also reread some children’s classics, although I went with the Moomins this time. I find rereads great for troubled times.
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It was interesting to reread, it had been a long time and I remembered it as being more philosophical somehow, less of an adventure story. Still gives me lots to think about anyway.
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An interesting list, it has a similar look to the selection I’ve been drawn to. Must be a little like turning to chocolate.
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Since I have unfortunately developed an allergy to chocolate, books are my only solace. The good thing is that they have no calories.
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I have the Tremain on my shelves, and your reminder will probably put it higher on my TBR pile! Yet to get round to acquiring The Brothers Lionheart but hmm, maybe now’s the time…
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Have you read the Brothers L? Curious to know what you think.
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I struggled to settle down and read for a good chunk of April too but I’m getting much better now I’ve gotten used to the restrictions placed on us… The UK government is due to review everything this week though so I’m sure I’ll go back into flux until I get used to the new measures. (Assuming there are changes!)
We can only do our best at the moment!
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Yes, we all have to manage as best we can. Hope things get better for you soon.
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Lory, I have also been called towards books that sweep me away and let me escape to another world for a bit, including Lords and Ladies by Terry Pratchett and Jane Seymour, The Haunted Queen by Alison Weir. I hope you are able to find comfort in re-reads and those transporting new reads. And take care! 🙂
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Terry Pratchett is one of my standbys. I’ve not tried Alison Weir yet. I’m glad you have found some comforting reads!
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Thank you 😊
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I thought Gustav Sonata was very good, I’m glad you enjoyed it! I’d like to read more by Astrid Lindgren, so I’ve put The Brothers Lionheart on my reading list. I hope you have a happy May!
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Astrid Lindgren is always worth reading.
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You look like you had a great month with some comfort reads and children’s books. I would love to read some Nesbit. I’ve read her The Five Children and It which I loved but I still have to read the other two books in the series. I hope you have a great May as well!!
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Nesbit is a childhood favorite. I’m glad you want to read more by her, I think you’ll really enjoy them.
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wow, lots of books! And one by Daphne I need to discover. My month was very French!
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The Scapegoat is set in France, so you might especially enjoy it!
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Got me interested in Rose Tremain. Have a good week of reading.
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I can also recommend Restoration.
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A lof of reading done, great job! Happy May, stay safe!
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Thanks Freda, you too.
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I’m teaching my kids about Helen Keller right now… I really want to read The World I Live In. I hope you have a great May!
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You definitely need to read it then! Very thought provoking.
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I also have a book on my shelf titled The Scapegoat, so I got all excited, but yours is not the same as mine. I absolutely want to read a Daphne du Maurier novel with that title! I wish I could get her complete works as a cheap Kindle set, like you can with older authors. Sigh.
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Wouldn’t that be great? At least the library has them as ebooks (that’s how I get them). I would consider buying this one, though.
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Hm, I should check my library’s holdings! I’ve never used their ebook app but I would if I could get her books…
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Some libraries even let you recommend ebooks for purchase if they don’t have them already. Love that.
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It is SO hard to settle down to reading! I’ve been having to sort of assign myself reading times during the day, else I forget to actually do it and just spend all my evenings watching my latest stupid fun show (Lucifer) and coloring on my coloring app. And then I get all antsy and stressed because I hate not reading.
I’ve been rereading Elizabeth Barrett and Robert Browning’s letters to each other, and they are just exactly as delightful and dear and sweet as I remember. I am reading them slowly to make them last, just five or ten letters each night right before bed. Highly recommended — the first volume’s on Gutenberg if you want to give them a try.
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That sounds very delightful indeed, why have I never heard of them? It’s too bad people don’t write letters any more. We have to enjoy what we can from the past.
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I noticed you reread Nesbit’s The Enchanted Castle… a childhood favorite? Somehow I missed reading Nesbit when I was growing up. I should really make her acquaintance once of these days.
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Yes, I read and loved all of Nesbit’s fantasies as a child. I do recommend checking her out.
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I’ve read The Gustav Sonata and I agree with your statement: “she did a good job at capturing some of the character of the Swiss, their strength and their vulnerability, and the conflicting realities behind the surface image that they like to present.” No pressure at all to click, but here is the link to my review if you want to compare notes.
https://hopewellslibraryoflife.wordpress.com/2017/08/31/review-the-gustav-sonata/
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Thanks for the link. I’ll comment on your review.
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I haven’t read any of the books you did in April. A few I’ve heard of. It took me a couple of weeks before I could actually sit still long enough and read. My anxiety levels skyrocketed when we went under lockdown. Now I’m happily reading for escape and enjoying many older books I missed.
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I am glad your anxiety has abated somewhat. It is a really difficult time right now. I am also enjoying some older books and favorite rereads. Thank goodness for reading!
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I remember loving The Enchanted Castle as a child. I should reread that sometimes!
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Great idea!
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