New on the blog, my thoughts on IZA'S BALLAD by Magda Szabó (tr. George Szirtes), a heartbreakingly poignant story of a fractured mother-daughter relationship.
This was a 5-star knockout read for me, despite the undeniable sadness of this novel. @NYRBClassics. #MagdaSzabó #bookreview
https://jacquiwine.wordpress.com/2022/12/06/izas-ballad-by-magda-szabo-tr-george-szirtes/

My latest #BookReview. Thoughts on HOTEL SPLENDIDE by Ludwig Bemelmans. Such a charming collection of vignettes recounting the author’s experiences at a prestigious New York hotel. The delicate balance between humour and poignancy feels just right. https://jacquiwine.wordpress.com/2022/12/01/hotel-splendide-by-ludwig-bemelmans/

@JD_Cunningham Doesn’t it? I could do with a week in the sun, for sure! X

New blog post!
My thoughts on THE SEAT OF THE SCORNFUL by John Dickson Carr.
A most enjoyable novel that combines an intriguing mystery with an exploration of justice. Recommend for fans of vintage crime! #books #crimefiction
https://jacquiwine.wordpress.com/2022/11/27/the-seat-of-the-scornful-by-john-dickson-carr/

@mungo2434 That’s a very interesting list… X

@kazak 👍X

@blogmywiki Yes, agreed. Kudos to Faber for reissuing it! X

@JD_Cunningham Well, I think that’s a positive as you read very widely! X

@blogmywiki That’s a smashing list of books. I read The Feast last year and adored it - such a cleverly constructed novel! X

@JD_Cunningham Ah, just found it. I don’t think I’ve read any of these! X

@JD_Cunningham Haha! They’re doing their job then! Have you posted yours, Jule? X

@WandaTinasky Thanks! They’re remarkable. Two of my favourite writers. You have so much to look forward to with both of them! X

@sarahmatthews 👍X

I keep thinking of books I missed out, so here’s another #7books to get to know me by!
1. The Slaves of Solitude by Patrick Hamilton
2. The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton
3. Grand Hotel by Vicki Baum (tr. Basil Creighton)
4. The Big Sleep by Raymond Chandler
5. The Talented Mr Ripley by Patricia Highsmith
6. The Enchanted April by Elizabeth von Arnim
7. The Children of Dynmouth by William Trevor
#books

@sarahmatthews I loved Mr Wilder and Me, such a warm, compassionate book. X

So this is fun ~ post #7Books to know me by. Here’s mine -
The Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox - Maggie O’Farrell
Never Let Me Go - Kazuo Ishiguro
The Sweet Dove Died - Barbara Pym
The ABC Nurders - Agatha Christie
Mr Wilder and Me - Jonathan Coe
The Parasites -Daphne du Maurier
Piranesi - Susanna Clarke
These are some of the books/authors I hold dear and would happily reread over and over if I had the time! #bookstodon #Reading #Books

@sarahmatthews I keep thinking of others I missed out: Edith Wharton, Patrick Hamilton, something by a woman in translation…there’s room for another 7 at least! X

@Heaven_ali Pym seems to be a popular choice! X

@MaudieStokes43 I keep thinking of other favourites I missed…Edith Wharton’s The Age of Innocence for one. X

@MaudieStokes43 A great selection. Now I’m kicking myself for forgetting to include The Enchanted April in mine! X