April was such a busy month: I spent most of my days in the company of others, and when I had potential reading time, I was often too tired from walking or hiking and didn’t manage many pages before I fell asleep! But on trains (from Paris to Toulon, from Rome to Lyon, from Lyon to Paris); ferries (Toulon to Porto Torres and Cagliari to Civitavecchia); in the car driving from Tirana to Himare and back; and, finally, the plane back home (from Paris to Vancouver), I read a few books that I enjoyed very much. You might also, if you haven’t already read them. And perhaps when you’ve looked over my book list, you have a few titles to recommend in return.
Before I set out my reading journal notes for last month, let me share the interpretive plaque accompanying Liu Wei’s work Library III, 2012, part of the Pinault Collection at Paris’s La Bourse du Commerce. I saw this last Spring when I was at La Bourse to see Kimsooja’s dizzying upending of that gorgeous space. I’m writing about that exhibition at the moment for this Sunday’s Substack post, and realized that I haven’t yet shared these photos in a bookpost yet, although it’s a year since I took them for exactly that purpose! I’m always interested in art to do with books and reading. (I took many more photos of this work, and if you’re interested, I will post more over on my Instagram account).
Now on to April’s books. . .
I say this every book post now, for those who are new here and as a reminder to regular readers: As usual, the numbering comes from my annual handwritten reading journal, and the italicized text below is directly transcribed from that journal’s pages (once upon a time, I simply included photographs of those pages, but too many of you found my handwriting tough to decipher, especially in the photographed format). Notes to myself, that is, so that I can remember a book and remember my response to it, rather than any attempt at a more polished, edited review.
I’ve used regular font for any additions to my journal notes and included references to any posts from my Instagram Reading account.
18. Garden of Evening Mists. Tan Twan Eng. Literary fiction; historical fiction; Malaysia; Malaysian history; war crimes, Japanese gardens; tattoos; memory.
Another beautifully written, evidently well-researched novel by Tan Twan Eng. This one tells of a newly retired Malaysian judge who has spent much of her career trying those charged with war crimes. She has a personal stake as the only survivor of a Japanese prisoner-of-war camp. Having returned, in her retirement, to the Cameron Highlands, Teoh Yun-Ling is determined to restore the Japanese garden she built under the guidance of the Japanese master gardener who had once worked for the Emperor of Japan. Despite her hatred of all that is Japanese, Yun Ling had asked gardener Aritomo to help her construct a garden in memory of her sister (who perished in the prisoner-of-war camp), who loved the gardens of Kyoto.
As she first constructed that garden, decades earlier, under Aritomo’s tutelage, their relationship grew alongside. Restoring it now, her memory beginning to fail due to a neurological disorder, Yun Ling begins to write what she remembers. Besides the horrific truths of war (and of ongoing violence through the ensuing years in subsequent rebellions and anti-colonial movements) there are also memories of romance, of love, a mystery unfolded, fascinating descriptions of Japanese art, archery, and, especially, tattoos. And of course, gardens and the philosophy they represent.
19. Il Nuovo Venuto. Marco Vicchi. Giallo/mystery novel; Police procedural; Commissario Bordelli series; Set in mid-60s Florence and rural Sardinia; historical fiction; World War II; 60s.
I read this in Italian (to ramp up my language skills while travelling in Italy), but it’s available in an English translation (by Stephen Sartarelli) as Death in Sardinia. I chose it because I was looking for something set in Sardinia where we spent a week hiking. Actually, it features Commissario Bordelli who lives and works in 1960s Florence and, at Christmas time, is investigating the murder of a nasty loanshark whose death Bordelli doesn’t regret.
But meanwhile, one of Bordelli’s best men has gone back to his native Sardinia to heal from gunshot wounds sustained in an arrest. And this young detective, ensconced in his parents’ home, missing his girlfriend, restless and impatient to be mobile again, finds a suspicious death to investigate as well.
A longer mystery than I’d planned to read in Italian, but so much history delivered along with the mystery. Bordelli fought against fascism in WW II, has many traumatic memories — but now he often feels that the newer generation doesn’t care to know about Italy’s past and considers him old and irrelevant. An engaging blend of detection, ethics, world-building (the settings of 60s Sardinia and Florence), complex characterization and social critique.
The novel became even more interesting to me during last week’s Italian class when we looked at some examples of Italian television from the late 50s and early 60s, and I could appreciate even better, retrospectively, the significance of the novel’s many descriptions of characters watching specific programs — whether individually or communally. The introduction of this technology obviously had a huge effect on social cohesion in Italy, and that effect is seen in Bordelli’s sense that his war experiences are becoming irrelevant, especially to those listening to new music from other places.
20. The Cyclist. Tim Sullivan. Mystery/crime novel; Police Procedural; Detective George Cross series; Autistic detective; Set in Bristol, England.
Another in the George Cross series that Wendy (of York) introduced me to, and I enjoyed watching the characters develop in the second volume. As George’s partner has got to know him, she’s been motivated to do some research on autism and as she’s learned that his behaviour isn’t intended to be rude, she’s begun guiding him to more appropriate social interactions. Very interesting to watch the ripple effects of this, to see George’s sharp intelligence applied to analyzing his own behaviour and considering the benefits of changing it (judiciously, and with the best discernment he can manage).
21. Still Life. Louise Penny. Mystery/crime novel; police procedural; Chief Inspector Gamache series; Eastern Townships, Quebec; Art; Community; Archery.
For whatever long-forgotten reason, I was turned off this series almost at its outset and have only ever — I think — read one. I say “I think” because I thought I’d read the first and then stopped, but if I ever read Still Life I had no sense of that as I read it last month — and I enjoyed it so much that I’m surprised my 40-ish self wouldn’t have liked it as well.
Many interesting characters — and of a variety of ages. A focus on art that I found engaging. A detective, Chief Inspector Gamache who’s likeable and seems wise, kind, yet firm when he needs to be. A compelling quandary with a young trainee detective. Oh, and for the second time in my April reading, a focus on archery. Quelle coincidence!
I already have the second in the series on Hold . . .
And, of course, most of you have long since read your way through the series and are ready for her latest, and then her next. The kind of series that readers are quickly addicted to!
That’s it for April’s reading. My list for May is already longer, even though we’re not even halfway through the month. That’s thanks to my having been grounded, since I got home, by a nasty cold and prolonged cough and fatigue. Also thanks to our public library, which had five Holds ready for me within my first week back! I’ve been reading up a storm, and if you have as well (or if you’ve just savoured one or two wonderful books), we’d all be grateful if you’d share in the comments below.
And if you’re curious about my other writing over at Substack, here’s the link for finding me there.
xo,
f
I just finished reading my first Tim Sullivan book ‘The Teacher’. I loved the George Cross character immensely. As a now retired teacher it brought back memories of students who were also on the spectrum. I have been unsuccessful in my search to purchase Sullivan’s earlier Cross novels, but would love to get my hands on them! Ronda
Author
I haven’t read that one yet, Ronda, but look forward to working my way through the series. In Canada, at least, they seem to be available at a number of independent booksellers as well as at Chapters Indigo; as well, they’re available as Kobo e-books. I was surprised to find that they’re not available at my (very good) public library, but I’ve noticed a copy or two at secondhand bookstores. Hope you can track some down.
Frances,I’m so sorry that you were unwell
Aw,I want to read Tan Twan Eng
Love,love Tim Sullivan’s DS Cross Series,can’t wait for the next book (hopefully in July)
I love Louise Penny’s books and her characters and knew that both you and Sue were not big fans,but now,lucky you,there are so many to read
The best books I’ve read in April are (and now I’m going to be lazy and just copy-paste what I wrote at Sue’s blog)-James McBride’s The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store,a beautiful novel,in a more “old fashion” style,about close communities,it’s about love, hate,compassion,evil,racism,prejudice,hope…about life…. and Sierra Greer’s Annie Bot,a dystopian,provocative novel,seems light but it is a food for thought. Annie is a “perfect girlfriend”, created for her human owner Doug. Complex and complicated….How a person would treat a partner who is ….a thing? A pet? A partner you could control,punish,to buy and programme to be obedient,sexy,humiliated,grateful…..so,one could feel “macho”,powerful,satisfied….
After watching Jo Good’s YT channel,I’ve read Julian Clary’s Curtain Call to Murder,a wicked thespian mystery,told both by the dresser to the stars ( and an amateur sleuth )and the author himself
Than there were the fourth J.M.Hall’s mystery A Clock Stopped Dead and Holly Jackson’s stand alone Five Survive
I’ve listened to Mel Robbins’ Let Them Theory-I like to read from time to time some of the self-help books
Dottoressa
Author
Thanks, K! I hadn’t heard of The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store and it sounds like one of those sink-right-into novels! Also, a novel that represents America’s diversity and its history in ways that need to be even more widely read than ever these days. I just looked up his writing and I think his memoir would make for good reading as well.
I didn’t know about Jo Good and her YT channel — I learn about more than books from your contributions here, thank you!
I have only managed three books during the past month. Show Don’t Tell, a group of short stories by Curtis Sittenfeld. Mostly middle aged, upper middle class people navigate life, love, marriage, children, career. they remind you of people you know, yourself perhaps. Next read was James, Percival Everett. This is a modern interpretation of Mark Twain’s Huckleberry Finn. This time the focus and narrator is the slave Jim, here named James. It is a brilliant conception, both funny and horrifying! it had earned a number of awards. and just as I finished it won the Pulitzer prize. lastly there was The Island Of Missing Trees, Elif Shafak, a Turkish and British writer. This is a beautifully written, lyrical book. Two teenagers, one Greek, the other Muslim fall in love during the ethnic war in Cypress. The novel traces their story from their secret meeting on the island to their life in modern day London. A moving story, with so much to say about war, love, nature, family. I am eagerly awaiting the discussion next week.
As always so many recommendations and not enough time. hopefully off to my library this afternoon.
Author
These days, as I hear it, that’s as many books as many would read in a year. We’re keeping the reading fires going here, yes we are! 😉 None of these books is one to whip through, all literary fiction, looks like. I’ve read reviews of James, but not read it — seems an important book to be talking about in this historical moment, and good to see that the Pulitzer committee is not giving in to the anti-DEI nonsense. Hope school boards and university curriculum committees can be as strong!
Of course Shafak knows much about censorship of literature and threats to writers. I’ve read The Island of Missing Trees — as you say, “a beautifully written, lyrical book. . . with so much to say about war, love, nature, family.” I’ve read a few of Shafak’s books after Dottoressa wrote (in this space) about her 10 Minutes, 38 Seconds in this Strange Space. (Thank you, K!)
I’m off to the library this afternoon as well 😉
Thank you Frances! Actually, I’ve learned about her (Middle Age Minx) yt chanell here 🙂 when she started,from some of my fellow commenters,maybe A.in London,my apologies if I’m wrong
I started to follow her,armchair visiting some of my favourite spots in London and many more
I’ve learned so much about so many things here and at Sue and some other blogs and am really thankful and blessed to have you all
D.
Author
Wonderful! I just wrote (in my reply to Darby, above) about learning from you here about Elia Shafak’s writing.
and it is yt channel :),not chanell
D
I read The Garden of Evening Mists in 2018 and it made such a powerful impression on me that I still remember it as being one of the best things I’d ever read. More recently, I read Painting the Light by Sally Cabot Gunning, one of my favorite writers of historical fiction and strong women. I also like Tell Me Everything by Elizabeth Strout. However, I regret having wasted time reading The Patron Saint of Liars by Ann Patchett. Although I had enjoyed her other books, The Dutch House and These Precious Days, I really disliked this one. Maybe it’s the author’s own lack of interest in being a mother that made the main character impossible to like or understand what motivated her. However, there are similarities between this woman and the mother in The Dutch House. Both cared more for others than her own family. I also was impressed by (although I’m not a fan of SciFi) Upgrade by Blake Crouch. It was thought provoking. I thoroughly enjoyed This Motherless Land by Nikki May but can’t remember how I came to hear about it.
Author
Yes! Such a satisfying novel and good for me to learn more about that part of the world and its history.
I read The Patron Saint of Liars a few years ago, and just checked my response to it back here: <https://www.materfamiliaswrites.com/2020/04/covid-19-reading-seven-titles-to.html> I don’t seem to have liked it much more than you did . . . but as it did with you, it made me think about context, etc. . .
You’ve just added to my Holds list at the library (Nikki May, and I suspect quite a few other readers will find inspiration in your reading list. Thanks!
My latest three books I can recommend are – You Are Here by David Nicholls , two lonely people meet on a a long distance footpath in northern England & their relationship develops . I’m not averse to the odd romance as long as it isn’t syrupy & the setting is interesting. Then Move Along Please by Mark Mason . Which records his travels from Lands End to John O’ Groats , the length of Britain , by local buses . Lots of quirky facts & snippets of overheard conversations . Right now I’m reading a compilation of short stories by murder mystery writers called Murder in Harrogate . There is a well known crime writer’s festival in Harrogate each year & many of them have contributed to this collection. I don’t remember any murders in Harrogate when I lived there but I’m enjoying the book . Thanks to all for your recommendations.
Author
Oh, these are three very tempting titles — I especially like the “armchair travel” aspect! And good to know you survived the crime wave in your Harrogate years 😉
I didn’t read as much as usual in the past month either…also because travel! The books left in my rental house by previous tenants were…not to my taste, let’s say. I took with me, and anjoyed, Lynn Barber’s An Education. And I had a couple of Antonio Manzini Sellerio Editions…they fit into a small bag so nicely and are perfect for park, airport, etc.
I was inspired by a couple of bloggers I follow (lol) to reread Still Life (Sarah Winman not Louise Penny). I requested it from the library and it was waiting for me when I got home (lol I was going to say Thursday but it was Friday morning; we were diverted to Saskatoon because of weather…we refueled there and came back…almost 800 km each way…oh Canada!), along with Precipice (Robert Harris) based on letters from PM Asquith to his lover….containing state secrets…we will see how that goes but I do have a soft spot for history and politics. (And economics. I should confess a much-enjoyed read of mine is John Maynard Keynes’ The Economic Consequences of the Peace. lol I blush to admit that. First time I’ve blushed in this space!)
Author
I just love the aesthetic and functional consistency of those Sellerio Editions (and so many other publications by European imprints)!
Ooh, Annie posted something the other day that made me think I would enjoy rereading Still Live — so good. Hope you enjoy it as well
But UGH! Diverted to Saskatoon because of weather — you should have come straight to Vancouver instead, we could have visited while you caught your breath, not so much more out of the way 😉
As for your reading of economics, not my cup of tea, but such important stuff these days — had a student years ago who’s since become an environmental lawyer but also seriously considered a career in economics because “we really need leftist economists right now.” I did give my husband Thomas Piketty’s Capital and Ideology for his birthday a few years ago (heard a decent summary of its main points on a French podcast and so far that’s as close as I’ve come to reading it. Not very close). Of course, I’m chuckling that your admission has you blushing for the first time in this space, given other comments you’ve made here. . . 😉 You were perhaps thinking of same and are away of the irony/humour? Ha!