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O Caledonia
O Caledonia | Elspeth Barker
100 posts | 37 read | 99 to read
The sixteen years of Janet's life begin on a fogbound winter night in wartime Edinburgh. Her father, home on leave, peering into the blue wicker basket, comments, "It's about the size of a cat." Later, as sibling after sibling appears, Janet finds herself slipping further and further toward the periphery of family life. Brought up in the unrelenting chill of Calvinism and the Scottish climate, she turns from people to animals, to literature, and to her own fertile imagination. Written with lyricism, poignance, and great unexpected flashes of humor, the novel traces the chain of events that, in the dour setting of Scotland in the 1940s and 50s, cause the bizarre death of a young girl. People, birds, and beasts move in a gleeful danse macabre through a lowering landscape in a tale as rich in atmosphere as it is witty and mordant.
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monalyisha
O Caledonia | Elspeth Barker
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Pickpick

I felt clever when I realized that O Caledonia is like a twisted & tragic “I Capture the Castle,” as seen through a funhouse mirror, with Wednesday Addams as the protagonist. Then, I read Maggie O‘Farrell‘s introduction, which I saved for last to avoid spoilers, and saw that she made the same literary comparison. Despite its short length, I didn‘t find this a fast read. It is, however, witty & darkly atmospheric with a keen attention to language.

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monalyisha
O Caledonia | Elspeth Barker
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“The wonderful words were almost enough to make Janet believe in God. At Christmas, too, the starry sky and the beauty of language and music caused a great surge of mystic yearning in her; then Mr. McConochie would harangue them, remind them of their unworthiness and guilt, the innocent babe born to die on their behalf. “Sighing, crying, / Bleeding, dying”…they sang, and the glory faded to heartbreak and desolation, the bleak light of afternoon.”

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JamieArc
O Caledonia | Elspeth Barker
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The tornado sirens went off. The sky turned so very grey and windy. My dog is cuddled on my lap. It was the perfect setting to receive back my gothic novel #LMPBC book. Thanks for the treat, @JackOBotts and I‘m excited to flip through and read all your thoughts!

JamieArc @KateReadsYA I‘m finally getting into Slewfoot after 100 pages so I anticipate finishing it this weekend! 4mo
vivastory Stay safe! 4mo
JackOBotts Enjoy the Fruit Snacks…🤣 I was trying to shoot for something that would‘ve made Janet‘s childhood a smidge happier/brighter. Stay safe! 4mo
47 likes3 comments
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JackOBotts
O Caledonia | Elspeth Barker
Pickpick

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ~ Wrapping up the final, final round of #LMPBC with this pick for #GroupG. Such rich writing and visual imagery played against such pain for our MC. I just wanted her to feel happy and be loved. (I did not enjoy the ending)

Thank you, @KateReadsYA @JamieArc & @suvata for such a lovely #LMPBC finale…it‘s been a pleasure. 💜The book will head home soon within the next week.

JackOBotts Thank you, @suvata for organizing and running this fun buddy read for us all! 🙌🏼💜 5mo
JackOBotts Also my June #doublespin @TheAromaofBooks 🙌🏼📚 5mo
TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!!! 5mo
JackOBotts @JamieArc ~ Janet should be back to you by Monday. 💜 4mo
20 likes4 comments
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suvata
O Caledonia | Elspeth Barker
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FYI:

#LMPBC Round 20 Group G

@KateReadsYA @jamiearc

@suvata has mailed a book to @jackobotts

Enjoy!

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suvata
O Caledonia | Elspeth Barker
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Pickpick

Read in May 2024 for Litsy Markup Postal Book Club #LMPBC Round 20 - Group G (Gothic Horror)

• Dark and atmospheric • 5 Stars • This book reminded me of Shirley Jackson's We Have Always Lived in the Castle which is one of my absolute favorites.

JamieArc I rated this a so-so and I‘m not sure why. I still think about this book two months later, and think of it fondly. I should change my rating. 6mo
suvata @JamieArc a lot depends on your mood while you were reading it. Sometimes I go back to a book that I didn‘t rate very well and the second time around I absolutely adored it. I rated this one five stars because of the beautiful imagery, imaginative storyline and the enchanting language. (edited) 6mo
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KateReadsYA
O Caledonia | Elspeth Barker
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Pickpick

#LMPBC #GroupG @suvata
@JamieArc @JackOBotts
I LOVED this book, I did not like the ending! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
It's a very short read, I read it in the evenings over 2 days' time. Lots of eerie, gothic vibes. Amazing writing style and imaginative descriptions! Janet is very flawed, and that's what makes her story so unique! Also, the dark humor is just the cherry on top. 👏👏👏

suvata I‘m excited for this one 7mo
suvata I received this today I can‘t wait to start reading it. 6mo
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KateReadsYA
O Caledonia | Elspeth Barker
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#lmpbc #groupG @Suvata
@jamiearc @JackOBotts
This arrived today! Thank you for the bookmark, note, and music recommendation. I'm gonna start it now while I enjoy some iced coffee and gothic tunes. 🎼📖☕️

JamieArc Happy reading! 7mo
52 likes1 comment
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JamieArc
O Caledonia | Elspeth Barker
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Mehso-so

I won‘t say much since this is being passed along for #LMPBC Our group chose gothic literature and this story is brimming with gothic atmosphere. The descriptions were rich, Janet was an interesting and complex character, and I loved the juxtapositions in the story: kindness and cruelty, beauty and horror, etc. Also, how fabulous is this cover with the placement of the crow‘s eye???

KateReadsYA I can't wait to read it. :) 7mo
JamieArc @KateReadsYA Sorry! I totally meant to tag you to let you know that it‘s on its way to you! I‘ll be curious to see what others think. 7mo
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BarbaraBB
O Caledonia | Elspeth Barker
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Panpan

I am so suprised. All my peers loved this book and I was just bored by it. It took me a lot of willpower just to finish it. It‘s me, I am sure. Normally I love a good gothic novel but here the setting did nothing for me, neither did all the animals or even Janet. And that ending, really?

#pop24 - Someone dies in the first chapter

(Photo: Centraal Museum, Utrecht)

JenP Great photo though 😂 8mo
Ruthiella You know, I find bad reviews sometimes as intriguing as a rave one. I‘m curious now, which side I will fall on. 🤔 8mo
BarbaraBB @Ruthiella I am literally the one Litten who didn‘t give it a pick and there are many reviews by people I mostly am in sync with. So you‘ll probably love it too! 8mo
See All 11 Comments
dabbe #fanofthepan! 🤩🤩🤩 8mo
LeahBergen I‘m one of those who loved this book. I must admit to always being so interested in how certain books hit people differently. It‘s fascinating! 8mo
BarbaraBB @LeahBergen Everyone loved it! All reviews on Litsy are picks and most of them written by people whose opinion really matters to me - like yours! 🤷🏻‍♀️ 8mo
BarbaraBB @dabbe 🤣 8mo
jlhammar That‘s a shame. And yes, very surprising! I thought it was brilliant (and see myself rereading), but I appreciate your divergent review. So interesting what works for us and what doesn‘t. Just curious, are you an We Have Always Lived in the Castle fan? They had similar vibes for me. 8mo
BarbaraBB @jlhammar Yes I loved We Always Lived in the Castle, and also gothic reads like The Woman in White, Rebecca and Wuthering Heights so I am surprised why this was such a bore to me. Janet just never came to live for me nor came The atmosphere of the house. 8mo
monalyisha Ohhh. This makes me nervous! I‘m really looking forward to this one, too. Although, the differing opinions are intriguing; they always make me eager to see where I fall! 8mo
monalyisha @Ruthiella Just seeing that you said exactly the same thing. Ha! Wonder if you & I will feel the same way about the book or differently! 😅 8mo
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CBee
O Caledonia | Elspeth Barker
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My February favorite (also tagged)! #readingbracket2024 @CSeydel

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CBee
O Caledonia | Elspeth Barker
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Pickpick

This will be a favorite of the year, without a doubt. The writing is absolutely gorgeous, the setting was a character in itself (the kind where you can almost feel it whilst reading), and Janet…..poor Janet. I loved her, could relate to her in certain ways, even rooted for her despite knowing the outcome. What a book. #blameitonlitsy

TrishB Agree ❤️ haven‘t seen that cover before either. 8mo
erzascarletbookgasm I will put this further up my tbr stacks! 8mo
CBee @TrishB I kind of like the other cover better 🤷‍♀️ But it could‘ve been covered in bubble wrap and I‘d still love the book 😂 8mo
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CBee @erzascarletbookgasm It‘s worth it! 8mo
jlhammar Same! I loved it so much. 8mo
Chelsea.Poole Oh I kind of like this cover! I have the other cover checked out from the library and I need to prioritize it, especially now after this review ☺️ 8mo
Deblovestoread Lovely review. Stacked 📚 8mo
CBee @Chelsea.Poole this cover makes no sense until you read it 😂 And I actually looked at it again after I finished and realized, OH I see now 😂 8mo
CBee @Deblovestoread I really think you‘ll love it! 8mo
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jlhammar
O Caledonia | Elspeth Barker
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Pickpick

Absolutely adored this. Gloriously gothic. Brilliant writing. Look forward to discussing with my book club next week!

Tamra I loved the gothic vibe! 9mo
LeahBergen Isn‘t it wonderful? One of my absolute faves. 9mo
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Cathythoughts
O Caledonia | Elspeth Barker
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Pickpick

I finally got around to reading this one , Leah. I loved the beginning and the wild drama of the ending. What a tale! Poor Janet. A rich and dense book that I will read again. Set in Edinburgh, bringing up memories of older times. Thank you @LeahBergen ♥️

CarolynM Nice review and lovely glimpse of hyacinth🙂 Hope you‘re well, Cathy😘 9mo
Cathythoughts @CarolynM Hi Carolyn, thanks for, yes the hyacinths are very much around at the moment 🥰 I hope you are well too x 9mo
erzascarletbookgasm Lovely review and photo, Cathy ❤️. I got a copy after seeing @LeahBergen Leah‘s post a few years ago..it‘s still on my tbr 😂 9mo
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batsy Nice review 💜 Got myself a copy too before Book Depository closed (😢) thanks to raves from @LeahBergen and others who had read it together 😁 9mo
Cathythoughts @erzascarletbookgasm @batsy Thanks you two XX Well Leah sent us all in the right direction yet again ❤️👍🏻 It‘s very good. I know Suba, Book Depository is sorely missed… 9mo
Tamra This one was so atmospheric! Easy to fall into. 🐦‍⬛ 9mo
Cathythoughts @Tamra Absolutely! I agree X 9mo
jlhammar Excited to start this. Reading it with my IRL book club next month! 9mo
Cathythoughts @jlhammar Yes , I read it with my irl Bookclub.. look forward to your thoughts. X 9mo
LeahBergen I‘m so glad you liked, too, Cathy! What did the rest of your bookclub think? Did anyone hate it? 😆 9mo
LeahBergen @erzascarletbookgasm @batsy Haha! This is one of those books I‘ve bought for numerous friends (along with I Capture the Castle and Fingersmith). 👍 9mo
Cathythoughts @LeahBergen It sparked a LOT of discussion! The woman who recommended it , well she loved it. She had reams of notes and talked at length with great excitement and fervour about it. You could tell she absolutely adored it. We all did like it , to an extent. We score out of 10. We had a 9 , 8 , some 7‘s , and a 6. Ok scores. We have a couple of Scottish gals , so they brought memories and feelings. Great discussion , looking at mothering and 👇🏻 9mo
Cathythoughts 👆🏻At our feelings about Janet. Some loved her and felt sad for her. Others were irritated by her. So , all in all , a great Bookclub ❤️ @LeahBergen (edited) 9mo
LeahBergen I love when a book gets this sort of response at my own bookclub! It makes for such a fascinating evening. Thanks for the update. 😘 9mo
Cathythoughts @LeahBergen Thanks for the book 😘 9mo
70 likes15 comments
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ClairesReads
O Caledonia | Elspeth Barker
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Pickpick

A very under-appreciated novel which I am so glad came to my attention. O Caledonia is an excellent work of characterisation. Although it begins with a murder, it‘s not a mystery, rather a precisely constructed portrait of its central character, Janet- a young girl who is misunderstood and who struggles to fit in with her family and peer group. Janet is so complexly drawn, and the prose is thoughtful and measured. An excellent character study.

TheKidUpstairs Loved this one! I discovered it earlier this year because Maggie O'Farrell wrote an intro, and I figured any book she recommends deserves a read. You're right, it's such a wonderfully constructed character study, of a fascinatingly singular girl. 10mo
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andrew61
O Caledonia | Elspeth Barker
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Pickpick

In the opening of this novel, we find 16 yr old Janet murdered at the bottom of the stairs in her family's rambling Scottish home. As we read on, we learn about her short life in which this unique, eccentric, and misunderstood character faces innumerable challenges from those she meets, incl her family, save for the equally strange aunt lila. Knowing the fate of a character I loved made the impending finale more poignant. Grt storytelling, grt bk

LeahBergen One of my all-time favourites! 11mo
TrishB Love this ♥️ 11mo
Tamra Great choice! 11mo
jlhammar I'll be reading this with my IRL book club in February. Can't wait! 11mo
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TracyReadsBooks
O Caledonia | Elspeth Barker
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Pickpick

Masterful. Barker may have written the best unlikable character I‘ve ever had the pleasure of spending time with. Right off the bat, you learn that Janet was murdered—that‘s how the story starts. But it‘s not a whodunit, it‘s a story that details Janet‘s life from when she was young until her death at 16. Adolescence with all its challenges, individuality, nonconformity, sibling relationships, expectations, jealousy & more are explored. Excellent.

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TracyReadsBooks
O Caledonia | Elspeth Barker
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Today‘s on the go reading…

#ReadingOnTheTrain #OutAndAbout

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Tamra
O Caledonia | Elspeth Barker
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Pickpick

“Many are the Fates which Zeus in Olympus dispenses;
Many matters the Gods bring to surprising ends.
The things we thought would happen do not happen…”

“The gods whom Janet had chosen played tricks on mortals for their pleasure; this she had not considered. She believed she could control her destiny.”

Poor Janet. 😢 Perfect foreshadowing.

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Tamra
O Caledonia | Elspeth Barker
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I got lots of course prep done this morning and running around this afternoon, so finally some guilt free reading. ☺️

I realized after getting into this story I‘ve read it before, but it was so long ago it‘s fresh. #readingproblem 🤪

MrsMalaprop @Jeg See, it happens to all of us 😆 1y
Cathythoughts Enjoy ❤️ 1y
Cathythoughts It‘s funny when that happens , and little by little it starts dawning on you 😁❤️ 1y
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TheKidUpstairs
O Caledonia | Elspeth Barker
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Pickpick

I loved this tale of a misunderstood young girl growing up in her family's dark and dreary manor house turned boys school in Scotland. Janet is a fabulous Gothic heroine who refuses to play by the rules set for Gothic heroines or any other sort of young girl of her time. The writing is tragic and delicious, my only regret is that I did not read it on a dark and stormy day to match the atmosphere.

JamieArc I have this one waiting for just that day 🌫️⛈️☕️ 2y
LeahBergen I love this book! 🖤 2y
TheKidUpstairs @LeahBergen it was not even on my radar, but the Maggie O'Farrell intro brought it up when I was searching for something on OverDrive. I figured anything she loves was worth checking out! I'm so glad I did. 2y
See All 9 Comments
TheKidUpstairs @JamieArc in thinking I need to get myself a physical copy to reread on a dreary November day. 2y
merelybookish I just bought a second copy of this! I loaned my last copy and never got it back. 2y
LeahBergen @TheKidUpstairs I read an old edition of it and I‘m so glad it has been republished with that new intro. I‘ll be buying more copies for gifts! 2y
Cathythoughts Great review 👍🏻 I‘m looking forward to reading my copy 🥰 @LeahBergen 2y
LeahBergen @Cathythoughts I hope you like it! 😘 2y
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Cathythoughts
O Caledonia | Elspeth Barker
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Thankyou Leah ! I love this present. The book looks so good. The leather bookmark is divine. The coaster for my morning coffee👌🏻 and I love this cut out lady you stuck onto the wrapping paper. What a lovely touch 😁, she is great fun and made me laugh. Thankyou! This is all so thoughtful ♥️😘

CarolynM 🥰 2y
batsy Lovely! 😍 2y
LeahBergen Yay!! It finally made it. And I have way too much fun with those “middlebrow ladies” stickers. 😆 2y
See All 16 Comments
Cathythoughts @CarolynM @batsy ♥️♥️🥰🥰 love my gifts ! 2y
Cathythoughts @LeahBergen Yes it made it and Thankyou so much 😘 and I can only imagine the fun you‘re having with those lady stickers… I love my one. Great fun 🤩 2y
erzascarletbookgasm Cathy, I‘m so sorry my little book gift for your birthday is late. I have placed an order via BD, 🤞it won‘t take long. Looks like it‘ll be my last order from them to you..sad news of them closing down. (edited) 2y
Cathythoughts @erzascarletbookgasm Ahh Thankyou Jessie, that‘s very kind. I wanted to send you a present , but I didn‘t want to ask your new address. If you are happy to give me your address I‘d love to send a birthday book to you X 2y
Cathythoughts @erzascarletbookgasm I know we will miss BD !!! 2y
erzascarletbookgasm Thanks Cathy. Will drop you an email ❤️ 2y
erzascarletbookgasm Sent you an email Cathy 👌❤️ 2y
Centique How completely gorgeous 😍 2y
Cathythoughts @Centique It is that 😍 2y
59 likes1 stack add16 comments
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Kimbono
O Caledonia | Elspeth Barker
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Currently reading.

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quietjenn
O Caledonia | Elspeth Barker
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A little odd, a lot of wonderful.

vivastory I've been eyeing this one on my shelves 2y
TrishB Loved this one ♥️ 2y
Cathythoughts Looks interesting! I see I have it stacked already ♥️ 2y
See All 8 Comments
Tamra Me too, but it must have been awhile ago because I didn‘t recognize it. Sounds so interesting! 2y
jlhammar So looking forward to this one! 2y
LeahBergen It so is!! 2y
quietjenn @vivastory I feel like this is very much your type of book! 2y
quietjenn @Cathythoughts @Tamra @jlhammar I think it's well worth getting to! 2y
62 likes3 stack adds8 comments
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K.M.-Forester
O Caledonia | Elspeth Barker
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Halfway up the great stone staircase which rises from the dim and vaulting hall of Auchnasaugh, there is a tall stained-glass window. #Firstlinefridays

TrishB Great read. 2y
44 likes1 comment
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Twocougs
O Caledonia | Elspeth Barker
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Pickpick

To be able to write like Elspeth Barker-wow. A gothic, Scottish tale, starting with the murder of a teenage girl.

LeahBergen I love this book. ❤️ 2y
TrishB Brilliant book ❤️ 2y
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Ellen_C
O Caledonia | Elspeth Barker
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Pickpick

Quirky, sort of funny, sort of dark novel about a girl living in a castle in 1950s Scotland. Janet, 16, has just been murdered but this isn‘t a whodunnit as much as a who was she, this Janet? Turns out she was moody, aloof, sensitive, bookish, sometimes cruel and sometimes selfless. https://cannonballread.com/2022/10/o-caledonia-a-novel-elcicco/

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Palimpsest
O Caledonia | Elspeth Barker
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Pickpick

While this is a coming of age story about a young girl I couldn‘t help but feel that Janet would have been my soul friend as she doesn‘t fit in with the norm, but is instead a romantic dreamer, poetry and language lover especially Latin & Greek and familiar with mythology, a lover of animals and nature, is moved emotionally by her surroundings and sorely misunderstood. Exquisite writing in this modern gothic novella. Loved it!

LeahBergen I love this book! 🖤 2y
TrishB Loved this book- love that cover. 2y
Palimpsest @LeahBergen @TrishB I never heard of it until this year when I kept seeing ads for it from Scribner and then I saw it at my local bookstore and bought it. So glad because I loved it too! 2y
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scripturient
O Caledonia | Elspeth Barker
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Pickpick

What a treat! I didn‘t realise at first that this book is actually from the early 90s. Loved it!!!

TrishB I loved this one 👍🏻 2y
rubyslippersreads This has been on my TBR list since the beginning of Litsy, I think because of @LeahBergen 😊 2y
LeahBergen I love this book! ❤️ 2y
See All 7 Comments
LeahBergen @rubyslippersreads 😆😆 I hope you get to it soon. It‘s weird and wonderful! 2y
Oryx Stacked! 2y
rubyslippersreads @LeahBergen It looks like there‘s a new edition coming out in a couple of weeks, with a cool cover and new introduction by Maggie O‘Farrell. (edited) 2y
scripturient @rubyslippersreads This edition has the intro by Maggie O‘Farrell. It definitely added to the story. ❤️ 2y
60 likes1 stack add7 comments
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merelybookish
O Caledonia | Elspeth Barker
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"People in these parts did not use the word 'spring'. They said 'the end of winter's or 'the beginning of summer' or they used the month's name"
She's talking about Scotland but she could easily be describing the Canadian Maritimes where it's April and definitely NOT spring.

LeahBergen It‘s not very spring-ish in prairie Canada, either. 😆 3y
keys_on_fire Where I live, it was 79 degrees on Wednesday and today it was below freezing with snow. Mother Nature can‘t make up her mind! 3y
merelybookish @LeahBergen maybe 'spring' doesn't really apply to most of Canada. 3y
merelybookish @keys_on_fire I lived in Colorado for a while and that would happen. It made knowing how to dress each day a challenge! 3y
Readergrrl I‘m in the Canadian Maritimes (Bay of Fundy) right now and I heartily agree. 3y
46 likes5 comments
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merelybookish
O Caledonia | Elspeth Barker
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Trying to squeeze in one more book before month's end. Sun is shining but a chilly wind's a-blowing.

LeahBergen I adore this book! So weird and wonderful. 3y
Cathythoughts Stacking 👍❤️ 3y
merelybookish @LeahBergen It's pretty delightful! 3y
merelybookish @Cathythoughts I think you'd enjoy! 3y
67 likes4 comments
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merelybookish
O Caledonia | Elspeth Barker
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Some #bookmail arrived. A scandalous memoir from the 90s and "the best least-known novel of the 20th century."

LeahBergen O Caledonia is SO GOOD. And weird. 😆 3y
Lcsmcat I read The Kiss when my daughter was working on her MFA and the author was her advisor. It‘s powerful. 3y
BiblioLitten The tagged book is on my TBR! 3y
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merelybookish @LeahBergen Well that's encouraging! 3y
merelybookish @Lcsmcat I remember some of the controversy around its publication. And have been curious to read it for a while now. 3y
merelybookish @BiblioLitten Im hoping to get to it soon! 3y
TheLudicReader I really enjoyed The Kiss…but I love Harrison anyway. It‘s not an easy read, though. 3y
merelybookish @TheLudicReader I can believe it's not an easy read (based on what I know about it.) 3y
71 likes8 comments
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Redwritinghood
O Caledonia | Elspeth Barker
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Pickpick

How can a book that begins with a murdered teenage girl be so delightful? When it is about the short life of the marvelously endearing misfit, Janet. Janet grows up in a decaying castle on the northern coast of Scotland following WWII. She is often unable to engage with people, but feels deeply and passionately about the natural and ancient worlds. Wonderful prose, wonderful character, and just a pleasure to read. 5⭐️

Crazeedi Hmm I've never heard of this but it sounds good! 4y
TrishB Loved this 👍🏻 4y
LeahBergen A favourite of mine! 💗💗 4y
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Billypar
O Caledonia | Elspeth Barker
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Based on the Litsy reviews it sounds like Janet has a #sweetdisposition - though not because she's nice to everyone. When I hear that a character loves animals, rightfully distrusts many people, and has a unique sense of humor, this sounds like someone I'd like to meet.
#MayMovieMadness @rohit-sawant @Cinfhen

LeahBergen Oh, man!!! I ADORED this book!! 5y
saresmoore Oh, you made me think of this book and I was instantly transported to it‘s sticky weirdness! So. Good. 5y
Billypar @LeahBergen @saresmoore I'm excited to try it! I've pushed it to the front of my brain for the next book store trip. 5y
41 likes2 stack adds3 comments
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emilyhaldi
O Caledonia | Elspeth Barker
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Janet might be my all time favorite #heroine 🙌🏻 one of the few books where I underlined something on almost every page.
#maylovesclassics
#litsyclassics

Bambolina_81 Wow, how have I never heard of this?! It sounds fantastic! Stacked! 7y
rubyslippersreads I need to read this; I know it has lots of fans on Litsy. 7y
Cathythoughts ❤️ 7y
See All 11 Comments
BarbaraBB Echoing @Bambolina_81 , how comes I never even heard of this one?! 7y
TrishB I did love this one 💕 7y
LeahBergen One of my FAVES. ❤️❤️ 7y
Sarah83 Great pick. 👍 7y
Reviewsbylola I need to read this. 7y
emilyhaldi @Bambolina_81 @rubyslippersreads @BarbaraBB @Reviewsbylola you MUST!!! It's such an amazing book and you will fall in love with quirky little Janet 🖤 7y
batsy I've stacked this because of all the Litsy love during your readalong ❤️ 7y
Cinfhen Never read this one 7y
90 likes4 stack adds11 comments
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emilyhaldi
O Caledonia | Elspeth Barker
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Janet is born into a dark & dreary #cruelworld where she is unwelcome and for the most part, ignored. She finds comfort and a sense of humor in the form of nature and animals, but has a distaste for most humans...I highly recommend this beautifully written gothic tale 🖤
#aprella

LeahBergen I absolutely adore this book. ❤️ 7y
RohitSawant Stacking! Love the picture! 7y
emilyhaldi Ofcourse you do!! @LeahBergen ☺️ it's one of my favs I think 🖤 7y
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Reviewsbylola Where‘d you get the comforter? 7y
Mdargusch Love that photo! 7y
rubyslippersreads I need to move this up my TBR list. 7y
emilyhaldi @Reviewsbylola Anne's room... But before that, Anthropologie. I bought it for my freshman dorm room!! 🖤 7y
Cinfhen Such an awesome photo!! And super excited Anthro is launching in Israel May 2018🙌🏻❣️🎉 7y
emilyhaldi Ooohhhh very exciting!! @Cinfhen I have to admit I never have shopped their clothes too much but I love their home goods 💖💖 7y
Cinfhen I LOVE the store but it‘s already pretty expensive 🤑I can only imagine how crazzzy it‘s gonna be overseas🙄 7y
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SaraBeagle
O Caledonia | Elspeth Barker
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A #blameitonlitsy purchase! Thanks to those of you who posted and put this on my radar!

LeahBergen It‘s so quirky and good. ❤️ 7y
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emilyhaldi
O Caledonia | Elspeth Barker
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Love this description ❄️
#snow
#quotsydec17

Tanisha_A It's lovely! Makes me want to read further! 7y
Mdargusch Nice ❄️❄️❄️ 7y
79 likes2 comments
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emilyhaldi
O Caledonia | Elspeth Barker
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I love a character that makes me laugh. That's why Gus, Janet, and Ove are three of my #newfavoritecharacters

#allthebooksof2017

Kaye Gosh, Gus is SO cute. ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️ 7y
Reviewsbylola We need to get Gus and Ove in a room together. 😂😂 7y
Mdargusch ❤️❤️gus❤️❤️ 7y
89 likes5 comments
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emilyhaldi
O Caledonia | Elspeth Barker
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LeahBergen ❤️❤️❤️ 7y
85 likes1 comment
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emilyhaldi
O Caledonia | Elspeth Barker
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This book is quickly moving up on my list of favorites ❤️
#study
#quotsydec17

saresmoore Yes! 7y
LeahBergen Yes! ❤️❤️ 7y
Reviewsbylola Maybe I‘ll have to borrow it. 7y
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emilyhaldi
O Caledonia | Elspeth Barker
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#FirstNovel of December is 🙌🏻 The first book in a while that has prompted me to underline something on almost every page.
#decktheshelves

LeahBergen Aaaaaa! I hope you love it as much as I did. 😍 7y
Reviewsbylola Never heard of it. The cover is creepy in a good way. 7y
emilyhaldi @LeahBergen love it so far!! @Reviewsbylola it's definitely a #blameitonlitsy random purchase. Definitely not what I was expecting- so much better!!! 7y
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LeahBergen
O Caledonia | Elspeth Barker
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Congrats to you, @Booksandcooks for 7777 followers!

I had to check Goodreads to see what the last book was that I actually awarded 5⭐️ and this was it. The excerpt above gives you a little taste of its delightful oddness (and this is page one, so "no spoilers" ?).

Thanks for the #7777Giveaway!

Megabooks Definitely sounds interesting...😉😉 7y
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LeahBergen
O Caledonia | Elspeth Barker
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I started this last night and within the first few pages I was already chortling in delight at the author's brilliant humour and evocative writing. I'm in LOVE.

Thanks to @shawnmooney and @Lindy for bringing this gem to my attention (and to the rest of you, too ... @saresmoore @DeborahSmall @TrishB ).

Lindy Enjoy. 😇 7y
TrishB Awww I will always have a smile for Janet 💝 7y
saresmoore Hooray! 7y
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shawnmooney Yay! ❤️❤️ 7y
BooksTeasAndBookishThings @Laalaleighh I have GOT to get this book. Lol it literally had my name all over it. 7y
rubyslippersreads Great cover! This looks intriguing. 7y
Tamra It does sound fun! 7y
97 likes7 stack adds8 comments
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shawnmooney
O Caledonia | Elspeth Barker
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I'm sure you all – you certainly should – follow @ReadingEnvy already; if not, here is a link to the latest episode of her wonderful podcast. I am the guest! At the beginning, we talk about bailing on books – do you think I know anything about that topic? :-) Enjoy!

http://readingenvy.blogspot.jp/2017/05/reading-envy-086-queen-of-bailing.html

Gezemice You bailing on a book? 😳Nah, never. 😊😉😀 7y
Gezemice I was actually curious about this, and I would like to ask you, how do you pick your books? I completely agree that life is too short to read books you don't enjoy. I bail on those, too. But I tend to spend quite a bit selecting my books, and I rarely bail on one I picked myself. I mostly bail on book club books. It seems like your selection process is mostly, "let's give it a try". Is that perhaps why you dnf so many? 7y
Reggie Oh I can't wait to hear this. 7y
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saresmoore 👑 7y
MamaGina I knew as soon as I saw the title who Jenny's special guest was - enjoyed the episode very much and as a fellow, ahem, 50-something, definitely agree with your DNF philosophy🤓 7y
LeahBergen I can't wait! I'm just about to give it a listen... 7y
ReadingEnvy @Gezemice ooh good question for Shawn! 7y
shawnmooney @Gezemice @ReadingEnvy It is a fantastic question! My answer is perhaps less than insightful. I certainly have been trying a lot of books outside my normal comfort zone—literary fiction— often because of various reading challenge tasks. However, I bail on quite a few literary fiction titles as well. I can think of books that I had been looking forward to reading—that'd been on my TBR—for years that I ended up bailing on. 7y
shawnmooney So I think the most important factor in my bailing is that I'm getting fussier and more ruthless as I get older, no matter how carefully I may have chosen the books I want to read… :-) 7y
Gezemice Thanks! I see! That makes sense. I tend to look at reviews and usually can figure out if I am going to like it, but there are misses. I say it is great to get out of your comfort zone but not sticking with it if you don't like it. Although, I must say, there are quite a few books that only come together at the end, some of the best ones I read were like that. (edited) 7y
shawnmooney @Gezemice So interesting! Based on reviews, I can usually decide if the subject matter is interesting to me but not the actual prose, characterization, etc.. I would also say that if a book only comes together at the end, or anywhere past the 20% mark, it is a failed book in my estimation. :-) 7y
shawnmooney @Gezemice I have re-thought my last comment - I don't think 'come together' is what I meant: I'd revise my sentence to "...if a book doesn't grab or hold my interest after the 20% mark it's a failed book." Of course, most books don't come together until the end but if I am interested throughout, that is not a problem at all for me. :) 7y
Gezemice I see your point - and if I don't like the writing, I give up, too - but if I am just not sure where the plot is going, or there is a sluggish part, I stick with it, and mostly I am rewarded. As far as reviews, I usually look at what people liked or did not like. Bad writing comes through the reviews normally. Although you read a lot of new releases where there are fewer reviews, so it is probably harder to tell. (edited) 7y
shawnmooney @Gezemice It's an interesting dialogue! I see little virtue in persevering with a book I'm not enjoying. I know lots of people do. As I said on the podcast, at the point where I decide it's only going to be a three-star read (or less), it's time to throw it away and hope to find the next four- or five-star book. Those are all I'm going to make time for for the rest of my reading days… :-) 7y
Gezemice @shawnmooney The most important is to have fun, and/or feel satisfied with our reading. I am not young any more, either, I very much appreciate the point of too many books - too little time! 😊 7y
55 likes15 comments
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EvieBee
O Caledonia | Elspeth Barker
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I had to bail out of the Jim Jones book after 50 pages. It was engaging but Jones and his mamma annoyed me. Thanks to you Littens, I picked this up from the library earlier this week. Should be a short read. #currentlyreading #dogsoflitsy #dottie

LeahBergen I'm waiting to finish up what I have on the go before starting this one. 👍🏼 7y
EvieBee @LeahBergen It's pretty good! 7y
69 likes2 comments
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TrishB
O Caledonia | Elspeth Barker
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Pickpick

There are far, far better reviews than mine in a previous buddy read of this book that convinced me to read it @shawnmooney @Lindy @DeborahSmall @saresmoore
A lovely, haunting, entertaining and funny novel. Janet is the awkward MC that you couldn't help rooting for.
A wonderful, little gem of a novel, with poetic prose.

LeahBergen I'm still waiting for the perfect moment to read the copy I bought! 👍🏼 8y
TrishB @LeahBergen I got up this morning and my reading brain said today is the day 😀 I have literally just sat on the couch and read in one go. 8y
saresmoore Great review! It is a surprising little book. 8y
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Cinfhen I think your review is pretty awesome 😊 8y
DeborahSmall Glad you enjoyed it x 8y
Lindy Yay! I'm happy that you joined the club. 😊 8y
shawnmooney How did I miss seeing your review until now? 💖💖 7y
TrishB @shawnmooney One of those little books I pass by on the shelf that still makes me smile 😀 7y
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KellyMuser
O Caledonia | Elspeth Barker
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Pickpick

I finished O Caledonia this morning, and was moved to create this photo. It's a composite of a blood super-moon I photographed, a bird and tree I snapped in Yellowstone National Park, and a piece of fabric from one of my dresses. I hope this will serve as my review. This book has ruined all other fiction for me for a while, and my next read will be a running book.
@shawnmooney @Lindy @saresmoore @DeborahSmall

Well-ReadNeck Breathtaking! 💜 8y
TrishB Lovely pic 💗 I have this ready to read - the expectations are getting higher and higher! 8y
saresmoore This is gorgeous! You've certainly depicted the essence of O Caledonia here. 8y
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Lindy Brava! 8y
DeborahSmall Beautiful 💙 8y
KellyMuser @Well-ReadNeck @TrishB @saresmoore @Lindy @DeborahSmall Thanks so much for your kind words! 💐 8y
shawnmooney What an image and what a review!! ❤❤ 8y
KellyMuser @shawnmooney Thank you!😊 8y
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Lindy
O Caledonia | Elspeth Barker
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The library is 1.3 km from my house and I travel on foot, so my #bookbag has wheels. I'm getting geared up now for my weekly visit. 😀

Lacythebookworm Love it! 8y
cathysaid Hello puppy 👋 8y
Lindy @cathysaid Nenette doesn't get to go on this walk. She's too old and slow for this particular trip; I want to get there before it closes! Plus it's too cold for her to wait outside while I pick up my holds. Poor old pooch! 🙁 8y
Kimzey Great exercise! 8y
Lindy @Kimzey Yes, I love living within walking distance of two important destinations: the grocery store and the library. 😊 (edited) 8y
61 likes5 comments
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LeahBergen
O Caledonia | Elspeth Barker
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TrishB Mine arrived today too 😀 I was seduced by the posts!! 8y
Redwritinghood Me too, but I bought it on Kindle. @TrishB (edited) 8y
Moray_Reads @Redwritinghood i was just about to say the same! 8y
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LeahBergen @Moray_Reads @Redwritinghood @TrishB I wonder if someone out there in publishing or book sales is wondering about the sudden interest in a 1991 novel? 😂 8y
saresmoore Bahahaha! Especially considering the geographical disparity of purchases. We'll be flagged by the powers that be! 8y
TrishB @Moray_Reads @LeahBergen @Redwritinghood the power of Litsy 😂😂 8y
DeborahSmall Love that cover ❤️ 8y
Redwritinghood @LeahBergen They must be so confused. 8y
shawnmooney I read it as an ebook so I am drooling over that hardcover edition!! ❤❤ 8y
Lindy I know you will enjoy this. 😀 8y
LeahBergen @saresmoore Isn't it amazing when you think about it? How Litsy can get such a broad group of people to hunt down an older, somewhat obscure book to read? ❤ 8y
LeahBergen @DeborahSmall It's cool, isn't it?? 8y
LeahBergen @shawnmooney It's your fault with all those lovely posts. They made me NEED a nice little copy! 😂 8y
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