Today is Italy‘s Liberation Day from the fascist regime. Join all Italians all weekend long as we celebrate (while also continuing to mourn Pope Frances‘ death). Remember we are celebrating #Jubilee all year long for #foodandlit. Read any good books set in Italy recently? (Photo by my daughter when she was there on April 25 two years ago. She reminded me to make this post!) #Italy #catsandbooks
@wanderinglynn What are you doing to celebrate?
so-soThis was my least favourite Forster. I didn't feel attached to the characters. I read his exchange of letters with another author in this regard, and although I understand Forsters motivation to not fully show us Philip from the beginning, it does create a disconnection between the reader and the character and by the time I got to know him I didn't care much for him. The descriptions of the settings,where Forster usually thrives, ⬇️
pickI went with a pick for this book because the last third of it was so good - but if I had based it on the first two thirds it probably would have just been ok. It just felt like a bunch of women gossiping and not much happening even though so much was happening. The last third is full of action and I couldn't put the book down! The ending was fitting for all the characters. I'll definitely be reading the third book in this series.
so-soFour dissimilar women come together for a holiday in a small castle in Italy. And find they have a lot more in common than they thought.
Very, very slow story, & very character focused. Not a lot happens, but the way the setting was described was so gorgeous I just had to keep reading. Very much of its time, but I appreciated how changing their surroundings helped each woman reevaluate their lives. 🌕🌕🌕🌑🌑
"A funny thing about women and machines: the combination mace men curious. They seemed to think it had something to do with them." Rachel Kushner, The Flamethrowers
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pickThe author admits in the first chapter that fascism is difficult to define and that different characteristics will be emphasised depending on what definition one chooses. The characteristics he chooses to highlight have some uncomfortable resonances this year (2025) considering this book dates from 2014. ⬇
Haven't done much reading the last few weeks....not really a slump but just felt like doing some puzzles and such with my free time instead. Looking forward to spending the evening getting back into this book with a grilled cheese and some orange juice.
pickWhat a wonderful book. It does this book a disservice to call it a comedy or a tragedy or any one thing. It is a layered story with interesting and lovable characters. It has a perspective and, yes, it made me laugh. I cannot recommend this book enough.
A buddy read I‘m doing with a friend of mine!
I don‘t care too much for most of the characters, but the perfectly lyrical way Von Armin is describing the blooming of the flowers, the scent of the ocean on the wind, makes me want to book a flight to Italy immediately. 💖
#SundayFunday If you celebrate Easter, I hope it‘s a happy one! And everybody else have a wonderful day and don‘t forget to tag me!
