pickA deceptively sophisticated book about unrequited love, self-sacrifice, and the seemingly impossible task of trying to be true to oneself while doing right by others and becoming part of a community. The protagonist is a smut writer dealing with the impending death of a beloved aunt on the one hand and birth of an unwanted child on the other. Full of fantastic dialogue and insightful observations that feel wholly organic, never forced or tacked-on
pickAbsolutely brilliant book.
His writing is poetic and conjures upsuch vivid images.
The two men are intricately portrayed, as is their relationship with each other and the world.
It'll stay with me a while...
pickThe New York Review of Books usually hits it out of the park with their reprints and this novel by late author John McGahern is no exception. Set in Ireland during the 70's, a struggling writer publishes erotica to make ends meet while caring for his ailing aunt. Enter a one sided affair with an older woman and our protagonist drowns himself in drink as he reflects on his life in this literary book of love, loss, and longing.
An easy pick off my To Be Read pile as he is one of my favourite authors.
so-soI got more into this book as it went along. I liked the characters, I just didn‘t like some aspects of Ewing‘s writing style. It got a bit over the top at the end. But it was an interesting portrayal of how precarious life could be for many people in Victorian London and I enjoyed reading the rise and fall and movements of the Misses Preston and their family.
6/10
pickWow, this book is incredible. It‘s long, but also so interesting. I didn‘t know about Sor Juana de la Cruz before reading this book and she is now one of my hero‘s. What an incredible women in history. I also wasn‘t much on poetry before reading this book, but it taught me to read poetry you need to slow down and take it in. There were interesting, scary, disturbing, inspiring moments in this book. It really makes you think, ponder and reflect.
“I would hate to have to choose, but I think I‘d rather have travelling than sex.”
If that‘s not a captivating first line I don‘t know what is 😆 I‘ve had this book on my shelf for almost ten years🤭 something finally drew me to it yesterday and I‘m pleasantly surprised! A quirky and fun style of writing, pirates, an isolated island, volcanos, and love - I think I‘m in for another good read 👌🏻
