I haven't finished a book in what feels like weeks...I have far too many on the go, and keep switching between them. I'm slowly working my way through, chapter by chapter, and pretty much using up all my bookmarks. (But not my husband's; those are not for common use!) Currently I have underway Green Darkness by Anya Seton and Kristin Lavransdatter by Sigrid Undset, both for the Chunkster Challenge, All Hallow's Eve by Charles Williams (more esoteric ghostly storytelling), All of Baba's Children by Myrna Kostash (essays on Ukrainians in Canada), The Grand Tour by Patricia C. Wrede & Caroline Stevermer, The Echoing Grove by Rosamond Lehmann, and The Discovery of Chocolate by James Runcie. Heavy on the novels right now!
But since most of these are fairly lengthy, I dug out a collection of short stories, so that I can at least complete something before bed each night! I'm rereading Mrs. Golightly and other stories by Ethel Wilson, an old favourite. Ethel Wilson was a Canadian writer active in the late 40's and the 50's, and has a book prize named after her in her home province of British Columbia. She is known best for her novel Swamp Angel, although it's not my favourite of her works. Her stories are unusual in form, very intelligent and full of wit; they deal with small moments in life and yet are expansive. This collection includes her very first published story, a breathless monologue entitled I Just love dogs. In it, a woman finds a dead dog on the street in Vancouver, and a crowd of self-important citizens gather round to decide what should be done with it. The personalities and the narrative voice are both perfect; I could reread this story once a week and never tire of it. I think Ethel Wilson should get more attention for her wonderful style - I heartily recommend this collection.
But since most of these are fairly lengthy, I dug out a collection of short stories, so that I can at least complete something before bed each night! I'm rereading Mrs. Golightly and other stories by Ethel Wilson, an old favourite. Ethel Wilson was a Canadian writer active in the late 40's and the 50's, and has a book prize named after her in her home province of British Columbia. She is known best for her novel Swamp Angel, although it's not my favourite of her works. Her stories are unusual in form, very intelligent and full of wit; they deal with small moments in life and yet are expansive. This collection includes her very first published story, a breathless monologue entitled I Just love dogs. In it, a woman finds a dead dog on the street in Vancouver, and a crowd of self-important citizens gather round to decide what should be done with it. The personalities and the narrative voice are both perfect; I could reread this story once a week and never tire of it. I think Ethel Wilson should get more attention for her wonderful style - I heartily recommend this collection.
I know what you mean about too many books on the go! I had several, and so I feel like I have hardly read anything all month. I am hoping it will look better when I start finishing up the books in the pile...
ReplyDeleteI like to have seven books and or DVDs or CDs on the go at the same time :)
ReplyDeleteI'm intrigued by Ethel Wilson! I'll have to add her to my list of future reads!!
ReplyDeleteI can't do much more than two at a time (and two rarely works well for me.) But I will say that Patricia Wrede's Grand Tour is fun although I preferred the first book.
ReplyDeleteKailana - I've finally finished a few of these, thank goodness. I hope you are too!
ReplyDeleteJanice - one for each day of the week :)
Heather - I hope you'll like Ethel Wilson when you get around to her. I think she is really original.
Jill - I'm finding 7 books a bit much; I'm losing threads! And yes, I am liking Grand Tour, but the first one was better.