March is the month for both #IrelandReadingMonth21 hosted by Cathy@746Books and #WalesReadathon21 hosted by Paula@BookJotter. This was a good chance to get a couple of books read that have been on my list for a while. West by Carys Davies Cy Bellman--a widowed mule breeder--seems to be a quiet, gentle man who has great affection … Continue reading Carys Davies and Colm Tóibín
Poor Judith. That's the only way I can think of her. I can't remember the last time I pitied a character in a novel as much. And it's not because she lives alone, it's not because her looks lean toward the unfortunate, and it's not because she spent years taking care of her sick aunt. … Continue reading The Lonely Passion of Judith Hearne by Brian Moore (1955)
Reading Ireland Month is hosted by Cathy at 746Books and Niall at The Fluff is Raging. I made it with two days left to spare! Stay Where You Are and Then Leave by John Boyne I have now read three of Boyne's books for children and none of his adult books. I don't know why this … Continue reading #ReadingIreland18: John Boyne and Maggie O’Farrell
Nights at the Alexandra by William Trevor This book was recommended to me by Don at Uncle Bardie's Stories & Such. And I am very grateful. A few years ago, I read Trevor's Love and Summer, which I thought was good but not quite enough to send me running to read more of his books. … Continue reading A Round-Up of Short Works: William Trevor, Robert J. Wiersema, and Lawrence Hill
I always have so much fun choosing books for Reading Ireland Month, but then never seem to have enough time to fit them all in. Two years ago (already!) I was the lucky winner of Cathy's giveaway for A Slanting of the Sun by Donal Ryan, and had planned to read it last year, but … Continue reading Reading Ireland Month: Donal Ryan
For Reading Ireland Month this year, I was determined to read one of Maggie O'Farrell's novels, after reading TJ's review of The Hand That First Held Mine and Cathy's review of The Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox. I would have been happy with either of them. But the only two of her books in my … Continue reading Instructions for a Heatwave by Maggie O’Farrell
C.J. from ebookclassics was kind enough to pass along her copy of Miss Emily to me after she was done reading it (her review). She had a hunch it might be something I would like, and she was right. Thanks, C.J.! I read Miss Emily way back in July on one of our camping trips, … Continue reading Miss Emily by Nuala O’Connor
March was Reading Ireland month, hosted by Cathy at 746Books. I was hoping to read at least one book by an Irish author that month, but it didn't happen. So, now, here are two. Better late than never, right Cathy? When I read that Academy Street was Kim's book of the year on her blog Reading Matters, … Continue reading Reading Ireland: Academy Street and On Canaan’s Side
Consumed by Ink 