Andy

I read it within the last year and was so taken by it. So much pathos and nuance. Great book.

Wolf Hall 😌

I’d read that. I saw it and felt frustrated by how much lack of depth I felt it had. Would love to learn more and be proven wrong!

Unacceptable

Full 2024 roundup. Truly the “Year Of Mantel” (tm)

The Year Of Mantel (TM) continued. It wasn’t *AS* 10/10 as its prequel, Bring Up The Bodies, but it was a close second. This book is big and slow but when the tension starts to build, it’s not-stop. I cannot recommend the whole series enough. #literature #litfic #fiction

Actually, Frankincense was the name of the doctor who created it. You're thinking of Frankincense's monster.

This is *possibly* my last finished book this year. In fact, I’ve even said it may be the best book I’ve ever read. Even though you know how it ends, it doesn’t hurt any less when you get there. Ugh. Amazing. #litfic #literature #fiction

I read the most recent Julian Barnes book and enjoyed aspects of it. I read that he was inspired by Hilary Mantel to write it. Barnes has long been my favorite author, but he’s got some new competition this year. a minor work, but generally interesting and fun. #litfic #literature #fiction

Next up in my Year Of Mantel (TM) was Fludd which is a lot different than Wolf Hall, but fantastic in its own right. Very happy I found it and gave it shot! Highly recommended as a minor work by a master. #litfic #literature #fiction

Don’t get too excited- I saw this one this morning:

Maybe he realized that flexibility benefited his value. It bothered me how he never wanted to switch positions or change his approach at the plate.

@maryb2004.bsky.social did you enjoy Mrs. Dalloway?

This one’s description appealed to me but I found the story to be pretty much uninspired. Beautiful language and writing - I was swayed by the Hilary Mantel quote on the back cover to check it out. Easy read, but wouldn’t really recommend.#litfic #literature #fiction

In the spirit of acquainting myself with classics, I like to go back and read the icons sometimes. I did not enjoy this. Perhaps it was more enjoyable or interesting in its time, but I found it boring. Not for me I guess. #litfic #literature #fiction

I had heard many things about Ali Smith’s How To Be Both and was excited to dig in. This unfortunately ended up being the disappointment of the year for me. It’s split in two parts- one part was mostly compelling and the other was bordering on unreadable for me. Bummer! #literature #litfic #fiction

🙏🙏🙏

This was my short pallet-cleanser after Wolf Hall. Try as I might, I just do not love Vonnegut’s writing. Bums me out. This book was fun and clever, but didn’t blow me away. #litfic #literature #fiction

Good rec! What of hers do you recommend first?

2024 ended up being my year of Mantel. Some friends probably got tired of me talking about these books, but I regret nothing. This is first step in a hugely rewarding epic that I’m still engaged in. If you’re curious- please give it a shot.
#litfic #literaryfiction #literature #fiction

Julian Barnes has become my favorite author over the years and I began digging into some of his lesser work. Definitely not the first thing of his of recommend but a worth while minor work. #litfic #literature #fiction

My plan is to hang tight til the Ishbia’s come in and take us to the top.

Norwegian Wood is another one that lingered for awhile before I dug in. This simple little tale was delightful and had real pathos that kept it interesting. Highly recommended! #litfic #literature #fiction

This was a nice treasure that I found in a Little Free Library. Barbara Gowdy is a Canadien author who doesn’t get much love in the states, but I can attest that she’s worth a read. The Romantic is a meditation on Obsession, Trauma, and addiction. Solid book!
#litfic #literature #fiction

This book was in my periphery for quite a while. I assumed it was just another WWII historical novel, but was taken by the prose and depth of the story. Highly recommend! #litfic #litfiction #literature #fiction

I really enjoyed “Small Things Like These” so of course checked this out. Claire Keegan is a must read and “Foster” is no exception! Great book! #litfic #literature #fiction

Thanks for the recs!

I’m unfamiliar with Crace!

Ooooh that makes sense

Why would they need to be a mystery?