I’ve had a bad week really , some really bad news .So a couple of books arriving has brightened a morning up to what is a sad time at Winston’s tower .
First is a Czech crime novel the only novel from a writer better known for her non fiction work the biography Under a cruel star .Heda Margolius Kovály was a Czech writer and translator , her book about the war and what followed from being a Jew in the Czechoslovakia . she lived in exile from the late 1950’s onwards ,where she worked as a translator translated many books from English to Czech including Raymond Chandler . I mention Chandler as John Banville has compared this book to his work .Set in Prague it follows the investigation into a murder at a cinema and the women that work as ushers in it .This is also translated by Alex Zucker .
The second arrival today was Boxes the latest from Gallic books noir series , that has been putting out the novels of the Late Pascal Garnier .This one follows Brice and Emma a couple that have just moved into a new house . Their neighbour Blanche lives next to the grave yard and she says Brice looks like her Late father .
What books have you received recently ?
I was just given The Tie That Binds by Kent Haruf and The Expedition to the Baobab Tree by Wilma Stockenstrom. Sorry to hear you have had bad news this week – you have had more than your fair share recently.
Nice arrivals Stu, and I hope thing improve for you.
Coincidence: I just bought a copy of Boxes too. I was delighted to see another Garnier make an appearance.
Fingers crossed all the news gets better for you.
I love my Pascal Garnier, haven’t read this one yet and look forward to hearing your thoughts on it.
So sorry to hear that you’ve had bad news. Hope things look brighter soon.
thanks, have only read one by Garnier, and really enjoyed it, I need to read more. The last book I received was a nonfiction incredibly beautiful book on the bridges of Paris!
I guess this bad news is about Millie, I am sad to hear it. It’s always hard to lose loved ones.
Wishing you all the best, Stu. I hope things improve for you…
Looking forward to hearing more about both of these books.
I hope things look up Stu. I got Boxes too – that kitten on the front is adorable – I’m sure it’s different inside though!
nice 🙂
Both these books look interesting. My recent acquisitions include James Fenton’s Selected Poems and a collection of essays by Tim Parks, Where I’m Reading From.
I received Innocence as well; we shall have to talk about it when we get it read.
My best to you and Amanda as you visit her mother. xo