Today I will share what I’ve been reading lately, and hope that you will share back if you have read the books below or if you have recommendations!
-The Witch of Portobello, Paulo Coelho: I am really intrigued by the process of translating books. I know it can’t just be as easy as submitting into a language transcriber- the translator (I think) must have great writing talent as well. In any case, Coelho writes in Portugese- being Brazilian. I found it to be very readable- lovely language and turn of phrase… but I am conflicted about the content. I feel like the ending was a bit of a cop-out, that Coelho couldn’t bear to inflict the consequence he set out from the first page to commit. I hate that- when you as the reader feel betrayed by the conclusion. It clouds my opinion of the entire book, which is thought-provoking and interesting. Maybe someone can help me think otherwise?
-Gathering Blue, Lois Lowry: In this companion book to The Giver, I am again amazed at Lowry’s ability to imagine a new type of existence for life on Earth- without being “too” science-fiction-y. Don’t be put off by the fact that you’ll find her books in the Young Adult section at the book store- this is my favorite place to buy books! I found myself wanting more – I think that’s a mark of a good story.
-She’s Come Undone, Wally Lamb: I read this one after reading I Know This Much Is True- and I liked True better. Some authors can authentically voice a character from the opposite sex, and some just ring hollow. I was really irritated by a lot of Dolores’ obsessions- they just didn’t feel right.
-Sepulchre, Kate Mosse: Although I found the subject and content VERY interesting- in accordance with my interests in the Langue D’Oc and all things Grail related, I was disappointed in Mosse’s repetition of the plot dynamics that she used in Labyrinth, although I was very happy to see an appearance by one of my favorite characters. I was also dismayed that she invented an alternative history to the Berenger Sauniere- Rennes-Les-Chateaux mysteries- the truth is already so interesting!
-Ruby in the Smoke, The Shadow in the North, The Tiger in the Well- The Sally Lockhart Trilogy, Phillip Pullman: I read these many years after His Dark Materials- a personal favorite. They are true to their penny-thriller promise and have good twists and turns. My main beef is: Sally as a Socialist? Really? More than Sally I love 2 characters: Jim and Dan Goldberg. Mmmmm…. I’ll fill you in later on The Tin Princess- this one is taking me much longer than usual.
