I’ve felt a bit of a literary Goldilocks these last few days, starting one book after another in search of something just right. Everything I’ve tried has been excellent but it’s all about finding what suits your mood, isn’t it? I think I’ve finally settled on either Trollope or Heyer, both of whom offer just the right balance of cosiness and humour and neither of whom I’ve read in far too long.
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I have been reading many of Heyer’s Regency and mystery books this winter. One does need some escape from the bitter cold and mountains of snow! I love her humor and witty dialogue. One of a kind.
She’s so wonderful. I haven’t reread any of her books in months but this one is a favourite.
The Small House at Allington is one of my very favorite books.
That’s so nice to hear, since other Trollope fans seem to be less keen on it. I’m loving it so far.
I know what you mean about a book needing to suit one’s mood, Claire. Some need to simmer for just the right moment it seems.
That’s it exactly.
I’m exactly the same; sometimes I just can’t read something because I’m not in the mood. I’m reading about five different books simultaneously as a result.
I’m so much happier when I can settle down to one book. The five or so at a time was very confusing for me!
I’ve been mulling a re-read of The Small House, which wasn’t one of my favorites, to see if I’ll appreciate it more this time. And I see you’re reading Penelope Lively as well!
I’m really enjoying The Small House at Allington so far, though I know lots of other Trollope fans don’t love it so much. And yes, I’ve got a Lively as well!
I use to create “poesia dorsale” as we call ita in Italy, ususally in boring days when nothing in my library seems to be fitted for that…in this way I find different points of view and it works. Nothing looks the same 🙂
It is useful to sample lots of books in order to find just the right one, isn’t it? It can be a nice experience every so often, helping to remind you how many wonderful books there are out there!
I’m re-reading The Talisman Ring at the moment – sometimes only Heyer will do.
So true! I love The Talisman Ring.
I love the allusion to Goldilocks; I find that very apt for myself, as well, or perhaps the little sheep that nibbles itself lost…if I enjoy a book, then I want to read more by that writer; then I want to know what that writer read…what inspired him/her…etc. Discovery!
That’s the real joy of reading, I think, all the different paths books can lead you down.
Do I see another Jane Gardam lurking there? She is one of the few writers whose short stories I read.
Yes, I picked it up last week from the library. Not in the right mood for it right now but looking forward to starting it later.