Library Loot is a weekly event co-hosted by Claire from The Captive Reader and Linda from Silly Little Mischief that encourages bloggers to share the books they’ve checked out from the library. If you’d like to participate, just write up your post-feel free to steal the button-and link it using the Mr. Linky any time during the week. And of course check out what other participants are getting from their libraries.
Slim pickings this week, mostly because I’m still wading through The Romanovs. It continues to be a bit overwhelming so I am breaking it up with I Was a Stranger by John Hackett, which is so full of love and kindness that it quite balances out all the mutilations and assassinations.
Last Curtsey by Fiona MacCarthy – a look at the English debutante season of 1958, the last season before the court presentation custom was abolished.
The Dancehall Years by Joan Haggerty – very excited to read this well-reviewed locally-set novel, tracing four families for several decades, starting during the Depression.
Mrs. Mike by Benedict and Nancy Freeman – as I mentioned last week, I am considering this for the upcoming 1947 Club.
By far my favourite thing I picked up at the library this week is the DVD of “Fortunes of War”. I have vague memories of watching it (or parts of it?) a decade ago, when it acted as a very effective distraction during exam season at university. Now I can enjoy it at my leisure and am having a wonderful time. It is making me feel slightly shameful that I still haven’t read Olivia Manning’s books, though.
What did you pick up this week?
The Captive Reader 
Olivia Manning’s books are superb. I have read the six primary books in the series many times, and the small sequel of sorts a couple of times. HIGHLY recommended. The televised version glosses over many subtleties.
Mrs. Mike was a favorite when I was in high school. I recall shedding copious tears.
I’ve checked Manning’s books out countless times from the library without ever reading. One day this will be rectified!
I’m finding Mrs Mike surprisingly difficult to read this time around. Probably a better book for a younger person (I remember adoring it at age 11 or 12).
No loot for me this week, but, am excited about your list here.
Thanks, Penny!
I enjoy reading your lists and second you on “The Last Curtsey” which I found thoughtful and engrossing if a little over long. Your comment that the 1958 debutante was “the last season before the custom was abolished” is in error (most likely an oversight). The debut tradition continues unabated but after 1958 the young women were no longer presented at court. McCarthy expertly describes the tedium and anxiety of the presentation process which made the scenes in “Downton Abbey” all the more interesting.
Thanks for the correction, Harriet. I’ve updated my blurb above accordingly.
Enjoy your loot. The Last Curtsey looks interesting.
Thanks, Linda!
I love getting DVDs from the library. I’m currently working my way through all the Murdoch Mysteries.
I just finished re-reading I Married the Klondike. Now reading another Dawson set book, Strange Things Done, by Elle Wild.
The DVDs available through the library are fantastic. I’m working through a lot of newer releases too and, one of the many benefits of living in a large and diverse city, it is my go-to place for recent Bollywood releases.
I read Pierre Berton’s Drifting Home over the summer and have been wanting to pick up I Married the Klondike ever since. I’ve always meant to read it but don’t think I ever have.
Nice list!
Such a coincidence – I was only thinking of this series on TV this morning! However, not read the Olive Manning books although I had some on my shelves for years (not long gone to a charity shop).
The Last Curtsey is lovely, evocative of a bygone era.
I’ve been reading (and looking at, as there are many photos) Knickers Model’s Own by Caroline Jones, about a year in Cancer Research Charity Shop bought clothes – and great she looks in them, too.
Margaret P