Wednesday, November 10, 2021

September/October Book Wrap -- Slacker Months!

I have come to terms with the fact that I probably won't reach my book goal (or page goal) this year. While some months have been filled with books, September and October were marginal at best and November doesn't look much more promising. But most of what I read was very enjoyable.

 Chocolat by Joanne Harris


I loved the film based on this book and sometimes that can be a problem. But the book is so exquisitely written, with such beautiful mastery of language, that memories of Juliette Binoche's luminous performance as Vivienne only enhanced the almost poetic text. 

For those who don't know the plot, a woman and her daughter move into a small French town shortly before Easter and open a chocolate shop. Vivienne knows what people want, what they need -- both in chocolate and in life. Is it her honed instincts (or is it witchcraft?). At first the townspeople are skeptical but she slowly wins their friendship and trust. But can she survive the efforts of the town priest who finds her presence offensive, against God and perhaps evil? 

If you love a beautifully written book, this is for you.

Malice in Miniature and Victim at Victoria Station by Jeanne Dams


 These two novels are fourth and fifth in Jeanne Dams series about Dorothy Martin, a sixty-something widow who has moved to a small cathedral town in England after the death of her husband. A lover of hats and a nose for mystery finds her in a number of precarious situations.

These are definitely cozy and definitely light. And sometimes, that's just what you need. In "Malice in Miniature," Dorothy, newly remarried, is home alone while her new husband is at a conference. When her gardener is arrested for the theft of a miniature tea set that belonged to Marie Antoinette, she is convinced of and determined to prove his innocence. She enters the world of Victorian dolls houses in search of the murderer. (This one I liked very much.)

"Victim at Victoria Station" was so implausible that I almost didn't finish it. While on the train to visit friends, Dorothy meets a man coming to visit the London offices of his computer software company. But he never arrives at the office. Dorothy is convinced he was murdered and "goes undercover" as an office worker to find the murderer. Really? That could happen to a normal sixty year old American living in Britain over a couple of days? I expected more of Jeanne Dams.

 Eight Perfect Murders by Peter Swanson 

Erika introduced me to this one and it is a goodie! The narrator owns a bookstore and had long before written a blog post about eight perfect murders in several classic mysteries, including Agatha Christie's "ABC Murders," Patricia Highsmith's "Strangers on a Train," and six others. When the FBI begins investigating a series of murders that seem connected to the plots in the book, he is sought out to assist in the investigation. But the murders keep happening and soon cold cases are opened. This one kept me to the very end.

Not in a Tuscan Villa -- John and Nancy Petralia

Many books about Americans moving to Italy (or France, for that matter) find the ex-pats buying a villa or wonderful country home that may or may not require huge amounts of renovation as they meet their country neighbors and learn to be part of their new community.

This is not that book. John and Nancy Petralia, lovers of all things Italian, decide to move for a year. But rather than being in a country villa, they choose to live in the city as they explore their new country. The first town doesn't suit them and they move again, finding a spot in _____ that they adore. As they continue their real-life education abroad, the book, written in chapters by each of them, discusses such things as art, wine, dining, the art of being a waiter (a three-year training program is required!), the differences n the health system, history, the best ways to see new places and so much more.

They are excellent guides and I learned tons of fun things about Italy while also having great food for though to stretch my thinking, should I ever be so lucky as to try out a new country myself.

The Riviera Set -- Mary S. Lovell

Have you ever heard of Maxine Elliott? I hadn't before reading Mary S. Lovell's fascinating book, "The Riviera Set." A wonderful biographer, Lovell tells not only of Elliott, an American actress in the 1920s who toured England and became an ex-officio member of the hard-to-crack British aristocracy, entertaining politicians, actors and royalty. When Elliott buys a villa on the Riviera, it becomes a home away from home for Winston Churchill, The Duke and Duchess of Windsor, Edward VII, and many others who were critical players in British government and the social scene. 

The second half of the book is almost a biography of another luminary, Aly Khan, who purchased the villa after Elliott's death. Khan's marriage to Rita Hayworth and his lengthy list of other ladies in his life are covered along with the parties and people who took the Riviera set into the 1950s. 

Well researched, intriguing and yes, even a little dishy, this book was a delight.

A Single Thread -- Tracy Chevalier


I really wanted to love this book. I enjoy Tracy Chevalier's work so much and this one, about a young woman who becomes involved with a circle of women who embroider the kneelers and cushions for Winchester Cathedral was a plot that intrigued me.

The trouble for me was that I wanted to know more about the embroidery, the work, the cathedral than the characters, although the main character, Violet, represented a significant portion of the post WWI female population in Britain, known as "The Surplus Women." (Virginia Nicholson's fabulous book of that title is a non-fiction book well worth a read if you are interested in how women evolved in the wake of the WWI tragedy.) 

Rather than stay home and care for her annoying and overbearing widowed mother (aren't they all, in novels?) Violet choses to take an office job in Winchester where she becomes involved with the "brorderers" and their exquisite work. She also becomes intrigued by a local married bell-ringer in the cathedral. 

I guess I found the plot overly predictable with more emphasis on the fictional story than that of the real work of the brorderers. If you enjoy historical novels, it is a well written book. It just left me wanting more "real" and less "drama."

I would suggest you check out Ricki Jill's comprehensive review of "A Single Thread on her blog. She goes into more detail on the embroidery and the images she includes in her post are beautiful. I think I may have learned more about it through RJ's post than through the book.

Stuart Little -- E.B. White


I first read "Stuart Little" when I was in second or third grade and I adored it then. I still do. E.B. White's classic about the Little Family (who have two children, one of whom happens to be a mouse) is enchanting and I fell in love all over again with Stuart's standoff with the cat, Snowball, enchanted by his tiny wardrobe and his way of getting around the house, his little bed (a cigarette box with clothespin bed posts) and his journey to find the family bird, Marigold, reminded me of the delight of discovery and the magic of considering a mouse who wore a little suit and could paddle a tiny canoe.

I can't wait till our little guys are old enough for this one!

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59 comments:

gigi-hawaii said...

You are quite the reader! I think the first one, Chocolat, would appeal to me the most.

Vicki @ lifeinmyemptynest said...

Thanks for the Tracy Chevalier review. It’s been on my list for awhile, but I have been hesitant. I do love her other books though.

Victoria Zigler said...

The fact you've been enjoying the books matters more than how many you've read.

For the record, I read " Chocolat" some years ago, and completely agree it's an excellent read. Did you know it's part of a series? I only found that out years after reading it, and have yet to read the rest of the series, but I definitely intend to. Plus, it's an excuse to re-read " Chocolat" - not that I'd need an excuse to re-read it, but it's nice to have one.

Sakuranko said...

I didn´t knew that Sturt Little in fact was a book

Barb said...

Chocolat and Stuart Little are the only ones I've read. Now I'm looking up Eight Perfect Murders on Kindle. Always love your book posts, Jeanie!

Joyful said...

I always enjoy your book reviews. I might put one or two of the books on my list of 'want to reads'. I set the bar low for my reading challenge this year. I have surpassed it. I didn't mean to do it, lol. But having a book or two around will do that. I
m trying to slow down a bit each year to 'savour' things more. Enjoy the rest of your week Jeanie.

Pamela said...

I always enjoy reading your book posts. I love mysteries, especially series.

William Kendall said...

I must have forgotten that Chocolat was based on a book.

Susan Kane said...

Good books on your list. I remember Chocolat as a movie? It was great.

DUTA said...

You are a very good book reviewer!
My book reading is limited mainly to the three winter months: Dec, Jan, Febr.
Most of the year is calling me outdoors.

Valerie-Jael said...

Nice books. I get through at least 3 books each week, I always have m nose in a book! Hugs, Valerie

Iris Flavia said...

I think I really do need to read Stuart Little!

eileeninmd said...

Hello Jeanie,

I do enjoy your book reviews. I usually always find another book to add to my reading list. I am going check on Chocolat, the two Dorothy Martin mysteries and Eight Perfect Murders. Take care, enjoy your day!

David M. Gascoigne, said...

Great reviews, Jeanie. i suspect that some will be visiting their local libraries to look for titles you have recommended. I read a great deal, but I have never set myself a goal to read a certain number of books, or complete them within a certain period, and I honestly can't see the point in doing so. But if it works for, bravo!

Joanne Huffman said...

Love your book reviews. These were new to me, except Stuart Little and Chocolat (really recommend all Joanne Harris books).

crackercrumblife said...

Awww Stuart Little! I loved that one as a kid too! Although it sort of freaked me out that the woman had a mouse baby.

Sami said...

Great reviews as usual Jeanie. Of all of the books I've only read Chocolat, and I've seen the movie too.

Carol @Comfort Spring Station said...

No I can't believe the fable of the retired American lady going under cover in a British office - what? Huh? I haven't read that one and will probably pass on it. Usually her books are fun. This one doesn't sound so. Other books sound interesting as usual. You do ready a variety of fiction and non-fiction. You inspire me = thank you

Linda @ Life and Linda said...

Lovely reviews Jeanie. I have moved to audio books, you can work and continue to do things while listening to a book.

Marilyn Miller said...

Chocolat is one of my favorite movies of all times. I should think about reading the book now.

My name is Erika. said...

I think you read quite a bit Jeanie. I’ve been having o e of those off months, so even though this is 2 months of reading, you did well. Not in a Tuscan villa sounds good. I need to bookmark that one. Right now I am reading the first Mr and Mrs North book. Thanks for the recommendation. Also your posts are showing up in my email any more so if I am not commenting or replying that’s why. Have a great day hugs erika

My name is Erika. said...

I think you read quite a bit Jeanie. I’ve been having o e of those off months, so even though this is 2 months of reading, you did well. Not in a Tuscan villa sounds good. I need to bookmark that one. Right now I am reading the first Mr and Mrs North book. Thanks for the recommendation. Also your posts are showing up in my email any more so if I am not commenting or replying that’s why. Have a great day hugs erika

My name is Erika. said...

I think you read quite a bit Jeanie. I’ve been having o e of those off months, so even though this is 2 months of reading, you did well. Not in a Tuscan villa sounds good. I need to bookmark that one. Right now I am reading the first Mr and Mrs North book. Thanks for the recommendation. Also your posts are showing up in my email any more so if I am not commenting or replying that’s why. Have a great day hugs erika

R's Rue said...

So many good books.

Mae Travels said...

I'm no good at counting and record keeping. Even my blog gets behind, and my kindle (the best booklist keeper I've ever had) tells me I did not blog about a few of my recent reads. I also don't have any goals, except that I've been trying to read as far as page 100 in my current book for two days now.

So you are awesome!,,, mae at maefood.blogspot.com

anno said...

Sigh. Sorry to hear about Tracy Chevalier's latest, but will be very happy to spend the money saved in that quarter on the Petralia's memoir. I do love a good mystery,though, as well.. and Eight Perfect Murders looks very satisfying. Thanks for this round-up -- I always enjoy your notes and reviews of your latest reading.

Anca said...

How peculiar. I just finished a book about chocolate and in it the author mentioned about movies and books related to chocolate. :))

Ricki Treleaven said...

LOL Thanks for the shout-out, Jeanie. You have a great point because I did want to know more about the art in A Single Thread and that's why I researched it. Chevalier does tend to write about art quite a bit, and probably my favorite of hers is The Lady and the Unicorn and The Girl With the Pearl Earring second. I also love Chocolat. It IS beautifully written, and the movie is a good adaptation, too.
Thanks for the round-up. I haven't been able to read much lately.

Pam Richardson said...

My September and October reading also fell behind. I always enjoy your book reviews. I hope you are feeling better, and take care!

Debbie-Dabble Blog and A Debbie-Dabble Christmas said...

Jeanie,
I started off good with reading but fizzled after all the landscaping projects started....Maybe after Thanksgiving because I will be finished decorating by then and plan to enjoy the Season!!Thanks so much for your visits!!
Hugs,
Debbie

Blondie's Journal said...

I haven't done well at all with my book goals but I have taken the pressure off and read when I can. Thanks fo the reviews, I know they must have taken a lot of time to write.

You got mw with Stuart Little. I had forgotten this book and how much I loved it. I'm trying to introduce my granddaughter to my favorite childhood books---Read: Mrs. Piggle Wiggle, but I think she has ventured on to TV and her mini iPad entertainment. Maybe one day I'll nab her!😊

Jane

thepaintedapron.com said...

I think that's a lot of books Jeanie! Most all sound really good and I look forward to checking them out! I am an avid reader in the summer, but have really slacked off myself these past few months {I blame Hallmark, I'm addicted to their movies, especially now that they're airing Christmas movies 24/7!} Thank you for the honest reviews~
Jenna

Sandra at Maison De Jardin said...

Good morning, Jeanie. Several of these books look very interesting to me, especially "Chocolat." I always love your book reviews and thank you for them.

Good reading days ahead for me - snow is on the way.

Jenny Woolf said...

Such a good idea to review books you've read. Not only does it mean you retain it more but there's the pleasure of sharing it with others, too.

Rain said...

Jeanie, I used to be such an avid reader...I somehow make excuses now that I don't have time but reading your post has got me itching for a good thriller. Strangers On A Train is one of my favourite Hitchcock movies (criss cross!)...and though I've seen the poster ads for Chocolat, I never knew the plot! I'm going to look for that one, thank you!! ♥

DeniseinVA said...

A lovely selection of books to read, thanks Jeanie. I saw the movie Chocolate and enjoyed it very much. It's been a long time though and I would enjoy reading the book.

Beatrice P. Boyd said...

Jeanie, you might enjoy reading Jennifer Ryan’s books, The Chilbury Ladies Choir and The Kitchen Front, both are set in Britain at the time of WW II and the main characters all female.

ashok said...

Great selection to read! Thanks Jeane

Carole @ From My Carolina Home said...

I found A Single Thread more than boring, almost a wall banger for me too. I don't read murder mysteries anymore, but I'll check out the others you liked.

Arti said...

Chocolat is delightful. Juliette B. is a joy to watch... but never could see how Johnny Depp's section fit into the whole film. BTW, The Bookshop may have some resemblance to Chocolat, but it pales in comparison. What to watch now on Netflix is Rebecca Hall directorial debut 'Passing'. I gave it 4 Ripples. :)

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

You must read at lightening speed because I am lucky to get one book read ever six months. Guess I'm at my computer or art desk too much. I love a good mystery and they all sound wonderful, with the possible exception of the improbable Dams "Victims" cozy. I alsop want to find that Swanson book of the eight perfect murders, especially after Erika touted it.

Lowcarb team member said...

I think it's the enjoyment of reading and not how many you read.
I seem to have some months when I read more than others, I just go with the flow ...

Thanks for sharing these books though.

All the best Jan

Lisbeth said...

So many good books here. I love Joanne Harris' books, and have read several of them. Not this one though. Maybe because I saw, and loved, the movie.
Not in a Tuscan Villa sounds like a different approach to moving to Italy.
Mary S. Lovell is one of my favourite biographers. I have read her books about Lady Jane Digby, Sir Richard Burton and the Mitford Sisters. I was not aware of this and have to look for it right away. She writes so well, her research is impeccable and she manages to make all the characters alive, as if you really know them.

Lynne said...

Thanks for the Chocolat reminder . . .
And I put Eight Perfect Murders
on my list as well . . .
Thank you for the reviews.

There will always be books to read . . .
Oh my . . . I HOPE!

R's Rue said...

Happy Sunday.

Judy at GoldCountryCottage said...

Jeanie, they all sound really interesting. I read every night but nothing too heavy because I can't keep my eyes open long enough and then the next night I can't remember what I read the night before. I am now reading Susan Branch's little book, Home for Christmas. It is just typically her and very relaxing and enjoyable..Happy Sunday..xxoJudy

Carola Bartz said...

Of all the books you mentioned here I have only read "Chocolat", several years ago, way before I watched the movie (that I liked as well). It is a well written book and it stayed with me for a long time. I like Tracy Chevalier's books, but I don't know this one. It sounds interesting and entertaining.
I do read a lot, but I don't have a book or page goal - I think for me that would take out the fun of reading. I do a count at the end of the year since I write down all the titles I read and listen to, and every year is about the same number of books, give or take a few. I often wish I had more time to read, but I guess as long as I have my teaching job and the shop things won't change a lot.

Vicki B said...

Well, thanks! I was just lining up some new reads as I’m almost at the end of “Stranger Diaries.” Also for reminding my of little Stuart- the perfect book to read with Arleigh right now.

Amy at Ms. Toody Goo Shoes said...

I love that most of your books take place overseas. I'm definitely interested in in Not In A Tuscan Villa - that's right up my alley.

Rajani Rehana said...

Super blog

Linda Stoll said...

I seem to go back and forth between light and lovely to heavy and thought provoking books. I guess they all balance out in the end. For sure, there's a book for every season!

Miss Val's Creations said...

These all sound wonderful! I would love that biography about Maxine Elliott. She must have been quite a character! I love reading children's books and haven't read Stuart Little since I was very young. Currently I am reading the Life and Adventures of Santa Claus by L. Frank Baum. A delightful read for the season!

Nikki - Notes of Life said...

I've seen the film version of Chocolat but I've not yet read the book.

I'm quite behind on my reading this year!

Hena Tayeb said...

You still read quite a bit.
I have seen Chocolat the movie a couple of times and it was so yummy.
I have read a few books by Peter Swanson and enjoyed them. Will check this one out as well. Thanks for sharing.

Polly said...

A great collection Jeanie. I thoroughly the film Chocolat. I've read a few good books lately.

Tracy said...

Always love your book reviews, Jeanie! I'd been wanting to read that Tracy Chevalier book (having enjoyed many of her others), but might pass on that one...hhhmmm... :/ I remember Stuart Little from grade school! I loved Chocolat--and it's film adaptation was fun too. I will watch anything Juliette Binoche is in--she always elevates everything. I've read more of Joanne Harris, she's good. I don't set myself reading goals anymore, haven't for a long time. I just read. At the moment I'm reading a book about a man and his one-year experiment of spending part of his time in the woods--it's inspiring. Happy Days ((HUGS))

Lisa from Lisa's Yarns said...

I adored the movie Chocolat so would love the book, I bet! Peter Swanson is an auto-read author for me. He writes great thrillers!

You still read quite a few books considering all you had going on, especially in October! November is turning out to be a slow reading month for me. But I am also tired so that doesn’t help! I am slowly reading Caste right now for my December book club. It’s very sad and an important book so I am glad book club is giving me the push I needed to read it!!

Deb Nance at Readerbuzz said...

Chocolat and Stuart Little make for good reading!

Sketchbook Wandering said...

Chocolat, preferred the book, but the movie wasn't bad...I just tried to look at it as something apart from the book.

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