I am embarrassed to say that I have yet to finish Nightingale Wood. There was a moment last night when I fancied myself as an early twentieth-century drama queen saying (most kiddingly), "I should really take a room for a fortnight!". Why can't I just sit and finish this book? The real issue here could be that this book is very charming but there hasn't been a character, or situation, that has me feeling like I need to read whilst at the dinner table as it's just not that riveting. I've been spoiled by Persephone titles that have you crying or seething with hatred, you know, rip your heart out stuff. Having said that, yesterday I read a passage that made me sigh and say to myself (for real this time), "we are kindred spirits". It was this: But Hetty had other plans. They were vague, but they were precious to her. As soon as she was of age she meant to leave Grassmere, or the flat in London, it did not matter which - forever; take an attic in Bloomsbury, fill it with books and settle down to the life of a student. I don't want to teach, to write, to criticize, or review or be a poet. I just want to learn. It's Teaser Tuesday and that was pushing it a bit at five sentences rather than two but I wanted to share that lovely passage. The treats were in the window of a bakery in Niagara-on-the-Lake, no we didn't purchase any but they were certainly very tempting!
Think I might strike Nightingale Wood from my wish-list because I also find myself flagging if there's too much charm and not enough substance. Didn't care much for Persephone's Greenery Street recently for exactly that reason. On the other hand, have you ever read Alas, Poor Lady - also a Persephone, by Rachel Ferguson - now that is really gut-wrenching!
ReplyDeleteAnonymous, Alas, Poor Lady was one of my purchases at Persephone in May, I'm so glad to hear that it's gut-wrenching. Just the thing I'm looking for!
ReplyDeleteDarlene, I too found Nightingale Wood to be somewhat loving, with neither enough charm nor substance. It was "nice" but only nice. Likewise though I loved that quote.
ReplyDeleteI found myself remembering the opening lines last week whilst walking past Fortnum & Mason.
Paperback Reader, So I'm in good company then with the book. Walking past Fortnum & Mason - you luck girl, sigh. What's being featured in the front windows these days, did you happen to notice?
ReplyDeleteThe passage you have pulled out is lovely. I'm a little disappointed with the book though. I'm quite happy when I'm reading it, but sadly there is nothing drawing me back when I'm not.
ReplyDeleteLittle Boy Lost is another real heartbreaker, if you haven't already read it. One of their best.
ReplyDeleteDid I notice the window displays, Darlene? Oh boy, did I! They have a summer theme with striped material, as if there were deckchairs, and all their glass jars of retro sweets and I think mock ice creams. I could imagine it easily as the Persephone Classics cover for Fortnight in September!
ReplyDeleteAnonymous, you may be interested in reading my blog tomorrow for a Persephone reading challenge (apologies for using your blog to plug it, Darlene).
fleurfisher, That is it EXACTLY!
ReplyDeleteAnonymous, You are so right about Little Boy Lost, the reviews alone are so full of emotion. I plan on adding this title to my collection sooner rather than later. Thank you.
Paperback Reader, Oh thank you so much for the image of the window displays, its made my day! Lovely that you're spreading the word about the Persephone Challenge - promote away!
I must get to Nightingale Wood sometime soon. But what you describe makes me remember Cold Comfort Farm which never had me gripped.
ReplyDeleteI remember really liking Greenery Street! And G took some pictures of Fortnum's windows the other day when we were at the Royal Academy, but I deleted them on account of the window reflection. Bah! Must try again so you can get a glimpse... K x
ReplyDeleteI'll look out for the challenge! Lettice Delmer and The Far Cry have been slipping down a large pile of books 'to be read' for at least 12 months, so maybe this will kick me into starting them - I really do mean to read The Far Cry because I loved Emma Smith's biog Great Western Beach. Actually, my first-ever Persephone buy was Few Eggs and No Oranges, still on my bedside table only part read. I'm afraid for me it captured the dreariness of war only too well and I only got about a third of the way through! I'd been expecting it to be livelier, more like Nella Last's War (but it isn't!) Anyway, this might shame me into having a second try - or at least dusting it down and putting it away!
ReplyDeleteKristina, Oh, isn't that so disappointing! Feel free to forward any and all photos of Fortnum & Mason's window displays. D x
ReplyDeleteThat is a beautiful passage you teased us with, but I wish I had one of those treats to enjoy with my coffee this morning ;-)
ReplyDeleteJoAnn, I would very happily eat an empire cookie for dessert after my high-fibre cereal breakfast lol!
ReplyDeleteSuch willpower to pass up those treats! :) Sometimes I like charming books that are just nice to read, but I have to be in the right mood. Some books you can't wait to pick up and read, and others you set down and don't mind letting them languish for a while. I think I am much more in the mood for something I don't want to put down! I am looking forward to the Stella Gibbons, but maybe not right now. Not sure what I want, but I might have to pick up a new book this weekend....
ReplyDeleteI know my comment is months late but I agree with your feeling about Nightingale Wood. It was ok but it didn't draw me back to it. I read it because I kept hoping one of the characters would suddenly become interesting. I love SG's Cold Comfort Farm, but if NW is an indication of the rest of her novels, I can understand why Nicola Beauman at Persephone isn't keen to reprint anything. I've just found your blog & have been reading backwards. It's lovely, congratulations. We have many reading tastes in common so I'll be visiting regularly. I also agree with your husband's views on Little Stranger although I hadn't thought of his explanantion. I just found the ending a little ho hum.
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