Yes, the blog and I are taking a summer break right now, but I know some of you might be looking for books to read under a shady tree. My granddaughter, currently visiting from Italy — oh joy! — just described a treehouse she claims to sneak into regularly “to read and drink tea.” — In truth, this particular granddaughter is more likely to climb the tree than to sit and read . . . and it’s unlikely her entry through a gap in the fence, or her disappearance from home, or any attempt at tea-making would go unobserved, but I love that this is an Aspirational Image for her.
And if you have a treehouse with a big pile of cushions in the corner and perhaps a thermos full of iced tea or lemonade, here’s a list of books you might enjoy. The numbering, as usual for these posts, comes from my handwritten Annual Reading Journal, as do the brief notes which I’ve transcribed so that you don’t have to work through my scrawl.
41. Seven Steeples. Sara Baume. Literary fiction; couple relationship; hermetic relationship; retreat from social world; eco-fiction; Irish coastal setting; Irish writer.
I was predisposed to like this ever since reading Baume’s Spill Simmer Falter Wither . . . . I trust her to explore new ideas, to play out a concept, and to work toward a style and/or structure that best suits her idea (it’s been cool to watch her parallel exploration in various visual media on IG). And always such thoughtful and observant nature writing.
This is the simplest of plot structures: a couple (working-class, but unemployed, on Social Assistance apparently) move to a rented house in a rural seaside area, remote enough to require a vehicle for groceries — but with a farmer as a neighbour, not too far down the road.
And then entropy happens, over the seven years they live in the house. This entropy dissolves barriers — between in side and outside, between places where mice and spiders are allowed and where they’re not. And the same for dust, for water, for their dogs. The borders between humans and other species. And between each other (they even begin to wear each other’s clothes, interchangeably).
And where certain boundaries have dissolved, they now more keenly observe subtle changes and progressions — they learn to distinguish different plants and note their changes through the seasons.
Nothing — and everything — happens, in other words. And those are the most engaging and poetic words. Beautiful . . . A book that rewards patience, gently. . .
My Instagram post on this book here — (I was very tickled to have Sara Baume leave me a comment)
42. A Dance of Cranes. Steve Burrows. Mystery/Police Procedural; Birder Murder series; Birding; eco-fiction; Whooping Cranes; Norfolk, England; Wood Buffalo Park (Canada).
Another in the Birder Murder series and this time Dominic is back in Canada and looking for his twin brother (the one who’s regularly getting himself in trouble) while trying to find proof necessary to remove a threat to his girlfriend Lindy’s life. Instead, while we’re treated to some adventurous vicarious travel — all linked to nesting sites of Whooping Cranes and ancestral lands of the Dene First Nation — Lindy’s in graver danger than Dominic could have imagined. And she doesn’t know because he ended their relationship abruptly with little explanation, in order to “protect” her (although she isn’t privy to this information either). . . And soon Dominic is in no position to rescue her . . . but rather is, himself, in dire need of rescue which seems increasingly unlikely. . . . This one might be my favourite in the series.
43. George’s Marvellous Medicine. Roald Dahl. Children’s literature; ages 6 to 11, roughly; “chapter book”; humour; magic.
Read this to my grandson, Seven, over our four days at their place — after it was highly recommended by the Italian Ragazzina, also Seven.
Not my favourite of Roald Dahl’s books (and is the treatment of the grumpy grandma more than a trifle misogynist?) — but it definitely made Fergus laugh and stoked his imagination!
44. What’s the Matter with Mary Jane. Candas Dorsey. Mystery novel; Epitome Apartments mystery series; Amateur detective; Female detective; Bisexual, cis-gendered female detective; LGBTQ; literary mystery; post-modern mystery; Humorous mystery.
Another “Epitome Apartments,” another romp! Of course, a (nameless amateur detective, female) narrator who structures chapters with titles drawn from A.A.Milne is going to appeal to me. That she’s a stickler for grammar, uses words precisely, pounces on idioms used incorrectly, and delights in sassy wordplay obviously heightens my enjoyment.
And gender/sexuality and class politics as liberal as I could hope for, but none of this play or politics gets in the way of a lively plot and great story-telling. Rounded characters, some of whom I met and learned to like in her earlier The Adventures of Isabel. A narrator who comments regularly on the style and structure and credibility of her narrative qualifies this as a “post-modern mystery” — but don’t let that description deter you. This still-unnamed detective will quickly win you over, particularly if you like Christopher Brookmyre or Mick Herron’s thrillers (the dash of tongue-in-cheek with the thrills and spills). Not sure how widely distributed this series is outside Canada, but I’d love to hear from any of you who read it.
45. The Library of Lost and Found. Phaedra Patrick. Genre fiction; domestic fiction; library/bookstore setting.
Escapist fare — sentimental and predictable, but I kept reading and finished it, and it was as much as I could have managed in last week’s heat. Middle-aged single woman who’s given up her chance for love, happiness, and fulfilment to care for her aging parents until they died, and has become virtually invisible to others except for the help she can give them. Works at a library but applications for the full-time job she wants are always passed over in favour of younger candidates.
Then one day a book is mysteriously left for her and inside she finds an inscription from the beloved grandmother she believed — because her parents told her so — had died in her adolescence. Discoveries and personal growth ensue. Does the trick if you need something light with your iced tea in the shade. Might not work if you can’t stand a Hallmark movie. . .
46. The Whisper Network. Chandler Baker. Suspense; Psychological; Feminist; Corporate Environment; Gender in Workplace; Women’s Lives; NYT Bestseller.
My daughter passed this on to me — a great page-turner, very satisfying beach reading. Gender politics in a big firm where the apparent top contender for CEO falls from an upper floor — suicide? or murder. And if it was suicide, can it be blamed on the women who’d added his name to an anonymous list of Bad Men (to avoid because of their propensity to sexual harassment, exploitation).
Female solidarity (and lack of), the shared links formed by women’s mutual understanding of the struggle to balance domestic and career responsibilities and of the ways that struggle is not faced by fathers in the same way.
1st-person narrative by a collective, composite “we,” mostly works effectively although occasionally questionable. There are clearly aspects of each other’s actions that are not known to the five central protagonists, but this is a very minor irritation, if at all.
47. Harbour Street. Ann Cleeves. Mystery; police procedural; Vera Stanhope series; female protagonist; set in Newcastle/Northumberland.
Another Vera Stanhope mystery — 6th in the series. Set at Christmas with an interesting cast of characters in a rough-at-the-edges part of town, a mystery that involves secrets kept for decades. . . . and Vera trying to ferret them out and then trying to discern their relevance to the present case, trying to quell the stirrings of her prodigious curiosity at the obviously irrelevant. Meanwhile, she’s learning to better manage her team while also attempting to curb her tendency to micro-manage. I’m liking her better with each book — or perhaps more accurately, developing more empathy with her. This is a strong contender for best in this series.
48. The Dry. Jane Harper. Mystery; Police procedural; Aaron Falk series; Australian writer; Australian setting; Rural; Small-town. Setting as character.
I can’t remember who recommended this to me, but I’ve had it on hold at our library for ages and finally got a hardcover copy — quel luxe!
Aaron Falk, now a detective who works in Melbourne investigating Financial Crimes, comes back to the small rural hometown he and his father were driven out of by suspicion and rumour over twenty years ago when the body of his female friend is found in the creek, her pockets full of stones. He’s here for the funeral of another childhood friend, who’s apparently killed himself after murdering his wife and son, leaving his baby daughter alive and alone in her crib.
But Aaron’s friend’s parents — who were once so good to him — can’t believe this is true and they ask Aaron to investigate. The town is still hostile to him and the threats quickly become dangerous, but Aaron finds a few allies and together they manage to tug at some loose threads. All this against a compelling backdrop of rural Australia during a prolonged drought and a taut economic situation for a farming community — a powder keg, just waiting for a match.
And now your turn . . . have you been finding more — or perhaps less — time to read these days? Those of you in Europe’s sweltering, record-breaking heat this summer, have you found a shady corner? Maybe a wading pool to cool your feet as you turn the pages? I’ve got enough books stacked to see me at least through until the end of August, but I will make room on my September and October lists for your recommendations. Mic’s open for you now. . . Thank you in advance! Again, because I’m on my blog vacation, I may not answer comments, but I will certainly read them all, and I encourage you to chat among yourselves in my absence.
xo,
f
Well, since you were speaking of Italy and treehouses, I wonder if you have read Italo Calvino’s “Baron in the Trees”. I am pretty sure you have, but your readers might like to know about it. It’s still in print in a new English translation. I read it years ago, but it is more memorable than many books I have read since.
Author
Ha! Very effective segue! Il Barone Rampante has been recommended to me by a few Italian teachers and thanks to your comment, I finally got a copy from the library and am now a few chapters in, finding it a challenge, in Italian, but a delightful one. Thanks for the push 😉
I am very much in search of the next good book (or even better, series!) after what feels like a long string of complete duds with the occasional mild disappointment. My other criteria is that I need to be able to get the book from our (allegedly) excellent public library system as I am strictly limiting acquisitions. SO this post and other suggestions will be avidly scrutinized by this reader, at least! Thanks to all.
Ceci
Author
I’m sure you’ll find something here, Ceci — so many discerning readers in this community!
The books from your list that I’ve read (and loved as well) :
A Dance of Cranes,Harbour Street (Can’t wait the new one Vera!)and The Dry
I would like to read all the rest as well 🙂
I’ve read Peter Grainger’s new book Arcadia-prefer DC Smith series but,nevertheless,love his mysteries
Kate Ellis is a new mystery author for me,I’ve started with The Merchant’s Wife,first in Wesley Peterson series,quite liked it
My Pen Is the Wing of a Bird,New Fiction by Afghan Women is a collection of short stories,translated both from Pashto and Dari languages. So poignant and sad,but it has a little flicker of hope in a sea of darkness. The fact that they are still writing,bravely……Learning the way they live,from their words……
Madeline’s Miller Circe (you’ve read it,have to find the post) – the story about famous sorceress,daughter of Helios,greek god of sun and Perse,lover of Dedalus (maybe) and Odysseus. She (Miller) offers her version and many explanations for her vengefulness and describes how Goddesses can become mortal beings because of love (and maybe of fatigue of being Goddess forever :)) Greek myths and dramas have an eternal metaphoric quality and this was mentioned in the next book I’ve read: Jessica Au’s Cold Enough for Snow. It is a story about daughter and mother’s trip to Japan. There are short atmospheric descriptions from their journey,almost like a chamber music scenes,together with the snippets of their life and relations,as seen through a water drapery or mist.
Elle Cosimano’s Finlay Donovan Is Killing It ,thriller/comedy of confusion,while reading it , I’ve imagined a screen play for a Netflix movie
Pip Williams’ The Dictionary of Lost Words is a wonderful novel,if one likes words,even more so.
Beautifully written,its story is woven around historical accounts of making Oxford English Dictionary,women contributions that were not mentioned,suffragette movement, first WW,love and loss…..delightful…..
Lars Mytting’s The Bell in the Lake is a norwegian novel (I’ve read it in croatian translation) describes the end of 18.century in norwegian village Butangen,deep in the woods,almost cut off the world. People are living an archaic life,connected with tradition,nature,old stories and myths……and when a new pastor and talented german painter/future architect came to the villagge and meet a beautiful,extraordinary local girl, many different forces will change the life as it was
Too hot to read-impossible! Although it is veeeery hot! Nevertheless,I have plans for Apéro tonight…..
Dottoressa
Author
So many great suggestions here (and was it you who previously recommended The Housekeeper and The Professor? My sister-in-law is currently reading it on the recommendation of someone commenting here and she’s enjoying it very much)
Why haven’t I read any Peter Grainger books. . .
I will be making a note of these books and authors. thank you
Author
You’re very welcome!
I read & enjoyed The Dry , not sure I’d choose it in the present hot summer ! I’m uncomfortable enough . My current read is Fresh Water for Flowers which you recommended ages ago & , yes , it’s very good . I like the sound of Dotteressa’s The Dictionary Of Lost Words so I’ve downloaded that onto the pile . Thanks ladies . I’ve found so many good books through my blog friends .
Author
Isn’t Fresh Water good? So pleased you’re enjoying it as well! And I echo your Thanks! This community (including Sue’s blog and “the Socials” of other online friends) has become one of my main sources for What to Read.
I’ve always loved the books you’ve recommended,Wendy,so,I hope you’ll like The Dictionary……too
D.
I read Jane Harper’s The Dry as well and liked it, also her second one Force of Nature. But I could not get through The Lost Man. Maybe because it seemed so hopeless right at the beginning and it was at a time in my life where I could not read anything that was not hopeful. Also, like Dottoressa anxiously awaiting Ann Cleeves next Vera book… out very, very soon. 🙂
I was in the middle of listening to Small Pleasures by Clare Chambers, recommended by Dottoressa, when it had to be returned to the library. I may have to but it because I am way down on the holds list and those characters are in mid-crisis!! Highly recommend that book.
Right now, based on suggestions from a Slightly Foxed podcast I am reading an Elizabeth Taylor novel. No not that Elizabeth Taylor, but a quite unknown, at least on the side of the ocean, British author similar to Barbara Pym. Joy ensued when I started reading it last night… but of course it was quiet, tamped down Pym-ish joy. 🙂
Thank you,Sue!
Elizabeth Taylor goes to the list!
D.
I’m an Elizabeth Taylor fan too . Hope you enjoy them .
Author
Duly noted on The Lost Man — I’m planning to read it as I enjoyed the other two, but I’ll be curious to see if I find it similarly bereft of hope.
I still have 3 Vera books before the latest one. . . going to stretch them a bit 😉
I just wanted to say that since finding your blog, a year or so ago, I have discovered so many wonderful novels through your reviews and recommendations of your readers. Thank you everyone!
Author
I’m so glad you find these monthly book posts useful — I love the community here!
I read The Dry a couple of years ago for our Global book club when we did Australia. I enjoyed it very much, and also the Lost Man but I do agree it is a bit depressing. I have not yet read her second book, Force of Nature but will put it on my list.
Author
Noted — will not read the 3rd in a blue mood!
Apologies if I’ve previously recommended this book (but that simply emphasises the strong impression it made on me).
‘Thin Paths ‘ by Julia Blackburn is about the time she and her husband spent living in a village in the mountains of northern Italy. It’s a beautifully written, sensitive observation of people and a way of life that was about to change and be lost.
Author
Reading it now, Lorraine, and thank you so much for the recommendation — so good!
I did not read much in July. I was too busy playing in the kitchen and then falling in a heap. August is proving to be more literary in my pursuits. I read The Dry on your recommendation (Insta perhaps?) and thoroughly enjoyed it, more so than the author’s more recent novel, The Survivors, which employs of the themes. from this novel, but to my mind, less successfully. Anyway, I will read the second book as well, eventually anyway. Right now I have piles falling over.
Author
Hmmm, yet another reason to postpone Book Three in this series.
As others have said, some excellent suggestions/insights thanks to this great community.
Thank you all!
Author
Isn’t it a great community?! Thanks for being part of it!