Hello! I’m just popping in to say that I’m on a Hilary Mantel streak. After finishing Bring Up the Bodies again (I started with Bring Up the Bodies, went back to Wolf Hall, then was impelled to re-read Bring Up the Bodies), I moped and pined for a while. Do you ever feel suspended between books? It’s a strangely unanchored feeling, for me, and I’m never quite settled until I’ve found my next book. I may start one or two novels or long works, or pick through a collection of poetry or essays, but I only really feel at home once established in a new book.
My husband finally ended my misery by giving me Beyond Black.
I eyed it suspiciously for a few days. After all, I was carrying Thomas Cromwell around with me, and Beyond Black is not about Tudor politics. It’s set in contemporary England (well, 1997). It’s about ghosts. Hmph, I thought.
I didn’t love the first, very short, chapter. It was heavily descriptive, with some sharp and compelling images, but it seemed to hover.
And then I turned the page and was completely sucked in.It’s nasty and hilarious and ruthless. It’s about some extremely unpleasant people. And it’s genuinely frightening.
You guys, I love it.
What are you reading, this week?
Sonia Gensler says
Hilary Mantel writing ghosts? How did I not know this? Thanks for the tip.
Kate M. says
“What are you reading, this week?”
Probably Bewitching Season and then Seraphina.
Ying says
Ooh – both goods suggestions. Bewitching Season’s been on my TBR list for a while, now. Thanks for the reminder!
GEW says
I recently stumbled upon your books and your blog, and I’m thrilled. I am a full-time instructor at a two-year college in California, a mother of two youngish kids, and a PhD student (c18 Brit lit). AND I hope to turn my attention to historical YA fiction when I finish the PhD thesis. So you can see why I was excited to discover you and your work!
Right now, I’m reading “Heresy” by S. J. Parris.
Ying says
We are practically twins, GEW! I admire anyone with the courage and optimism to take on young kids and a PhD at the same time, and I hope you find time to enjoy both. I just read your first two blog posts and couldn’t agree more about the constant dilemma of where/how to direct your energies and the ambiguities of being Good Enough. Thanks for stopping by!