READ ANY GOOD BOOKS LATELY?

[Stanley]

I'm persevering with Frankenstein but it's a hard read.

[Stanley]

Frankenstein is finished, more of a duty than a pleasure reading it but I'm glad I did it. I have started on a compendium edition of several Hornblower books by C S Forester. That'll go down a bit easier, it's a long time since I first read them.

[plaques]

Part way through a series of short stories (4 off) by Leo Tolstoy. A Wordsworth Classics book with the title The Death of Ivan Ilych & other stories. Very well written with a slant on life that was very unusual for the time period. Well worth a read certainly makes you think about life in general.

[Stanley]

Ivan Illich was a favourite of mine. See this LINK. Here's Daniel Meadows pic of Illich at a lecture he attended.



{I've just realised that your Ivan Illyich is a different man!}

[plaques]

Different man to the book, but there again all the short stories have a philosopher element to them. Leo Tolstoy viewed life, death and marriage from what may be termed 'out of the box'. Often based on his own life's experiences and those he came into close contact with. A short book 250 pages very readable, Enjoying it.

[Stanley]

You persuaded me P. I've just ordered it for less than £3.... (What is it about books....... ?)

[plaques]

If you don't like it I will send £3 to PanBiker's good causes. On the other hand If you do, guess what???

[Tripps]

Could that photo be Eric Hobsbawm?

[Stanley]

No David, it's definitely Ivan. Compare it with his pic in the Wikipedia article.....
P. No sweat, I made a contribution when Sally made my masks...... I am in good standing!

[plaques]

Sorry previous contributions don't count. I know you won't cheat because you are pure

New book out Arguing with Zombies : Paul Krugman Just one copy in Lancashire libraries and I'm No 2 on the waiting list. Could be a long wait though.

Zombies Review.

Thanks Ian, Corrected (I think )

[PanBiker]

Duff link P

[Stanley]

I heard him do a radio interview on the subject of economic zombies a while back. Like all Krugman comment, worth sitting up straight and noting!

[Stanley]

Hornblower is going down well. I found myself getting quite emotional as I read the current story and reflected that it was a long time since I had experienced anything like that from reading. The magic of good writing!

[Stanley]

Leo Tolstoy has just joined me in lockdown....

[plaques]

Leo Tolstoy has just joined me in lockdown.... This could cost me £3, The main difficulty was transporting yourself back to the time it was written and the lifestyle that the aristocrats lived. Still pondering about it.
Started Diaries of Tony Benn , interesting character.

[Stanley]

You won't know until I have finished the current Hornblower omnibus edition. I shan't be pressing you, only reporting my reaction.
I ordered another trilogy that has been nattering me for a while, Stieg Larsson Millennium Trilogy Collection 3 Books Set, (The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, The Girl Who Played With Fire and The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest.). I loved the films but they are hard to access with no film service account. They may be a disappointment of course but I will chance it!

[Stanley]

Hornblower still delights. Aren't good books wonderful, complete escape from the present. I feel sorry for people who aren't familiar with this delight and stress out because of boredom. Best therapy there is!

[Stanley]

And still delighting me!
Leo Tolstoy sits there grinning at me and the 'Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' trilogy is on it's way to me. Incidentally, it's quite rare and expensive and I noticed yesterday that the three books are sat in the window of the hospice shop on Church Street and no doubt a lot cheaper!

[Stanley]

The Larrson books were delivered yesterday. I shall attack them after Hornblower and Tolstoy are dealt with. Plenty of Covid reading in stock. Who said isolation is boring!

[Stanley]

I finished the Hornblower omnibus yesterday, a very rewarding read, I enjoyed it. Today I plunge into Tolstoy. I shall report David....

[Stanley]

So far so good David, not my usual cup of tea and I have to work hard at it but he's holding my attention. A beautiful writer, I have only found reason to mentally edit him once!

[Stanley]

Your money is safe David. Tolstoy is going down well and I am into the Kreuzer Sonata now. However, these Russians are very introspective and gloomy! On the whole a bit too much angst particularly the account of Ivan Illych's death! However, worth it for the beautiful writing. Reminds me of Grossman....

[plaques]

I can now tell you it wasn't David who the bet was on with it would have been interesting to see how it played out. Tolstoy's writing reminded me of Oscar Wilde's subjects and style. a lot of psychological inner meaning but as you say a lot of angst.

Finished Tony Benn's Last diaries. What an active man he was. I don't think we shall see his likes again.

[Stanley]

Sorry about that P. Senior moment strikes again! Just walked round the Green, I can tell you that old age isn't for cissies! Onward and upwards!

[Stanley]

Finished Tolstoy feeling a bit depressed by the subject matter! Have started on the Millennium Trilogy by Steg Larrson. Going down well and aided by the fact I am populating the book with the faces from the films.