I finished The Middle Window. It was a very compelling story, well written, as all her work is. But it took a turn and went into the past, to two young lovers not unlike the modern-day ones in the earlier part, and there was sort of a thing going on where the couple from the past - the husband of which was involved in the Battle of Culloden - they and their vision for their land were living on in the later, modern era couple. For a brief time the present-day (well, not exactly, the book was written in the 1930s) couple's minds were taken over by "memories" from the past. It was a little far fetched and fanciful, even for me, and I certainly didn't expect it from this author.
Sarah Clarkson's book for this month is The Secret Garden, which I've read once, a few years back - not as a child. I didn't actually read a lot of classic children's books as a child, but I'm happy to make up for it now and then. Anyway, I'm surprised at how much I am liking this, more than I did the first time. And Beowulf! I never imagined I'd want to read that, but there's a category in the reading challenge for an epic poem and for some reason this is what came to mind. And I actually like it! I've got the Seamus Heaney version from the library.
I'm not sure if I ever read the Secret Garden as a child, but I think I remember reading it to my children when they were young. I must catch up on some of the classics that I missed in my younger days too. I've a hankering to read Heidi. I think I did read it years ago but am quite happy to read it again. xx
ReplyDeleteI think Heidi is an emotional story, with her dear grandfather. Those old books had deeper meanings to them, so they have staying power. :)
DeleteI've heard good things abour the Seamus Heaney version of Beowulf, but have never taken the plunge back to that one to see for myself. I recall liking Beowulf back in school when I read it....though I don't think my friends necessarily agreed at the time. The same thing happened with The Scarlet Letter. I did re-read that one a couple years ago though, to see how it held up.
ReplyDeleteI am with you in that turns out there were plenty of "classic" children's stories that I missed as a child. I LOVE reading them in my adulthood though--like all the Newbery winners, say, or all the Caldecotts. There were so absolute gems in there that I'm glad crossed my path in due time. (And, of course, a few duds, too.)
Oh, the picture books - they are so enjoyable!
DeleteThe Secret Garden was my mother's favourite book when she was a girl and still loves it, so of course we all had to read it as children. I love the film of it with Maggie Smith as the housekeeper. To me it is the closest to the book of any film/TV series. The Seamus Heaney version of Beowulf is the most poetic translation and I think is nearest in spirit to the original. When I was young I read the Rosemary Sutcliffe version of the story.
ReplyDeleteYou've read widely, Clare, haven't you? I'll have to look for that film with Dame Maggie.
DeleteI've read a lot of British books, old and new but not as many new books as perhaps I should. I read a few Canadian/American children's books from the library as a child but never began reading Canadian/US adult fiction until about 20 years ago. Why I left it so long, I don't know! I have hardly read any foreign language books at all! When I was younger I always finished a book even if I wasn't enjoying it, as a matter of principle and also in case I eventually 'got' the book right at the end. These days, I read reviews to see if the book is something I'm likely to appreciate and if I find I'm not enjoying a book I do give it up or leave it for a later date. Life is becoming too short to struggle with uncongenial books!
DeleteI agree! Read what speaks to you, what helps you grow, or what soothes you. Let the rest go. :)
DeleteI think I have the Heaney Beowulf on my shelf somewhere. Recently I have increased my resolve to read it (for the first time) after hearing Richard Rohlin and Jonathan Pageau discuss it at length on YouTube as to its place in "universal history," so fascinating. So I acquired several audio versions, most of them for free. Maybe on my next road trip... maybe... I've been wanting to read it for decades but I guess "the right time" has not arrived.
ReplyDeleteI am going to look into that discussion!
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