Amongst Women

Reading Group Day again. This month's read was Amongst Women by John McGahern. Hurrah for a short novel for once.
Though short (almost too short perhaps) there was a great sense of atmosphere and claustraphobia lingering throughout this book. We all appreciated its power  and quality, even though to a woman, we all disliked Moran, the controlling man at the centre. Interestingly the 2 men in the group kept very quiet on this one.

Apologies that I've been a bit quiet recently- just too much going on. I've been at Elizabeth Gaskell's House - including sweeping leaves in the garden- a very satisfying activity- which does oneself  good at the same time as the lawn, as well as creating good soil improver for next year. A "victorian" sentiment on my part I suspect.

Manchester Literature Festivall has begun and I've already been to see two fabulous women writers. Jane Smiley, author of A Thousand Acres ( inspired by King Lear) and who has just completed The Last Hundred Years trilogy; a history of the USA through the eyes of a family rooted in farming in Iowa. I have just finished the first part 1920-1953 and am hooked- can't wait to get on to the next volume which will from now on be set in my lifetime.

Last night I wwent to hear Patricia Duncker talk about her novel Sophie and the Sibyl which I have also read and is based around the character of George Eliot at the end of her life. Another absorbing read. My admiration for both these writers is huge- they are both knowledgeable and creative, able to spin  stories from all they have read and learned, as well as talk about them in humorous and engaging ways.

I'm just beginning to appreciate having a bit more reading time again and as the weather gets colder I'm sure I'll be enjoying even more of this.