Monday, September 23, 2013

Hotel du Lac by Anita Brookner


Hotel du Lac
by Anita Brookner
192 pages
Vintage, 1995
(originally published in 1984)

Source: personal copy

Motivation:
Ali's  Brookner Reading Month
I actually finished just under the wire on July 28, but never managed a post.

Quick thoughts:

Patience is a virtue (at least that's what my mother always says), and that virtue was certainly rewarded during this reading experience. Switzerland's  Hotel du Lac was "known as a place which was unlikely to attract unfavourable attention, a place guaranteed to provide a restorative sojourn for those whom life had mistreated or merely fatigued."  As the novel slowly unfolds, the history and circumstances of each guest at this luxury hotel is gradually revealed as they go about their daily routines and interactions with one another.

The writing is lovely and full of insight. This is my second Brookner novel... I wonder if all are so well- suited to a contemplative mood.

Hotel du Lac  is a quiet gem!

Favorite Quotes:

"The beautiful day had within it the seeds of its own fragility: it was the last day of summer."

"Good women always think it is their fault when someone else is being offensive. Bad women never take the blame for anything."

"In her last months, she lay in bed, wearing the silk peignoir my father bought her on their honeymoon in Venice, not caring, perhaps not noticing, that the lace was torn, the pale blue faded to grey, and when she raised her eyes from her book, her eyes too were faded from blue to grey, and full of dreams, longings, disenchantment. My mother's fantasies, which remained unchanged all her life, taught me about reality. And although I keep reality in the forefront of my mind, and refer to it with grim constancy, I sometimes wonder if it serves me any better than it served my mother."

"She knew from the outset what some unfortunates never learn; she knew that the best is there to be taken, although there may not be enough to go round."

My rating:

26 comments:

  1. I have this on the shelf. Thanks for putting the quotes in your review. Lovely writing and I will be getting to this one very soon.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Peggy - Enjoy! If possible, try to read it in just a few sittings.

      Delete
  2. I always find Brookner rewarding, especially her earlier work. Sometimes I think she has secret access to my journal.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Leticia - This is only my second Brookner novel, and I certainly plan to read more. Laughing about your journal remark... she is so insightful.

      Delete
  3. I'm so glad you enjoyed this book. It's sitting on my shelf and I want to read it but I just forget....your wonderful review has prompted me to put it on my nightstand...that should do the trick! I cannot wait to read this beautiful writing.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Amy - LOL, the nightstand is usually one step up from the bookshelf for me, too. Hope you enjoy Hotel du Lac!

      Delete
  4. This sounds fantastic - love the quotes you pulled out. Thanks for the recommendation; I'd love to pick it up.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AmyMak - I had so many post-it flags sticking out of this book... could easily have included twice the number of quotes!

      Delete
  5. I'm not often in a contemplative mood, and normally don't do well with those types of books. But I have heard wonderful things about this one.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sandy - You're much to busy for contemplation!! This book might appeal to you in 15 years ;-)

      Delete
  6. It's been much too long since I've read Anita Brookner. I can't remember whether this is set in Geneva, or near Geneva, but I know there's a Hotel du Lac in my sister's little town on the lake. So I think my re-reading should start with this one! After Edith... :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Audrey - I had no idea there is was an actual Hotel du Lac... wonder if it is the inspiration for Brookner's novel. Do you get to visit your sister often? I'd love to see Switzerland!

      I'm on chapter 22 or 23 of The Age of Innocence. Newland's discontent is growing...

      Delete
  7. :) so glad you enjoyed it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ali - Sorry I never got a post up during July... maybe next year ;-)

      Delete
  8. I've heard how good it is but haven't time to get to it. Thanks for your review and your enthusiasm. I'll definitely keep it in mind.

    ReplyDelete
  9. I can assure you that you NEED to be in a contemplative mood to enjoy any of her novels.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thomas - After reading just two of her novels, I have no doubt that's true!

      Delete
  10. I love the quotes you included, so beautiful. I've not read her books yet, but at 192 pages this is tempting to give her a try.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Stacy - Yes, this is pretty short. It's probably even better if you can read it in just a few sittings... it took me days to read the first 50 pages!

      Delete
  11. Sounds like Brookner is well worth picking up!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Lisa - She really is, but be sure to choose a time when you're in the mood for a quiet, contemplative read :)

      Delete
  12. So few people seem to like this, but I think it is all about the wonderful quietness she evokes - it is one of my favourites!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Vicki - This book sort of snuck up on me. I wasn't enjoying it all that much at first, but was marveling at its beauty by then end!

      Delete

Thanks so much for taking the time to comment! Be sure to check back, I always respond. Due to a recent increase in spam, all comments are moderated.

LinkWithin

Related Posts with Thumbnails