Last week I picked up The Eustace Diamonds by Anthony Trollope. As you know, Trollope has become a favorite in recent years. I adored his Barsetshire Chronicles, and now Audrey and I are leisurely reading the Palliser series.
The Eustace Diamonds is the third of the six novels. Trollope drew me in with his introduction of Lizzie Greystock Eustace, and I haven't wanted to put the book down since. My kindle says I'm at 41% now... and enjoying every single page.
So, the good news is that I'm reading again. But at 800+pages, there's still no guarantee I'll finish a book this month... and I'm fine with that.
After not reading for so long you pick up an 800+ page book. Love it.
ReplyDeleteTi- Crazy, right? I know I can always count on Trollope though :)
DeleteIf anyone can do it, Mr. T. can. But in solidarity with you, I promise not to finish it this month either. :)
ReplyDeleteAudrey - Trollope never lets me down! So you got a chance to start last weekend, then? Lizzie certainly is a piece of work... these characters are just wonderful.
DeleteVicki - Reading slumps are the worst! Sorry Hillbilly Elegy isn't working for you. I enjoyed that one.
ReplyDeleteWoo hoo for reading!
ReplyDeleteKathy - Yes!!
DeleteGlad you're back. Don't worry about all the book numbers & all that -- just read for your own enjoyment when life permits. (I have to remind myself of this.) Which ones were DNF's -- anything I should stay away from?
ReplyDeleteSusan - I think I would appreciate all the abandoned books some another time.... totally an " it's not you, it's me" thing. It started with Christodora and ended with The Danish Girl, but I would try both again.
DeleteI loved The Eustace Diamonds. Though a bit more cynical then typical Trollope, I found it to be bitingly funny. It was indeed a long book!
ReplyDeleteBrian - It's so good to be excited about reading again! I probably should have looked to Trollope sooner. Not seeing the cynical aspect yet, but we'll see how it all plays out. As always, the characters keep me turning the pages. Can't wait to see what they'll do next.
DeleteI'm glad you're back, JoAnn. I applaud you taking on such a long book, especially after needing to abandoning a few. Those long ones usually send me running in the opposite direction!
ReplyDeleteSusie - My return will be slow.I love Trollope, but starting with an 800+ page book may not have been the best plan ;-)
DeleteI have been so unwell this past winter. One thing after another. I got Life With Bob from library but couldn't read it and usually I love that kind of book. No interest in reading or blogging but think it will come back once winter is done and we go on daylight savings time Sunday.
ReplyDeletePam - I'm sorry to have you've not been well. Sometimes life just gets in the way of reading, but I hope you are improving. Hope spring turns things around for you. I'm hoping the return to FL will do the same for me.
DeleteThis is a good one, Lizzie is a delightful anti-heroine. I also had an audio download from the library which made the read go faster.
ReplyDeleteAnd I'm way behind on reading this month also. I just finished a 955 page behemoth, plus the new seasons of Outlander and Game of Thrones inspired me to re-watch previous seasons. Curse these TV adaptations!
Karen K. - I decided to add in the audio version, too. Simon Vance has become my voice of Trollope! Lizzie is a wonderful character and I'm enjoying her immensely, but it still may take another week or two to finish the book :)
DeleteSame thing has been happening to me ..... I'm not nearly as reluctant as I used to be about putting down a book that just wasn't working for me. One thing that I do not like any more is trying to keep up with a large cast of characters. Just turns me off trying to keep up with who's who. Just picked up a bio from the library that is rather long (and heavy) but I think it will be worth the effort. You'll hear about it as soon as I'm finished reading it. Hope you're still enjoying our summer-like weather!
ReplyDeleteJudyMac - This seems to be happening to so many of us right now... strange. Hopefully the long bio will turn it around for you. Trollope seems to be working for me right now. I also picked up our next book club selection, but was wishing to read Trollope instead. I've decided to go with it!
DeleteIt's always so nice to get back to reading after a bad slump but I'm not sure about starting with an 800 page book even if it is Trollope!
ReplyDeleteKatherine - LOL! In retrospect, that may not have been the best choice, because I could really use the boost from finally finishing a book...
DeleteI feel like I'm recently going through a rough patch with my reading. So glad you got your reading mojo back! Sometimes it just takes time to find the right book. Hope this keeps your attention and look forward to hearing more about this one.
ReplyDeleteIliana - Sorry to hear that... it seems we are in the midst of a general readers' malaise virus or something. Maybe the change of seasons will be good for all of us!
DeleteHmmm. Maybe we're both experiencing something similar. Wonder if it's because we've recently retired and have new routines, which keep us from reading. Not only have I not finished anything this month, but I haven't even picked anything up! We've been traveling for almost two weeks and prior to that I was busy planning and prepping for our trip. I thought I'd have time to read while camping, but the scenery has been too lovely and I can't look away and curl up with a book. Perhaps today is the day, though. We're at a lovely campground in Washington, but it's just begun to rain, so we'll be inside most of the day. I may finally get back to Travels with Charley! :)
ReplyDeleteLes - I was thinking that, too. We're not totally finished yet (should be by the end of the month), but our routines have certainly changed. Sounds like you guys are 'winning' retirement! Your pictures and blog posts are wonderful... I'm sure the reading will fall back into place eventually.
DeleteI was visiting Westminster Abbey yesterday looked down and there was Anthony Trollope's memorial stone, i thought of you! Here's what was enscribed upon it: ANTHONY TROLLOPE
ReplyDeleteNovelist. Public Servant
Pioneer of the Postal Services
The creator of Barsetshire
1815-1882
Now I stretch out my hand
and from the further shore I bid
adieu to all who have cared
to read any among the many
words that I have written.
I have been reading more recently. Right now I am reading, The Rose Pebble Beach by Dorothy Koomson.
Lorraine - I LOVE THIS! Thank you so much for sharing. I visited Westminster Abbey 9 or 10 years ago (before my recent Trollope obsession), and don't even recall seeing the stone. Next time...
DeleteI share your sentiment about giving up a book after reading many pages. The last one is The Burning Girl, but I pressed on, as it doesn't have too many pages anyway. So it was an exercise in skimming. :)
ReplyDeleteArti - I love Claire Messud's writing, but have been disappointed with initial reviews of The Burning Girl.
DeleteGlad to read you have found a book you are enjoying. My Sept slump continues into October sadly.
ReplyDeleteDiane - The good news is that I finally finished the book... my first novel since August! Hope your slump eases soon.
DeleteSometimes it takes a while to get your reading mojo back. I must read Trollope!
ReplyDeleteVintage Reading - Trollope is wonderful! I'm thankful he was such a prolific writer :)
DeleteBut you have been really busy figuring out retirement!
ReplyDeletePatty - You're right there! We spent several days in NYC last week, and have been exploring more around here, too. So far I'm loving it!
Delete