Hi. I hope everyone is doing well. Here are the girls — Stella and Willow — looking a bit pensive out for a walk with my husband. They usually are pretty popular and bring goodwill, so they get put in posts fairly regularly. I’m posting them on a week that unfortunately saw the start of the U.S. tariffs on Canada and Mexico for no good reason, which could potentially cripple the Canadian economy and also raise prices in the U.S. Sigh. I don’t know what will happen, but I don’t think it will be anything good.
And I just saw that in a sign of protest Canadian author Louise Penny has canceled her U.S. book tour for the fall launch of her next mystery The Black Wolf. She says her decision is not meant to punish Americans but to stand with fellow Canadians. She is hoping Americans will come to her Canadian events, especially one at the tour’s end at the Haskell Free Library that borders Quebec and Vermont. Hmm. You can see her full announcement on her website here and on Facebook.
Anyways, I just put it out there. We’re all in this together. And we’ll struggle on. Meanwhile we’ll exchange book ideas and talk for free across borders wherever you are in the world! And now I have a few book lists to post and discuss.
The first is my book recap for this past January and February, pictured above. I finished five in January and six in February (top row). Four of them were about immigrant stories (Good Girl, Wandering Souls, Owner of a Lonely Heart and The Leavers) as I was on an immigrant binge for a while. Then three were nonfiction (The Stalin Affair, Owner of a Lonely Heart, The Friday Afternoon Club) and one was a classic novel (The Forbidden Notebook). I liked them all but my favorites were probably The Safekeep and Fifteen Wild Decembers about the life of Emily Bronte and her family, which is due out April 1. Look for it.
My next list pictured above is my library loot for this week. I started the novel My Father’s House set at the Vatican during WWII, but then my husband took it, so I moved onto reading The Riveter, which is also a WWII-set story about a Chinese-Canadian man who enlists and sees much action. I had started Ali Smith’s dystopian novel Gliff on audio, but I couldn’t really make much of it after nearly two hours so I set it down (not sure I’ll go back to the book). A couple of these books I’ve picked up from the library a couple separate times (The Frozen River and Creation Lake) but I still haven’t found time for them yet. I hope to! Confessions also looks good. It’s a debut novel by Catherine Airey that follows three generations of women from New York to rural Ireland and back again. I look forward to pouncing on it sometime. Yay!
And lastly pictured above is the longlist of the Women’s Prize for Fiction, which was announced this past week. 16 books were picked and so far I’ve read three (The Safekeep, Tell Me Everything, and Good Girl). There’s others I already had on my library list (Nesting and Dream Count) and two others I know about (All Fours and The Ministry of Time), but the rest I’ll have to find out more about. I don’t know know them yet. Later the shortlist, which will consist of six books, will be announced on April 28. I wouldn’t be surprised if the first six I listed above make the cut. They seem pretty prominent. I will try to read the novels that make the shortlist once they’re selected. How about you — do you know these?
And now I’ll leave you with a review of what I finished lately.
The Safekeep by Yael van der Wouden / Avid Reader / 272 pages / 2024
4.5 stars. This novel was shortlisted for last year’s Booker Prize seemingly for good reason. I liked how it is set in post-war 1961 Netherlands and starts with three siblings who gather for dinner — Isabel nearly 30, her gay younger brother, Hendrik, and their older sibling, Louis, who brings his latest girlfriend Eva. Then later when Louis leaves for work travel he asks if Eva can stay at Isabel’s — who lives in the old big house they grew up in with their parents who have since died.
Isabel is a cold, solitary girl (except for a guy Johan who likes her and a maid who cleans the house) and having lively inquisitive Eva come is definitely not to her liking. This development brings all sorts to light … including secrets, which may or may not come as a surprise, and changes too. I would rather not say too much more, though many seem to already know what the story entails.
The novel might not be for everyone, but I thought it was really well done, the feeling of the grim post-war, the grief over their parents, and the relations that ignite the plot. Though I wonder a bit if the ending would’ve been better if it had been a bit less tidily tied up. I thought it had finished a bit earlier, but then it came back around to end it with more resolved. With some novels I like an ending with a tidy resolution and other times (like this) it seems better a bit more muddied. It just depends I think on the book. What do you think about endings?
I was thinking of posting another review, but I think I’ll shorten this and wait for next time.
So that’s all for now. What about you — have you read any of these books mentioned above and what did you think? Happy reading. And for most of you: don’t forget to set your clocks ahead tonight, whoa it’s that time again.
Hooray for Louise Penny. I hope that Americans will cross the border in droves to attend her Canadian events.
Hi David, thanks for stopping by. Yes I like Penny’s bold move. And I hope Americans will still go to her events. Enjoy your week.
Looks like you have lots of good reading ahead of you! And your dogs are so cute. Seeing photos of them always makes me smile. Here’s hoping better days are ahead for all of us!
Hi Lark, thanks. These dogs like being popular 🙂 And I’m being buried a bit with books to read, but that’s a good dilemma. Have a great week. & happy reading.
Stella and Willow do look happy to be out and about! Look at their happy faces!
I haven’t read any of Penny’s books, but I understand her decision. The news is so bad! I’d love to visit Vermont and Quebec. Vera Wong was a fun story! I hope you enjoy it. I like nice and tidy endings in my entertainment, because in real life we rarely get them.
Thanks Rachel, good point about endings. I never really thought about it — but no wonder we want things resolved in books.
I hope to get to Vera Wong’s Advice but not sure if it will be this time. It looks cute. Speaking of, the dogs are always pretty happy following us anywhere. These Labs want so much attention, lol. They like being outdoors too.
I hope you have a good week home.
Stella and Willow should be in every post, I love seeing them. What a gorgeous place to go walking. Love the wide open fields.
I am happy to hear Louise Penny has made the decision to cancel in the US. It’s shameful what our governemt is doing now. Stay strong Canada! I have been adhering fairly well to my no-buy-2025 rule. Obviously if I need to get bed sheets or the washer breaks down I will make the purchase but i have also stopped buying books. If the library doesn’t have it, I ask them to get it inter library loan. If that doesn’t pan out I call the locally owned independent book store and see if they have a title.
I am curious if Gliff would be better read than the audio version. That’s on my list, as are many of your other titles. Had to laugh at your husband taking your book. Will write you now 🙂
Hi Tina, ha I agree the dogs should be in each post, happy girls. The fields around here go on for miles so it is good for walking … when it’s not blowing!
I like your no-buy rule for this year. We stick to necessities mostly as well. I will try to follow your lead.
These tariffs and counter tariffs could get out of hand. No one knows when they will end, which is worrisome.
I agree that I should see if Gliff is better in print. Maybe it was just the audio so I should give it another chance. And I will see what Robert thinks of the Rome WWII novel. I might go back to it. Enjoy your week!
I want to read The Frozen River and the Vera Wong book soon. I own both of them, but have a few (or many) ahead of them. Hope you enjoy all your library books. Lovely picture of your pups! I always like to see shots of pets, mountains, flowers, or really anything other blogging friends want to share. We are all book blogging friends and my hope and prayer is that will remain. Take care, Susan!
Thanks Kay, that’s kind of you to say. Yes we need to keep our book blogging friends. I look forward to hearing what you think of Vera Wong and The Frozen River. I’m still hoping to get to them. But my pile is big, lol. The pups here keep me going. Have a great week.
I’m always happy to see pics of Stella and Willow. They look very chill! 🙂
I applaud Louise Penny for taking a stand. These are sad (and troubling) days we’re living in. We’re still toying with the idea of a trip to Vancouver Island again this fall. I’m happy to put a sign on our RV saying we didn’t vote for Trump!
I’ve heard great things about The Frozen River, and my mom has a copy, so I’ll get to it later this year. Tell Me Everything is in my Strout stack for my year-long reading of all of her books. The Safekeep is high on my list, especially seeing your high rating. It’s bound to be great!
Take good care, Susan!
Hi Lesley, yes the dogs do look more chill in the pic than usual, ha. Not sure why.
And by the fall a no-Trump sign might be good to have in BC. Most Canadians seem riled up not by Americans but by the narcissist’s policies. I’m not sure what will be happening by the fall.
And I’m not sure what you will think of The Safekeep. Some aren’t so enthused by the plot but see what you think. It’s a pretty short book. It’s funny that Strout’s Tell Me Everything is quite a bit different than Lucy by the Sea (the focus on different characters etc.) yet those might be two of my favs … as well as the Olive books.
I look forward to all of your thoughts on your reads. Always fun to see your ideas. Have a great week … and keep occupied.
Louise Penny is one of my favorite writers and I honor her decision to stand in solidarity with her homeland. The stupidity of the current government in this country simply boggles the mind and it saddens me to know that a majority of those who voted chose this. But did they really know what they were voting for or were they just reflexively voting against the woman? I have my opinion…
Hi Dorothy, pleased to hear your support of Penny and Canada. I hear what you say about all those who voted for this person. It still boggles me and worries me about humanity. But you ask a good question. Why was he voted for?
Sadly we’ll be asking such questions for decades. Keep reading.
It’s always a pleasure to see Stella and Willow’s cameo. You are making good progress with reading. I’m pleased that you enjoyed The Safekeep so much. Out of your first library loot I have read Creation Lake, which I liked a lot. My Father’s House was nominated for the Walter Scott Prize last year (it honors historical fiction). Out of your next bunch I bought The Ministry of Time, which I have yet to read. All Four was among the 10 Best Books last year per The New York Times. I want to read Dream Hotel but money is tight and I only read digital books, so let’s see how it goes. Happy reading month, Susan!
Thanks Carmen, glad to hear your thoughts on these. Man when will I get to Creation Lake! It keeps going down my totem pole of books. And I’ll see what my husband thinks of My Father’s House and might get it back. Wasn’t there a sequel that came out recently? Hmm. I see that the 2025 Walter Prize longlist is out (I’ve read 2 of 12) and the Carol Shields Prize longlist (I’ve read 1 of 15). I hope to improve on those. Much to read! I keep thinking that All Four might not be for me — the premise meh — but I need to try it. I’m not sure about dystopian right now so I’m steering a little clear of Dream Hotel presently. But that might change. I hope you are enjoying your reads.
Hi Susan, I love Louise Penny and she is doing the right thing. This tarrif situation is so destructive and completely unnecessary. I am looking for Canadian products to buy.
I hope you like the Vera Wong mystery and I too felt that The Safekeep was a 4 plus star read. Nice to see Willow and Stella. They are a calming influence. And the novel about Emily Bronte is one I have to put on my TBR list.
Hi Kathy, that’s so kind of you to lend support to Canada. We need it now. I’m pleased too with Louise Penny and I haven’t even read her mysteries. Go Louise!
I followed your lead about getting Vera Wong and The Safekeep from the library. So thanks! I always enjoy your reviews & like to hear what you think.
And Stella & Willow keep me grounded when the world is heading for trouble. Keep reading & have a good week.
Canada and the US always seemed so ideally partnered, and the extreme policies of the current government with all its shocking and unconscionable new and radical changes are about the worst of their truly awful actions.
I”ve read some of the books on the lists and have others in mind to read, so I like your choices, and will maybe get some additions to my plans.
best… mae at maefood.blogspot.com
Thanks Mae, I appreciate your comments about Canada. Yes the two countries have the longest border in the world and have been friends for 150+ years, so it is very disturbing what is going on. It’s sad that things are being wrecked.
I look forward to your reviews of the books. And I’m still on the library wait list for Han Kang’s We Do Not Part, which you recently reviewed. Keep up the reading. & have a good week.
I have The Ministry of Time on my TBR list, but I haven’t read it yet. And since you’ve tidily added the Women’s Prize for Fiction books to your post, I need to go check them out! As for endings, if the book is a mystery, I want a tidy ending, but for others, it could go either way depending on the story itself. I’ve read books that should have ended before they did.
Hi Olivia, good point about endings. Mysteries are good fully resolved but then other books it sort of depends. Some go on too long at the end.
And whenever you get to the Ministry of Time — I’ll see what you think. It’s not on my list now but it might be in the future. Have a good week.
I forgot to mention how much I enjoy Stella and Willow!
And as far as U.S. politics, my husband and are moving abroad because of it. I can no longer consider this country my home knowing enough people voted for this crazy, misogynistic, white nationalist to get him elected. And frankly, I’m embarrassed to call myself an American.
Thanks Olivia, the dogs will be happy to hear. They’re good girls.
And I think you’re bold to be leaving the U.S. and to do what you think is right. I must say I can relate. I’m glad to be living over the border. It is embarrassing that that many people voted for this person. It makes me grim about humanity and boggles my mind. I wish you well in your plans to move.
The edicts that have come from that person do not reflect the views of the majority of the people. Very, very sad. Very, very frustrating. This is not what I taught my children. This is not what I taught my students. Greed seemingly without end.
I am finding refuge from this world that I can do nothing about in books.
Hi Deb, thanks for your words. I think it’s probably true that most don’t agree with all the White House is doing, yet 49.8% voted for him. That in itself is truly mystifying and troubling. 77 million people! voted for this person who they knew was immoral and a felon and threw things into chaos last time. So I hold them responsible as well as the 89 million who didn’t vote at all. It’s too bad for the 48.3% who voted for Harris.
I think to keep voicing your thoughts & resistance to what is going on is good. And of course to keep reading! Books help.
take care & have a good week.
I agree with Deb 100%. I know someone who practically idolizes him.
Hi Vicki, yeah some of his supporters are bonkers over the guy — no matter what wrongs he commits. But maybe he’ll tick off enough regular supporters – whose job was axed, or who don’t like the high prices he’s creating. We’ll see what happens down the road. Enjoy your week.
I got Safekeep from the library but sent it back after I read the summary, thinking it might not be for me. But now I think I’d better request it again. Thanks for the review.//
I am so ashamed of what our government is doing to our neighbors on both sides. It is shameful. And the way they are indiscriminately firing people. I bet this all trickles down to a big recession. But still Trump’s fans love him. Sigh. What an awful mess.
Hi Anne, it’s hard to say if The Safekeep will be for you. The plot turns dicey so some will be put off by that. But it’s good to see the whole picture.
And thanks for your words. The news is bad now. And it does look like a recession might be coming. I’m exhausted by it and we still have 4 years! Blah!
take care & enjoy your reading.
The political climate is so awful these days. I know I need to stay informed, but I just hate reading about it all. Good for Louise Penny!
I have been so busy that I am not reading and not blogging and am woefully behind on checking on other people’s blogs. I really hope this changes after this week. I don’t like this feeling.
Hi Helen, I agree part of me doesn’t want to spend time on the news and the other half is horrified not to. It’s a conundrum. I’m pleased about Louise Penny’s move too.
I think you’ll get back on the reading & blogging wheel. So try not to worry. Take some time to sort out your work etc. I go through ups & downs on reading, blah. Just the headspace right now. Enjoy your week.
I’m so glad to see Canadians rallying around fellow Canadians. It’s infuriating to see what’s happening in the US and the disrespect Trump, Musk, et al. have shown to some of their strongest allies, but it’s heartening to see people doing what they can, when they can, to show support.
Looks like you’ve been reading a lot of great books recently! I just finished The Frozen River and loved it, I hope you do too!
Hi Haze, oh wow — good to know about The Frozen River. So glad you liked it! Yay. I’ve got three other books going at the moment so not sure when I’ll get to it — but definitely this year! Hopefully by spring. Looks like a good page-turner.
And it is really heartening to see Canadians uniting and Americans too against the crazy trump policies about tariffs etc. I agree what he’s said about Canada has been totally infuriating. Man I’m not sure how it will end. But we will see.
Hope your week goes well. Keep reading.
The pups. Love them. Mine is still hanging in there.
Gliff. I just got it from the library but the new “no download” option for Kindle messes me up. I used to download the file to read at my leisure. Not anymore so I haven’t gotten to it.
Frozen River is my club’s April book and I bought a copy for that read. I heard that it’s very good.
The Orange Pop Tart continues to wreak havoc on the economy. There is a pattern. He imposed tariffs and the market crashes. His rich cronies buy low, then he backtracks on the tariffs so they make buck. It’s all orchestrated and horrible.
Elon calling social security entitlement money is the last nail in the coffin, I believe.
Hi Ti, thx about the dogs and I hope Otter pup continues to hang in there.
Perhaps I’ll try to get to The Frozen River in April too. We’ll see. I’d be up to seeing what you think of Gliff if you get to it. I might give it a second chance if you like it. But so far I haven’t thought much of it.
The narcissist … is really courting disaster each day. I agree with you it’s been horrible. And not good for either country. I wish Congress had a backbone. It’s not going to end well. Stay vigilant!
First, the whole political climate is just awful. I called my representative again today, but am certain it will do no good here in SWFL. Good for Louise Penny!
The Safekeep was an impressive novel – 4.5 stars for me, too. There are several more titles included in this post that I would like to read.
Keep the photos of Stella and Willow coming! They always make me smile.
Thanks JoAnn, the dogs will keep appearing to help lift spirits.
Glad you liked The Safekeep too. I liked her writing style and look forward to what she writes next.
I can’t bear to see what’s going on in politics now — so bad in the USA. Sigh. Hang in there! Enjoy the beach walks.
I love seeing Stella and Willow! Such gorgeous dogs.
My Mom was a huge Louise Penny fan but I’ve never read her books. I support her decision re the US 100%
Thanks Jinjer, the dogs will be pleased to hear the compliment, lol.
And that’s cool about your Mom. I’m not a big mystery reader, so I have not read Louise Penny either. But as a Canadian I need to. I applaud her move too!
Enjoy your weekend.
Sounds like you’ve had a great start to your reading year! I’ve only read a couple on this year’s Women’s Prize list too, but I’m looking forward to exploring more of them.
Louise Penny’s decision made me cheer. I wish the Big Tech companies, and the journalists who kept quiet when the AP was banned from the American press pool (because their own access remained intact…for now) would stand up for principle with just this kind of spirit.
The Leavers is one that I really enjoyed. It kept me turning the pages for sure.
Hi BIP Marcie, glad you’ve stopped by. Thx I think my reading year is going steady but there’s so many more good ones I need to get to. I will stop by your site to see which books on the Prize list you’ve read & your thoughts.
You make a good point about more companies & media need to stand up against the US policies. Everyone seems financially afraid, sigh. But I really want Canada to stand firm and strong against these tariffs, which is so undeserving.
I’m glad I finally read The Leavers this year … and it’s still so relevant!
Hope you have a nice weekend … and I look forward to seeing your recent reads. Cheers.
I can’t believe I missed this post. Oh well, here I am today. I actually came here to check out a book you reviewed in 2017, Stay with Me by Ayobami Adebayo. I had read a recent review at another blog and saw that you had read it when I checked it out at Goodreads.
I am appalled at the tariffs (and everything else that is going on). Since you wrote this on the eighth, I can’t remember all the related things which happened and which was more recent. Much as I would like to I can’t ignore all the news. I had not hear about Louise Penney’s decision but I think it is a good one.
In your library loot, I have read Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice and loved it. It is not a typical mystery and I don’t know if that woull be good or bad from your point of view. I have only one book by Joseph O’Connor, which I must have had a long time because my notes say I bought it new at Borders. I haven’t read it yet. I want to read to read Creation Lake by Kushner, but I don’t have a copy yet.
In the long list for the Women’s Prize for Fiction… I will definitely read Tell Me Everything (this year I hope) and I have The Ministry of Time.
I am interested in The Safekeep but don’t know when I will get a copy. I haven’t read much about the Netherlands, and it is under 300 pages, so definitely worth a try.
I just finished Rachel’s Holiday by Marian Keyes last night. Overall, I liked it. It gave me a lot to think about, and I like books that do that. It was 570 pages and I could have cut at least a hundred, but it was a good read and I was eager to get back to it each night.
And I nearly forgot to mention the lovely picture of the dogs. Always good to see them.
Thanks Tracy, good to hear your thoughts on these and I’m interested to know about Rachel’s Holiday. I have not read Marian Keyes before. I think 500 page books could often be better if they were cut. Still I’d like to read her.
And I look forward to the Vera Wong novel. It looks cute & good. Unfortunately I had to return the library book but plan to get it back. I just had too much. I will see what my husband thinks of the Joseph O’Connor book.
Are you interested in reading Stay With Me? It has some hard times in it but I wouldn’t mind reading the author’s follow-up novel. I often like African set books.
I’m glad you are against these darn awful tariffs which I totally don’t get. How does it help either side? blah. I hope you have a nice weekend and I plan to stop by your site soon. Cheers.
You asked if I was interested in reading Stay with Me. The answer is Yes and No. It sounds good, if sad, and Nigeria is another country I haven’t read much about. On the other hand, before the end of 2024 I purchased a lot of books that I want to read in 2025 and I don’t know how this will fit. So, probably yes, someday, since it is not a long book, and I can probably eventually find a copy.
Yeah Stay With Me is a pretty sad book, so I don’t blame you and you have a lot of other purchased books to read. But it was good to get the author’s perspective into her characters. I don’t know enough about Africa or Nigeria so that’s why I’m glad I picked it up. I sort of want to read her second book but I don’t know when I’ll fit in. We both have too much to read! which I guess is a good dilemma.
Happy reading.