Hi All. I hope you are well. The snow here has melted away and we are back to fall conditions with a family of deer grazing on our front lawn. This photo of our two Labrador dogs Willow and Stella was taken a couple weeks ago after the first snowstorm. The dogs love the snow and are my everyday helpers, getting the mail and doing errands with me. They like the dog park too in town.
Willow is a ball-crazy, red Lab and is almost three (her birthday is coming up on Nov. 22!), and Stella is our yellow, food-crazy senior girl at 11.5 years old. She’s the boss around the house, who’s never missed telling us its meal-time even by a minute. Both dogs get about a thousand pats per day, which is what they pretty much demand and deserve.
Nothing is too new in the reading department, though I’m about five books behind pace now of my Goodreads reading goal for the end of the year, argh. I doubt I will catch up, but I have made a TBR list of about eight to 10 books I hope to squeeze in before Dec. 31. I will keep those under wraps for now. How are your reading goals going? Are you on track? Also don’t forget: next week Canada’s Giller Prize will be announced on Monday, as well as the National Book Award on Wednesday. I’m thinking Birnam Wood will win and perhaps This Other Eden, but I’m not totally sure.
And now here are a few reviews of what I finished lately.
This Other Eden by Paul Harding / Norton / 224 pages / 2023
(4.3 stars) This was my first Paul Harding novel and wow he writes like dynamite. Beautiful passages of the setting and characters. And Edoardo Ballerini narrates the audiobook so well, bringing to life the story of a small mixed-race community on an island off Maine, established in 1792 by the patriarch Benjamin Honey, a former slave, and his Irish wife Patience. More than a century later in 1911 the Honey descendants are still living on Apple Island along with a couple other families and eccentrics — with the children being taught classes by white mainlander Matthew Diamond, who visits the island on weekends. Though all is not well when state officials, motivated by eugenics, start getting involved with the island’s direction and the poor people there.
It’s sad and tough how the story plays out. There’s quite a few characters to keep track of, but the main characters — Esther Honey, the grandmother, and especially her grandson Ethan, who is a promising painter — are interesting to follow. Ethan gets sent off the island by Matthew Diamond to pursue his art and there he meets and falls for the Irish maid Bridget. You’ll want to see what happens to them.
Overall this is a tragic story and all the more since it’s based on a true story of long-ago inhabitants on Malaga Island, now an uninhabited 41-acre reserve off the coast of Maine. I thought the novel was well done — harsh yet with beautiful lyrical passages. I could’ve used a bit more perhaps from the minds of its main protagonists – but that’s just a quibble. The novel’s a finalist for both the National Book Award and the Booker. But will it win? I am not sure it will, but I’d be okay if it does.
The Rachel Incident by Caroline O’Donoghue / Knopf / 304 pages / 2023
(4.0 stars) The novel’s beginning – I found sort of creepy when married university prof Fred Byrne gets involved in the lives of two 20-something friends James Devlin and Rachel Murray who work at a bookstore in Cork, Ireland, that is throwing him a book launch. Rachel, 21 in 2010, is a student of Dr. Byrne’s and has a crush on him, and her roommate James is her new BFF, whom she meets at the bookstore. The start seemed like a used coming-of-age plot and made me feel that I was done with 20-something, millennial fare. I recall thinking I wouldn’t be picking up another. After all, I only read the first Sally Rooney book.
But then as it goes on the story expands its horizons — in the second half — and I found the novel much more engaging and worthwhile. Rachel, who’s trying to find her way amid the bleak recession, gets an internship with Deenie, Dr. Byrnes’s wife who works in publishing. Meanwhile her BFF James is trying to come out of the closet and also write a TV script, while Rachel’s dating a guy named Cary on and off.
Rachel gets into quite a terrible bind and predicament along the way. And Dr. Byrne is quite the rogue. It’s one of those situations that marks one for life and Rachel is best to leave town after. The plot explores the lives of Rachel and James as they move on and where they go after some years … their friendship and the relationship with Cary too.
Despite the serious drama of the plot (which I can’t say too much about without ruining it), there’s some funny lines weaved throughout the book, which made me snicker. I also liked how the ending came back around and gained some resolution about what had happened earlier, which I gather Rachel is able to find some comfort in. I listened to the audio narrated very well by Tara Flynn. The author Caroline O’Donoghue is one to watch, even though I like to think this is my last millennial, 20s story. This novel was on my summer list.
The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray / Berkley / 368 pages / 2021
4.3 stars. When the novel was picked for my book club, I had no idea about the life story of Belle da Costa Greene and how she passed as white for years as the personal librarian to financier J.P. Morgan’s massive rare collection, even though she was secretly black. I had no idea either how successful she became in her role as Morgan’s librarian, bidding and making important acquisitions for rare art and manuscripts and representing Morgan abroad in a white man’s job role and world. From 1905 to 1913 when Morgan died Belle managed his collection, and then his will granted her $50K, which was over a million in her day. She continued on as librarian under Morgan’s son and became director of the Pierpont Morgan Library in 1924 and retired in 1948.
Whoa this lady put herself on the line and had a lot of courage, facing the ire of JP Morgan and hiding her “secret,” and becoming so accomplished with his rare collection. The authors do a good job fleshing out her story, when a bit is missing from the real record since Belle burned her personal letters. Still the book provides an interesting glimpse into how Belle mingled in high society NYC and what her relations were like with the Morgan family and her own black family who lived with her for some time and she supported. As well as there’s a romantic angle between Belle and an art historian that you don’t know whether it will last or not.
Mostly the tension permeates throughout the novel over Belle’s secret of passing as white during days of much racism, segregation, and white supremacy and whether she will be found out. At the end I wanted to know a bit more about her and the secret – which was not addressed in the Authors’ Note at the back. Still it’s an intriguing historical tale of a strong woman’s will, brilliance, and gumption that I’m glad I learned about. I’m hoping it will provide a good discussion for our book group next week.
That’s all for now. What about you — have you read these books or authors, and if so, what did you think?
You had a good reading lot. I have started This Other Eden several times and is still not clicking in place as it should, but I’ve been in a sort of slump since two or three weeks ago; still reading but I’ve lost momentum. I’m finding it OK so far, maybe I’ll like it less than you did. The other two books sound good as well. I wanted to squeeze in three nominees before the National Book Award announcement but I guess I’ll have to settle for reading them before this month is up. I still have 8 books to read this year. Hopefully I’ll find some jewels among them.
BTW, Stella and Willow look as handsome as ever. 🙂 Of course they deserve lots of pats and pampering and they know it.
Ha. You’re right these dogs have us wrapped around their fingers or paws. We’re just suckers for their needs and wants. Lol.
Hi Carmen, I can relate to your reading of the Harding novel. I listened to the entire book twice over two weeks before getting a bit of a handle on it. At points it seems a bit like long-form poetry rather than a novel. I heard on the Booker Prize podcast the two reviewers there didn’t even like the novel. So you are not alone. It’s okay if you don’t like it as much. I liked the historical aspect of the story and was appalled by the eugenics of it — and being pushed to move after generations. Just sad to fathom. The podcasters liked The Bee Sting and Study in Obedience, which I’m reading now. We’ll see.
I haven’t read these books but they are on my radar. I won’t get to them this year but maybe in the new year…
Hi Dorothy, yeah I was pleased to get these three novels. All of them were fairly decent and had likable qualities. I’m behind on the rest of my TBR. Have a great week.
Stella and Willow are adorable! They look like fantastic helpers. Awww.
The Personal Librarian has peeked my interest. I’ve been wanting to read one of Marie Benedict’s books for awhile now.
Good luck on your end of year reading! I think I’ll meet my reading goal and one of my reading challenges. There’s always next year…ha!
Hi Susan, Great picture of Stella and Willow. They are so sweet! And I am also not on track to meet my 2023 book goals for Goodreads. I don’t think I will get there but want to get closer than I am now.
Very nice reviews and I have been hearing about The Personal Librarian. Belle was such an accomplished woman and so good at her job and it’s such a shame she had to hide that she was black and the stress that must have caused her. Reminds me of the story about Anatol Broyard who in the 1950’s worked for the NYT as a literary critic for years. He wrote books, articles, very talented and no one knew he was black until after he died. He had to pass like Belle because otherwise he would never have been able to work at the times and it’s so unfair to him and to Belle. They deserved better.
Hi Kathy, thanks for liking the dogs photo & telling me about Anatol Broyard at the Times. I did not know that. It’s quite a shame and says a lot about our society then. Good grief. I liked how within the novel about Belle – it discusses the issue of hiding vs. others who did not & fought for rights like her father, the first black grad at Harvard. And I agree: Belle shouldn’t be blamed. She pursued what should’ve been open to her to do. It’s just terrible she was put in that position & made to live like that. It’s a pretty good read but a bit tense too.
Somehow life got in the way of reaching the reading goal this year … but we’ll keep it going till the buzzer on Dec. 31. Lol. Next year, we’ll be back … Have a great week.
What beautiful animals, they are. I love that they are so much a part of your family.
Interesting books in this bunch. I’ve had my eye on The Personal Librarian for a while now but just haven’t made the effort to find it yet probably because the reviews I’ve seen have been kind of mixed. Like you, I would like to know more about the woman “passing for white” because that seems like the key to her whole life and who she was. Still, I will keep it on my TBR for “one day.”
I’m definitely going to be getting hold of the Paul Harding book – probably sooner than later because it’s a Booker Prize novel nominee. I’ve heard good things about it but have seen the occasional bad review, too, so I’m curious about it. The criticism I’ve heard is in the nature of some of the characters seeming almost beyond belief, just too perfect. I’m looking forward to reading it.
Thanks Sam, the dogs are big sweeties.
I think you would like The Personal Librarian and Paul Harding’s book. The passing of Belle being white is well covered in the book and an interesting conundrum in her family life. I just wondered when it became revealed she was not white – I think it was after she died in 1950. Hmm. The novel is a good story of a remarkable woman and follows closely to what they know of her true life.
And the Harding novel seemed almost like poetry – he writes quite lyrically. I liked the images he creates. Also a historical tale of a dark chapter. See what you think. Cheers.
I loved The Personal Librarian, and I agree–Belle displayed so much courage to live the life she wanted for herself. I was blown away by the tight grip she had to have on every aspect of her life to keep it intact. I’m looking forward to This Other Eden, but I will need to remember not to pair it with other sad books so that it doesn’t overwhelm me.
Hi Jane. I’m so glad you liked The Personal Librarian too. I was pretty blown away by the story, which I hadn’t known about. How incredible Belle must have been to face & overcome so many hurdles. I about had an ulcer reading along and thinking her cover would be blown. She must have been quite remarkable.
Although Harding’s book is a tough story — it’s worth reading and has some beautiful passages. Hope all is well with you. Have a great week.
Love the dog photos. they look so happy and I can see they have a good life.
You definitely have me sold on The Rachel Incident and The Personal Libraian. Have not read anything by these authors but I love learning about more authors new to me. Expands my reading.
Hi Tina, nice to hear from you. Yes the dogs are quite spoiled here and happy. Like your dog I imagine 🙂 And I think you’d probably like the books. Marie Benedict writes a lot of historical fiction and I will likely read another of her historical tales. This one was good. The Rachel Incident is more of a coming of age tale — about this young Irish girl who gets into a personal bind and learns some lessons the hard way. It’s 20-ish fare set in Cork and a bit in London but well done for that. See what you think. Happy reading.
The Rachel Incident sounds good. Thanks for sharing it with British Isles Friday!
Hi Joy — sure. The Rachel Incident was on my summer list and I finally got to it Lol. The young Irish author seems to have talent. Have a nice weekend.
The novelized bio sounds very interesting. I wonder if there’s a strictly factual bio as well. Her father also sounds like a very interesting and accomplished person.
best, mae at maefood.blogspot.com
Hi Mae, yes I think there is a biography of Belle da Costa Greene as well. And it seems she split with her Harvard grad father but might have met with him later in life though it is unknown. I’d love to visit the Morgan Library sometime in NYC. Her life is quite amazing. I have just learned there will be an exhibition at the Morgan Library (for their 100th anniversary) Oct. 2024 – May 2025 of Belle’s life. Also here’s a link about her: https://www.themorgan.org/belle-greene
I haven’t read any of those books, but I’ve read several reviews of the Personal Librarian one. That one does sound interesting. And your dogs are so cute! 😀
Thanks Lark. The dogs are sweetie pies. And pretty much go everywhere with us. lol. The Personal Librarian is such an interesting tale. I loved it and learned quite a bit about Belle’s amazing story that I never knew about. Hope you have a great weekend.
This Other Eden in on my Libby list of books to listen to next. I should be able to get to it before it disappears back into the library somewhere. Ha! Looking forward to it.
Hop on over to my blog if you’d like to join in on some quotable fun. I’m taking over for Freda until she gets well for the Friday56 meme where we publish quotes from page 56 of the book we are currently reading. Loved to have you join us. Friday56 Quotes
Sure Anne. I’ll check out the quotes meme. Sounds good.
I admit that I had to listen to This Other Eden twice before really getting into the story. But it’s narrated well. There’s just a few characters that I needed to keep straight. See what you think. Cheers.
I’ve had the Personal Librarian on my shelves for a while so am glad to hear you liked it. I look forward to reading it.
I love that photo of your dogs! Have a great weekend.
Thanks Helen. I should include more photos of the dogs … they are a popular duo. The Personal Librarian is a great story and I’d think you’d like it. The Morgan Library in NYC is having an exhibition of Belle’s life next fall 2024 … which would be neat to see. Cheers. Enjoy the weekend.
Willow and Stella are beautiful. I love how you can see their paw prints in the snow so clearly. My Riley was ball crazy like Willow. I still think of him often even though it’s been 1o years since his passing. I have wondered about The Personal Librarian and am so glad to see you liked it, Susan. It sounds like something I would definitely be interested in reading. I hope you have a great week!
Thanks LF. The dogs are good fun and with us everywhere. Sweeties really.
I’m discussing the Personal Librarian with my book club tonight so I will see if others liked it. I think it’s likely a good discussion kind of book and quite a life story. Enjoy your week.
I don’t recall all the incidents in The Rachel Incident, but I remember thinking it was a good book. Glad you liked it too.
I was surprised to see your dogs in snow! We haven’t had any snow as yet and I hope none will appear before Christmas!
Hi Harvee, we only had one snowstorm but it has since melted away … and we are having much higher temps than normal now. Crazy how it changed quickly.
I tried not to say too much about The Rachel Incident so I wouldn’t give away the surprises in the book … I like how the author expanded the book in the 2nd half and found I liked the novel quite a bit. Glad to hear you read & liked it too.
Cheers & Happy reading.
I haven’t read any of these, but I’ve thought a lot about The Personal Librarian. As a retired librarian, I have, in the past, actively looked for books featuring librarian characters. Not so much now.
I feel confident you will catch up in your reading. And I’m looking forward to hearing about the prize winners!
Thanks Deb. I’m trying to catch up on the reading. Lol.
I think you’d like The Personal Librarian … and the Morgan library sounds so fabulous I’d like to go to NYC and visit it — perhaps next year (fall 2024) when there is an exhibit of Belle’s life there. The library collection sounds impressive and a lot was due to her. As a librarian, her tale might make you feel at home. ha.
Have a great week.
I hear you on the Goodreads goal! I’m behind on mine as well and am thinking that maybe I’ve reached the point in life where I’ll just sandbag my goal for 2024 (25 books maybe) and then get to celebrate the victory of beating it repeatedly by year’s end.
I love Paul Harding and thought this book was as gorgeous as it was depressing (bc, of course, it’s true). Have you read any of his other books? They’re all wonderful.
Hi Catherine, great to hear from you. I have not read any of Harding’s other novels so I definitely think I should. I’m thinking of reading Tinkers in 2024. It received so many praises when it came out – I don’t know why I didn’t read it then. Thx for reminding me that I should read his backlist.
I guess GR goals are made to be broken sometimes. I think it’s Okay to sandbag it to reach it. I might do the same — as I’m not making any headway lately. Cheers!