Hi all. I hope everyone is doing all right. I don’t know about you — but I’m still in a post-election news blackout and feel it suits me and my headspace nowadays. Who wants to witness whatever chaos lies ahead? It’s a new dawn here, see the sunrise from this week. Meanwhile I have more time to do other things, like read books, walk the dogs, do my part-time jobs, and take care of the homestead. And recently I received news that my next knee replacement is not going to be till February or March. I’ve been on a long surgery wait list.
There’s so many oldsters who are in need of joint replacements and only so many operating rooms in the city, so you must wait your turn. The replacements certainly work well (my first one went according to plan) and will allow me hopefully to keep active till late in life. I was able to bike this past Monday (see photo at left) since it’s been quite mild for this time of year.
Meanwhile my husband and I have made plans to spend much of December and the holidays in Southern California, visiting my father and brother and we’ll return in January. It’ll be a winter break, which is okay by me. So I need to gear up and get ready for the long road trip ahead.
In book news, I see that British author Samantha Harvey won the Booker Prizer this past week for her short 136-page novel Orbital, which is set aboard the International Space Station. Wow! It was quite a surprise since others expected Percival Everett’s novel James, or Yael van der Wouden’s novel The Safekeep to win.
But nope. Harvey’s book of astronauts in space, which apparently is filled with beauty and wonder, grabbed the attention of the judges who didn’t seem to mind that it’s “virtually plotless.” I have yet to read Harvey’s novel, but I intend to. I wonder if I will find the plotlessness a drawback, though it is quite short, so maybe I won’t. The cover is a bit fetching. Have you read this?
And now I’ll leave you with a review of what I finished lately.
My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante / Europa / 331 pages / 2011
4+ stars. First of all, thanks so much to Tina at the blog Turn the Page for doing a buddy read with me of this much-acclaimed novel. It had been on my shelves for many years and our read-along finally gave me the strong push to pick it up. It also had been named in the New York Times’ survey this past summer as the Best Book of the 21st Century. Whoa! I’m not sure why I had put it off so long, but after all the hoopla — it’s a pretty accessible story about the friendship of two girls from poor backgrounds who grow up in the same neighborhood in Naples, Italy, in the 1950s.
Elena Greco tells their story; she’s the studious good girl who despises her mother and gets high marks in school that allows her to continue on to attend high school. Whereas Lila is the adventurous one when they’re younger. She’s the bad girl in her antics who’s able to read and write brilliantly, but then is forced into working in her father’s shoe shop with her moody brother Rino instead of pursuing more school.
The story follows Elena and Lila’s close friendship and rivalry from ages 6 to 16 and their lives in the neighborhood, which is a pretty rough place … where people wind up dead, parents hit their kids, and bullying, backstabbing, and fighting are commonplace. The two girls inspire and rely on each other in ways to navigate and rise above the circumstances and patriarchal confinements of their lives.
At one point, they hope to write a novel as Louisa Alcott did with Little Women to become well off and independent. They each come to plot ways to transcend their neighborhood, Elena with school, and Lila by designing leather custom shoes to sell and by becoming engaged to a well off young man in the ‘hood. One summer Elena has the good fortune to go to an island to take care of a lady’s kids at the beach. While there, she falls for a boy, but a disturbing event transpires that makes her avoid him later.
After the novel’s accolades, I went into the book not knowing what to expect. But like others, I found it well written — in parts it’s a bit dense with a lot of exposition writing and not a lot of dialogue. Still it really takes you there, and I could picture Elena and Lila’s neighborhood and the people … and the poverty, violence, and the motivations behind the girls’ whims. From early on Elena felt school was the safest place to be.
Many characters from their area inhabit the novel and it was a bit hard to keep track of them all, but the key ones stood out. Their 1950’s setting is quite provincial, sexist, and hard, but I was lured in by the girls’ friendship and how they think highly of one another yet still compete a bit with each other and how they help each other to overcome situations. Lila is at first mean but later seems nicer to Elena than Elena is to her by the end. I’m not sure I preferred one girl over the other. They both seemed bright with potential to break out of their claustrophobic confines. Fingers crossed.
The novel is the first of four in a series. We plan to read Book 2 sometime next year. This novel was translated from the Italian by Ann Goldstein, and was written under the pseudonym of Elena Ferrante. I tried to find the book cover I liked best. And so far, I have not watched the adapted TV series of it. Have you?
That’s all for now. What about you — have you read this and if so what did you think? And are you reading anything great?
Hi Susan, maybe it’s better that the surgery is next year so you can spend some time in California without the constraints of healing and therapy. That sunrise is amazing. Great picture! As you know, Orbital was my third favorite shortlisted title for the Booker. I hope you enjoy it when you get to it. I haven’t read Ferrante’s series. Somehow it didn’t pique my interest before but your review makes me think that I should read it. I gave up on Playground for now and started Martyr! Liking it so far. Happy reading this week!
Hi Carmen, thanks. I was surprised by how much color the sunrise was. I think we decided to go to Calif after the surgery was delayed since I’m not allowed to travel for three months afterwards. hmm.
I’m pleased for your feedback on Orbital. I will get to it. Is Playground inaccessible? That one is Not near the top of my list at the moment. But Martyr looks good. I’m glad to have finally finished the first Ferrante book. I think it took me 2 weeks. It’s not a totally easy read but I liked it. Not a whole lot happens but you get a sense of their lives there. Quite a few characters.
Enjoy your reading too.
Playground was not inaccessible, it just “didn’t click” from the start as Martyr! did. I wasn’t in the mood to read for a while either. Hopefully I will get to Playground either next month or the start of the year. It’s no longer a priority since it wasn’t among Amazon’s or Barnes and Noble’s lists of Best Books of the Year.
Got it. Good to know. I need to check out more of the Best of Lists. My reading has been slow but that’s life. I don’t think I’ll make my GR’s goal but if I can get to 60 that’ll be all right. Enjoy your week.
I have the Booker Prize winner on my “to be read” list and look forward to getting to it soon. I read and very much liked “My Brilliant Friend” back in 2015 and I also enjoyed the television adaptation of the book. Here’s a link to my review of the book: https://www.thenatureofthings.blog/2015/12/my-brilliant-friend-by-elena-ferrante.html.
Hi Dorothy, glad you gave me the link to your review of MBF! I will check it out. I’m impressed that you’ve read all the books & watched the series, that’s awesome. It took me forever to finally pick up the novel even though it’s so highly touted. It’s nice to experience Ferrante.
I was very pleased that Orbital won. I think I told you earlier that I loved it. It did not feel plotless to me, but it is surely not your normal novel. I would have liked it to be twice as long.
I am not seeking out news following the election but I get enough newsletters from the New York Times, The New Yorker, and the Atlantic in my email that I see a lot of headlines that I don’t want to see, and sometimes get disturbed by. I may have to cancel those for a while, which is shame because there are other interesting things in them. Some days I feel OK, others I let myself worry too much.
That sounds like a great break to take, visiting your family in December. I hope the weather is good while you are in California.
Hi Tracy, thanks. It’ll be nice to escape the winter a bit up here for California.
I’m glad you liked Orbital. I remember you saying and it’s great to hear. You sometimes read space stuff so you know better than me. I plan to get to it.
I hear you about the various news subscriptions. I have several as well — the emailed briefs once a day seem okay but I can’t go to the news sites anymore because it just raises my blood pressure. The Cabinet picks were bad enough.
So it’s been nice just avoiding them. Enjoy your reads!
I have been surprised that Orbital has been considered science fiction by some. Goodreads has it in the Science Fiction section of their Goodreads Choice Awards. Even NPR described it as science fiction. But, to me, science fiction deals with speculations about what could happen in the future or imagined space travel. About things that are beyond what we can do today. In an articled at The New Statesman, the author says the book “dramatises a day onboard the International Space Station”. After reading the book I wanted to find more (nonfiction) books about the experiences of people on the space station and the preparation for going and all that.
Yeah I guess Orbital doesn’t sound like science fiction, I agree with you. It just seems like it’s a space novel. I can see how it would spark more interest in the space station. I’d be curious to read more about it too. Though I should get to Orbital first. At some point I still want to read astronaut Chris Hadfield’s memoir about his space career. Enjoy your week.
I had Orbital and it was accidently returned to the library – ugh! It’s a small book and was placed in a stack near the door, must have been swept up in the return pile. Will request it again.
Loved reading with you, great review and I didn’t know there was a tv series! Not sure I want to put off reading book 2 until August but we can chat about a time frame. Plus as there are two more in the series after that August would work for one of those for sure.
Working on a goal list for books and hope to post it next year.
Hi Tina, it was fun reading MBF with you. I didn’t know what to expect of it really. We can talk about when to read book 2 for 2025, though I’m not in a rush. I’m impressed by the list of books you’re working on for next year. I like checking off big notable tomes that have been on my shelves forever. I still haven’t read A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles, though I’ve read two of his other books. Or Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese. There’s no rhyme or reason to miss these ones. Have you read them? Enjoy your reads post-Ferrante, lol.
I’ll chime in on your question to Tina about a couple of books. I read and LOVED A Gentleman in Moscow. It didn’t feel too long at all! Cutting for Stone is long, but I listened to it (twice) on audio. Once, many years ago, and recently for book club. I think I listened to A Gentleman in Moscow for my second “read” of it, also.
Lesley, good to know about both of these notable novels. I still want to get to them. Sometimes I’m the last to get to the good ones. I actually had Towles sign my copy at the BookExpo in 2016 back before I knew much about him. It seems like his readers like that one the best of his. I have read 2 others of his. And Verghese’s nonfiction is terrific so I need to get to his fiction. Cheers.
That’s a beautiful sunrise! And I’m sorry you have to wait so long for your next knee replacement. Waiting is never fun. And I’m a little surprised they picked Orbital; I haven’t read that many positive reviews of it. But then I never seem to agree with the judges in things like that. Have a good weekend! 😀
Thanks Lark. Yeah Orbital was quite a surprise. I sort of think the judges like to surprise folks with their picks. I don’t often read space books but I plan to get to it sometime. The knee replacement delay was a bit of disappointment since the recovery if it’s in March will make me miss some of the summer activities. Sigh. Still I’ll be happy just to get it done! Have a nice weekend too.
That’s a stunning sunrise, Susan! I can occasionally see ours peeking through the trees as it comes up over a small mountain behind our house, but sunsets are more visible here in the cove.
I go back and forth about not wanting to read any political news and wanting to stay infomred. I’ve signed into Bluesky and deactivated my Twitter acct. (which I haven’t looked at in years).
As I mentioned on Tina’s post about My Brilliant Friend, I hope to read it in 2025. I tried the audio several years ago, but couldn’t get interested (maybe too many characters too keep track of). Tina’s and your review have inspired me to give it a second chance. Thanks! Have a great weekend!
Sorry you have a long wait for your knee surgery. My right knee started giving me trouble last month, and I’m hoping it will mend itself, but we’ll see. Might just have to bite the bullet and see a doctor about it.
I hope you have great weather in CA for your long visit. Shouldn’t be too rainy until January and February. Which route will you take for your trip down and back?
Hi Lesley, thanks, the sunrise photo surprised me with its vibrant color. I raced out on the deck to get a shot early. It’s quite orange, usually we see pink.
I quit Twitter too recently right after the election. No to Elon Musk, I’m done. I picked up Threads, which I think is an offshoot of Instagram. Thinking of quitting FB too since I don’t use it much and maybe an online newspaper too.
I read the paperback of My Brilliant Friend … it’s not an easy read but doing it as a buddy read helped give me impetus. It took me two weeks to meander through it. But I’m glad to have read it. It’s like a contemporary classic. Rich in detail and feeling for the whole neighborhood & the girls’ lives, but not a ton of action.
And when we drive we take the most direct route which is I-15 south through Montana, Salt Lake, Vegas, and into SoCal. There’s a couple mountain passes to cross, so we will check for storms.
I hope you’re enjoying your November … Thanksgiving is coming up quickly.
Hi Susan, glad to hear that your first knee surgery went well and the second one I wish you all the best. And I hope you have a good time in California.
Great review of My Brilliant Friend. This book and author are so popular right now. I think the same person who translates Elena Ferrante’s novels also translated The Forbidden Notebook which was excellent.
Hi Kathy, thanks. All that knee business sigh, I’ll be glad when it’s over! I just hope it works as well as the first one. Fingers crossed.
Thanks for the tip about The Forbidden Notebook. I’m curious to read it. And some of it reminds me a bit of the Ferrante novel. The translator seems amazing. And I’m glad to finally read Ferrante after all the hoopla … the novel was released in like 2011, so it’s been a while but she’s still so popular! I hope to read Book 2 next year. No rush when there’s so much to read. Enjoy your week.
One of my book groups just chose My Brilliant Friend this month so I will also get to finally see what all the of hype is about. I am glad you liked it.
A road trip to So Cal sounds like fun!
I hadn’t heard about Orbital until it won and have only read one review of it, which was positive.
Hi Helen, the road trip should be good if we can get over a couple mountain ranges without a storm. lol.
Orbital seems quite a surprise winner! And since it’s short it might be a quick read. I will keep an open mind about it. I’ve seen both positive & negative comments about it. hmm.
I’m glad you’ll be reading Ferrante. I look forward to see what you think of it. It’s not totally easy a read but was worth it. This one covers the girls’ early lives. So I will read Book 2 next year to see where they go from here. They try to make the best of their situations. Have a great week.
You know, I have to wonder if James didn’t win the Booker precisely because it was such a heavy favorite. I’ve read 9 of the nominees (and have copies of all but one of the others), and for me, Orbital was about number 12 out of 13. Funny thing is that I’ve seen rave reviews for Orbital, reviews that absolutely trash it, and almost no reviews in between. I’ll look forward to your reaction to it.
I was fascinated by all the buzz that My Brilliant Friend got back in the day and ended up really enjoying it, so much in fact, that I read the whole series. I did get a little weary of the characters by the end of the series, but it is definitely one I haven’t forgotten. Great review.
Hi Sam, good to hear from you. Yeah sometimes I think the judges like to pick a surprise winner. And I was surprised James didn’t win. I remember you didn’t think much of Orbital … it really has received different ratings, people seem to love it or hate it. I will have to check it out.
And thanks, I’m glad to finally have read Ferrante’s novel. Good to hear your thoughts on it. The book is so packed with the story of them … I can see how one could get a bit weary of the characters. Elena seemed a bit petty at times towards Lila but they are young when this takes place. I look forward to Book 2.
Enjoy your week.
I’m still in a news blockout mode, but occasionally news does get through one way or another. I’m trying to ignore everything but it’s not easy.
I’m sorry you have to wait for your knee replacement. I hope you are doing well.
Have a great week!
Hi Yvonne, thanks for stopping by. I can relate to you’re being in a news blockout mode. Me as well. It’s going to get ugly soon. And even though we’re in Canada we’re not far away.
I’m trying to wrap my head around the new knee surgery date.
Enjoy your week as well.
I read the Ferrante series a few years ago — couldn’t put it down. In fact I read so fast that I don’t remember very well, but I don’t have the energy to reread it. I’m surprised that so many people are reading it now.
best, mae at maefood.blogspot.com
Hi Mae, Glad for your thoughts about MBF. I read it pretty slowly and made some notes so hopefully whenever I get to Book 2 … I’ll remember each girl well.
I think when the NYT gave it the #1 Book of the century on their List — people like me who hadn’t read it — were like, okay I need to get on that. Lol. So maybe that’s why quite a few are reading it now. I think I plan to watch the series when I’m done with the books. But I don’t think I’d reread it either. Enjoy your week.
I grew up in Los Angeles. It’s hard to beat the winter weather. I’ve added Orbital to my TBR list. I’ll admit, “virtually plotless” gives me pause, but what an intriguing setting! My Brilliant Friend sounds intriguing as well. The ability of the author to take the reader to another place and time is a true gift. Not my usual genres, but I think I should give it a look.
Hi Olivia, where do you reside now? I also grew up in SoCal — it’s pretty easy winter-wise. You’ve been reading some space books so you might like Orbital. I’m going to give it a go sometime too.
My Brilliant Friend is a bit like reading a contemporary class — it’s rich in detail and takes a while to meander through. See what you think.
Cheers!
I’m currently in western NC, but like you, grew up in so Cal.
Ohh. I hope you didn’t have damage from that last hurricane. We have ridden bikes through west NC. Pretty country!
I’m disappointed in America right now, and I am spending my time trying to ignore what I cannot control.
Orbital came in for me at the library, but it’s an audiobook, and I am finding that I feel a need to read it, too. I’m setting it aside until I can get a hard copy.
Hi Deb, I sympathize with you there in southeast Texas … you’re probably a beacon of blue along with your book-ish friends in a red state. It’s so disheartening this period. I think all one can do is hang in there & wait.
I can see where a hard copy of Orbital might be preferable. If it skips around much in space with various characters, the audio might be hard to focus. In fact, I’m having trouble focusing on any audios right now.
Have a good week.
I’m rethinking how I get news, and I’ve found that helpful — both a break and a reorientation.
I’m glad that you have the surgery schedule. I know that a lot of people really benefit.
Hi Joy, thanks. I’m on target for getting the knee done Feb/March and then it’ll be over with and I can move on.
I’m also looking at which news I want to continue or discontinue.
I hope you have a great week.
I’ve been avoiding all of the news as well, because it stresses me out and like you said we have so many way better uses of our time! February or March will be here before you know it. Doesn’t it seem like time just flies by? I hope you’re able to manage the pain in your knee until then. Your sunrise and bike photos are beautiful! That cover is beautiful, too. I look forward to your thoughts on Orbital. I’ll be in Southern California for a short trip Thursday-Saturday visiting our son. I hope you enjoy your visits with family down South as well!
Thanks Rachel, it’ll be nice to visit family in SoCal during the holidays! Just like old times right, lol. The sunrise was really orange in the photo up top. Seems a bit dystopian (argh like our lives now). I hope not. I’m pretty much off the news too to keep my sanity. The knee can wait till Feb/March. I hope you have a nice visit on your trip. Beware of all that rain that is supposed to hit … in the north.