I hope everyone had a great weekend. We are away in the mountains for our anniversary and so I will leave just a short post with some pictures. We are bicycling with friends around the Banff and Lake Louise area and the sights have been pretty spectacular. It’s our first trip away since last fall so it’s been refreshing.
Visitors here are required to wear masks on the main streets, and the restaurants we’ve been to have been on outside patios or rooftops. But things are opening up and summer is pretty much here in all its glory! Our province is starting to roll out the second vaccine shots, which we will get by next week.
I haven’t done much reading here, but we are “on the go” so it’s to be expected. I look forward to catching up with all of you and what you’re reading when we get back later this week. I wanted to thank all of those who stopped by and commented for my Q & A with author S. Kirk Walsh last week as that post was a bit new and special for the blog, so many thanks. And thanks to Kirk for making it possible. It was quite a treat to hear about the making of her terrific debut novel.
Also congrats to Louise Erdrich whose novel The Night Watchman just won the 2021 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in the U.S. Wow. I had enjoyed the audiobook of the novel last year, which follows members of the Chippewa tribe as they fight for their lands in the 1950s. Erdrich continues to be at the top of her powers and many of her latest novels have received awards. Have you read The Night Watchman and if so, what did you think? And now I’ll leave you with a few thoughts about what I finished lately.
Petra by Shaena Lambert / Random House Canada / 304 pages / 2020
I can’t recall where I heard about this novel by a Canadian author, but I’m glad I did. I listened to it as an audiobook and knew nothing about the real person who it’s based on beforehand, but then I became quite captured by Petra’s life story. The novel is historical fiction about Petra Kelly, who was a political activist and a founding member of the German Green Party that rose to prominence in the 1980s.
The story follows Petra’s days giving speeches and inspiring thousands at the height of the Cold War in 1980 to protest the placement of nuclear missiles in West Germany. Manfred Schwartz, an ex-lover of Petra’s and a Green Party colleague narrates the story, telling of their work together and how Petra gets involved with a NATO general, Emil Gerhardt who shocks the military by converting and campaigning for the Green Party’s peace cause.
Uh-oh, it turns out the General had once fought with the Nazis, and Manfred, who clearly is still smitten with her, questions Petra about getting involved with him. Is the General for real or is there something else to his life and motives? You won’t know until near the novel’s end. Meanwhile Petra’s depicted as this very inspiring left wing figure fighting for peace and environmental causes, yet she also seems personally complicated. In the later 1980s-early 1990s, the story follows as she becomes more estranged from Manfred and the Party and her fate ultimately turns tragic.
Apparently the author had seen Petra Kelly speak at a rally in Vancouver in the mid-1980s and was very taken with her. She seemed to be an electrifying force who had much success fighting for causes and leading Germany’s Green Party to prominence, but what happens to her felt like a light going out in the world, which the story heart-wrenchingly captures. I wish I had known about Petra then, but perhaps I was too caught up with going to university at the time. It’s a fascinating and moving novel of her real-life story, delving into both the movement and her personal relationships. Kudos to author Shaena Lambert for vividly bringing her and the Cold War era to life. It’s a novel deserving of accolades, and I will watch for whatever the author puts out next.
That’s all for now. What about you — have you read this author or recall Petra Kelly? And how is your June going?
Beautiful pictures…always have wanted to visit that part of Canada but never quite got it done. Now I’m more envious of that kind of scenery than ever. 🙂
I totally agree with you about Louise Erdrich winning the Pulitzer for Fiction. I’ve read her for years and I’m always thrilled with this kind of success for her. She just keeps getting better and better, doesn’t she?
Hi Sam … Yes Erdrich seems to be getting better. She’s on a roll.
Thanks about the photos … someday you’ll have to get to the Canadian Rockies – the sights are worth it. We’ve had a good time here. Plenty to see! Thanks for stopping by.
Gorgeous scenery you have there. Just so lovely. I am enjoying your photos on a day that is 110 degrees. Unreal for it to hit us this fast. Summer. Bleh. I sound like such a poor sport. If it wasn’t for us being so darn dry and under threat for fire every second, I wouldn’t mind it much.
California is pretty much reopened as of today. My daughter and her friend bought low capacity Disney tickets at a very high cost for tomorrow but today everything opened including Disney which is not fair to them. They expected low numbers and now it will be a real mess and no masks required either. Although it’s supposed to be about 107 so they would have been stifling anyway.
Ti — that’s way too hot for June, yikes! I guess we should appreciate the rain & cool temps here in the mountains. It’s scenic for sure.
Is Disneyland going to be crazy? It seems it would be. Good luck to the girls. Get out of the heatwave !
I’m so glad that you are able to get away. It sounds like a perfect trip. I can’t wait to see your pictures.
Thanks Deb, yeah I took a lot of pics … it’s been a wonderful trip. It feels like freedom, ha. The scenery is so good too. Maybe I’ll try to post more photos soon. Cheers.
Looks so tranquil and lovely where you are. A well deserved pandemic getaway for sure. I love how Louise Erdrich writes, so deserving of this honor. I’ve read many of her books and now need to get to Night Watchman.
Hi Diane, thanks. This getaway has been just what we needed. A great break from pandemic life. And if you can believe it: The Night Watchman was my first Erdrich novel … I found it quite lyrically written … and I was glad for the audio read by the author! Hope you enjoy.
Beautiful scenery on your trip!
I lived in Germany for a while in the mid-1980s and remember Petra Kelly so am glad to hear this book is good.
I haven’t read Louise Erdrich’s book, but was happy to see she won the Pulitzer for it.
Hey Helen, great — it’s so interesting that you lived in Germany and knew of Petra Kelly. The novel is worth checking out! We just returned from our trip today and it really was a nice scenic break. Have a great week.
The Night Watchman was one of my favorite books from last year and Erdrich is one of my all-time favorite writers, so I was very gratified by her win.
I do envy you being in the mountains, my favorite topography. Enjoy your vacation.
Hi Dorothy, the mountains are really stunning this time of year and we had a really nice trip. Just got home. We will be back there!
I remember your review of The Night Watchman — it was a good one. It’s quite a win for Erdrich all around. Have a great week.
I’ve never read Erdrich. I think I need to look for The Night Watchman. Thank you, Dorothy and Susan.
Yeah Deb, I think you’d like it …. I hadn’t read her before either before The Night Watchman … and I’m glad I did.
Happy anniversary and hooray for a mountain getaway!! And how beautiful it is there. It’s on my bucket list… I hope Canada will re-open to visitors from the U.S. by next year so we can come up in the RV.
We are currently in Lone Pine, CA (which is on Hwy 395 just east of Mt. Whitney and south of Bishop and June Lake). We arrived yesterday and it was 103 degrees! Today is just as hot, but we’ve been running the RV A/C for almost 24 hours now and it’s much cooler inside. Pretty miserable outside, though. There is a tiny bit of snow on the mountain tops, which always surprises me when it’s so hot down here.
Safe travels and have fun biking!
I haven’t done much in the way of reading since we hit the road on the 1st, but I wasn’t expecting to have much time to curl up with a book. I went for an early walk this morning (trying to avoid the heat) and listened to more of my audio book, but my poor print book (a mystery) has been languishing on my nightstand this entire trip. Oh, well. It’s all about balance, right?
Right Lesley … It sounds like you two are on your way back … not far from Manzanar right? I read about that WWII internment camp once. It seems so hot there. Better stick to the RV. It seems you are going the scenic route right?
We had a great trip and just got back home today. It was a good break for us. You’ll have to come to the Canadian Rockies when the border opens. Have a good drive!
We are on our way back, but taken our time. We won’t be home until the second week of July. We visited Manzanar two years ago while on our road trip up Hwy. 395. I blogged about it here, if you’re interested.
Oh thanks Les so much for letting me know of your post! After I finished the memoir Farewell to Manzanar last year — I really was swept up in knowing all about it. I need to travel down that highway. I will be reading your post soon and taking everything in.
Happy Anniversary… isn’t it nice to be able to get away again?! Your photos are beautiful. That’s an area I would love to visit one day. My brother has been several times, always in winter, for the skiing. He’s even done excursions where a helicopter drops you at the top of the mountain and you ski down – yikes!!
I’m very happy for Louise Erdrich… such a talented writer!
Thanks JoAnn. It was a fun anniversary. The heli-skiing is pretty popular but I’m sticking to the cross-country. Too old, ha. The mountains are gorgeous right now and it felt great to get away, Wow!
Erdrich surely wracked up a big win. Hope your reading is going well. Enjoy.
Happy anniversary! I love Banff. I haven’t been there since I was a teenager. I really want to go back.
Hey thanks AJ. Yeah Banff is really wonderful right now … not too crowded and much greenery … plenty to see! Though no bear sightings this time. Enjoy your week.
Wow! Your photos and the scenery of the mountains with the snow caps are spectacular. I really enjoyed your review of Petra – looks like a very interesting read.
Thanks Judee. It was a great trip … many sights to see there! And I was pleasantly surprised by Petra. Have a great week.
Banff is famous for its spectacular scenery and your photos definitely show this. I’ve come close to planning trips there but never actually managed.
best… mae at maefood.blogspot.com
Hey Mae – thanks for stopping by. I think I might post a few more photos of the mountains next week … as they were so clear. Even though we’re home now. You’ll have to keep Banff on your radar for going sometime. Enjoy your week.
Gorgeous mountains! Glad you are getting away.
That cold war novel looks good. I’ll have to check it out.
I have not read Erdrich’s novel yet but I’ve read a couple of her middle grade books and really want to dive into her adult stuff soon. Glad you enjoyed it.
I hope you have a lovely weekend!
Hey Heather thanks — yes it was a great trip! Just getting back. The Petra novel surprised me about how good it was … and I have only read that one Erdrich book. But I’ll be curious about what she puts out next. I hope you are well. & enjoying your summer.
Love the picture! Enjoy Banff–definitely near the top of my must-see list.
Glad that the vaccines are rolling out. It is such a relief to get the second shot.
Hi Jane, I’ll be getting the 2nd shot next week, hooray, so want it to be over. Banff is good when the crowds are lower … as it is now since the border is closed. On usual years I would suggest not going in July or August … as it gets too crowded, but most other months are terrific. Hope you are having a great summer.
Wow! That really is a MOUNTAIN! I hope you are enjoying your time and making lovely memories.
Nope, haven’t heard of Petra, but thanks for sharing. She sure sounds interesting.
Have a good week and be safe out there!
Thanks Mareli. The mountains near hear (2 hours away) are pretty amazing and great to visit. We are home now but it was a nice break and we will be back there another time.
I hadn’t heard of activist Petra Kelly either — but I was glad to learn about her. She was based in Germany …. during the ’80s and did some good things.
Hope your week is great too.
Happy Anniversary! That looks like an amazing place to celebrate, your photos are beautiful!
Hey thanks Vicki. Nice of you to get back in touch. Yes Banff is where we got married so returning for our anniversary (each year) is always special. It’s getting to be a tradition, ha! I will be visiting your site soon to see what you’re up to there. thx for stopping by.
Happy anniversary and what a beautiful place to celebrate in!
I’ve never heard of Petra, but she sounds like an interesting woman,
Wishing you a great reading week
Thanks Shelleyrae. It’s been busy. We arrived back home & the trip was lovely. The days are passing quickly … so will have to get on the stick with the reading. I was surprised to learn about Petra …. quite an activist in her era. Enjoy your week.
Good to know that you enjoyed The Night Watchman. I love Erdrich’s writing so I am looking forward to that book. Your trip to Banff is so lovely. What a spectacular part of nature!
Thanks Anne. Banff was so beautiful … as was Lake Louise. It was a great break for us. I think you’ll like the Erdrich novel … her writing is quite lyrical and thoughtful. It was my first Erdrich book! This late in her career! Have a great week.
Hi Susan,
Happy Anniversary!
I remember really enjoying Lambert’s earlier book, Radiance, years ago. I’m glad to read your review of Petra! Will put it on my list! Jillann
Oh thanks Jillann. It was great to be in the mountains for about 5 days.
So glad to hear you liked Radiance. I must get to it. I was very impressed with Lambert’s novel Petra …. she seems quite a talented author. We must keep an eye on whatever she does next. Hope you all are having a great summer there. Keep in touch … and me informed about whatever great novels you read. Cheers.
That place you are visiting looks and sounds amazing! I am always amazed when I read about places (even outdoors) still requiring masks. As you know very well, the US has set a super poor bar on that. (Some people are all anti-abortion but don’t you dare say that not wearing a mask can kill :eyeroll:). Enjoy your getaway! Hope it’s a lot of fun! I’m a mountain girl and I just love mountain getaways.
Thanks Athira. The mountain trip was a great getaway. Scenic & fun. We are back now … and it’s been busy. I’m getting my 2nd vaccine today, woohoo! I hope I don’t have any reaction. Hope you are well!
Great photos! I visited Banff and Lake Louise many, many years ago, but I remember loving every moment.
I do want to read more from Erdrich; thanks for sharing!
Have a great week, and thanks for visiting my blog.
Hey Laurel, thanks for stopping by. I think you mentioned once you had to been to Banff & Lake Louise …how intriguing … who did you go with on this trip & what was the occasion? It’s great you’ve been. I must admit I was quite surprised The Night Watchman won the Pulitzer Prize … but I enjoy Erdrich’s writing style, so I was pleased for her. Cheers.
Happy Anniversary, what lovely photographs. So happy you were able to get away. I want to read Northern Spy and Malibu Rising this summer. I have both in my gigantic TBR stack. I want to read The Henna Artist before her new one – impossible to keep up with all I want to read.
Have a lovely week!
Thanks Diane. I have a towering TBR as well. But goodness knows where the time goes. We often read the same titles … so I’ll be keen to check out your thoughts on these. Who knows when I’ll get to the sequel to the Henna Artist … but it might be fall. I can’t believe it’s almost July. We must pace ourselves, ha. Cheers.
I really liked The Nightwatchman. I’m glad it won. I usually don’t read award-winning books until after they’ve won whatever award so I felt pretty happy to have already read it!
Yeah I agree Rachel. It was my first Erdrich novel! And I enjoyed it. I’m glad she won too … for all her efforts for the Chippewa …. Enjoy your 4th!