I read a lot, but in spite of having a huge backlog of books to get through, I can't stop buying more. This is my latest batch.
I thought the Solzhenitsyn might be hard going, but I had a quick glance through and it seems a pretty easy read. Though perhaps not as easy as Tintin.
And on Monday night I met local bestselling crime writer R J Ellory and so have added another book to my stash, and even more to my 'must-read' list. At the rate I'm going, I will end up in a Channel 4 documentary before long. *Sigh*
Anyway, a couple of weeks ago, I was browsing Oxfam's online website when I came across this book.
The blurb on the back says "During the last six years of her life, the philospher, feminist, novelist and author of the landmark work The Second Sex, gave Deirdre Bair her unqualified co-operation and time. In interviews she provided new insights and material that are central to understanding her life and work".
I've always been fascinated by Beauvoir. It's true she didn't always practice what she preached, but then neither do I. And she always looked so stylish. (Yes, I am that shallow.)
In her excellent biography of Beauvoir, Lisa Appignanesi describes her own feelings growing up about the relationship between Beauvoir and Sartre, saying "They were the Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall of the intellectual world, partners in a gloriously modern love affair". Just how I felt. So you can imagine my disappointment when the book turned up, and the text was in the tiniest font imaginable. Glasses, I hear you say? Glasses? I would need the bloody Hubble Telescope to read it!
So for now at least, Beauvoir's new insights will have to remain a mystery to me. However, there's another mystery. Whilst I was flicking through the book and muttering darkly, a loose photograph fell out.
There's no date or name on the back, but I would love to know who had the book before me, and whether this is a photo of them or a relative, and were they using the photo as a bookmark, or did it get in there by accident?
I was in two minds whether I should post some-one's photo without their permission. But a check of the bus in the background reveals it dates back to the 1960s, and the woman looks happy, so I thought it would be OK. But if you know this woman, or indeed are she, let me know and I will take it down.
Anyway, that's it, at least for the time being. Take it away Lloyd!
I am slightly obsessed with Lloyd Cole so recognised your post title immediately!
ReplyDeleteI haven't read a single thing by Simone de Beauvoir, or Sartre, or any other philosopher, come to that... But I love the story of the photo (nope, don't know who she is, all I know about is pop music!)
I have a pile of books next to the bed, waiting to be read, which range from "proper" literature to trashy gory crime thrillers. The latter tend to be read first!
Perhaps you haven't quite found your blogging mojo yet. I think it takes time to find your niche, your style, it certainly did for me. Keep going, Annie! xxxxxx
Thanks for the kind encouragement Curtise. I've found with blogging that there are a lot of things I think I might write about, but I don't get on and do it, and so the moment passes. But I'm keeping my account open so it's easy to comment on other people's blogs.
DeleteI really like this Lloyd Cole track. It still sounds great. :)
Anyway, if you ever fancy coming to Brum (as recommended by the Jamaican Olympic track team!), let me know. xxx
That is a sweet story about the photo! She looks a stylish lady all set to go off on her travels. I've a pile of Virginia Woolf looking at me from the bedside table but trashy Scandinavian thrillers always seem more appealing! xxx
ReplyDeleteI started to get into the Scandi thrillers when the lovely Ken Branagh took on Wallander!
DeleteAnd I've just discovered R J Ellory. His books are set in America rather than Scandinavia, and I really enjoyed 'Candlemoth' so I'm looking forward to reading more of his books. He's a local, and a really interesting guy.
I have Virgina Woolf's 'To the Lighthouse' on my must-read list. (It's set in my beloved Cornwall.) But I'm afraid the crime thrillers are taking precedence at the moment! xxx
Ooooooh thank you so much for commenting on my blog, it's so lovely to "meet" you:)). I love your book stack, what a delicious world to delve into. My hubby has got me interested in Solzhenitsyn and I'm intrigued by the de Beauvoir book and loose photograph! xo
ReplyDeleteThank you for commenting too Desiree! I was especially taken with one of your recent posts, and linked to it in my last post. Your blog is a real inspiration! xx
DeleteNow that's a pile of books I'd like to dig into!
ReplyDeleteI'm ashamed to say I haven't heard of Solzhenitsyn before, and as I am always looking to improve my mind, that's going onto my must investigate/must read list...which is rather extensive!
I am intrigued by de Beauvoir;I read one of her books as a teen, but have not read anything since.That's rather remiss of me!I don't see any harm in having piles of books to read,it's a very noble addiction!
I'd love to know who that woman is in the photo.I love when pix or notes fall out of books! I don't love small print,however!
Curtise is possibly onto it when it comes to finding your blogging mojo! I don't think I realised you were a keen reader;that excites me no end! I thought I was following your blog,and don't know why it doesn't come up in my feed, or I would have been here more often!X
Thanks so much for your lovely comment Helga!
ReplyDeleteAnother thing I love about second hand books is when you find inscriptions in them when they have been given as gifts. I have a few that have charming and loving inscriptions in, and I often wonder why the person who received it gave the book away. Maybe they just didn't really enjoy it and thought it should go to some-one who would. That would be me! xx
I hope you keep blogging Annie as I think you would have lots of interesting things to say. I know what you mean about it taking you away from reading other blogs though. I came here as a reader, not a blogger, my last blog took me ages to complete and I felt like I was falling way behind in keeping up with blogs I like.
ReplyDeleteI've never read Solzhenitsyn though I've heard the name but never followed up on. Maybe you can do a blog reviewing the book and inspire me to read it!
I read Simone de Beauvoir when I was a teenager, I think the book was "The Second Sex"? At the time I found it very depressing, as if a woman could either have a family and be milked dry by their needs, or have a career and be left alone and bitter, but now I think maybe she was just warning women what often happens to them if they're not careful, and I maybe should have heeded that warning! I read a biography of her too, I think it was called "A Good Daughter" or something like that, and I felt like she gave up way too much for Sartre and wasn't treated very well by him. But if I read them again now I'd probably see it all very differently. I remember reading "Catcher in the Rye" as a teenager, then re-reading it as an adult and it seemed much sweeter and more innocent than it had the first time. xx
One more thing if you don't mind Annie, I'm trying to work out how to subscribe to you and I can't find your followers bit anywhere! As soon as I work it out I will follow you! xx
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for your lovely comments CityScape!
DeleteI agree with you over Beauvoir in that she gave up too much for Sartre, who by all accounts could be a bit of a swine. She was obviously at least partly a product of her time and upbringing. But the old romantic in me still finds them fascinating.
I've got a copy of "Catcher in the Rye" but I haven't read it for years. I do remember finding it a bit grim so maybe I should re-read it now.
I'm not sure how to add a followers thing, and I'm not sure I'm going to be blogging often enough to warrant it! I do appreciate your very kind words though. As I said to Curtise, I find that by the time I actually think about sitting down and writing a post, the moment has passed and the inspiration has gone. I really admire people who are disciplined enough to post several times a week!
I know what you mean Annie, I wrote an entire blog in my head on the bus the other day but I can't remember a bit of it now! I'm still holding out for your Solzhenitsyn blog though. xx
DeleteAnnie you are such a absolute doll! I can't find you email address so pardon me for leaving my heartfelt thank you here:). The pink Barry m lippy and union jack holder were so sweet of you, I love them both! Having the time of our lives here, this place rules!
ReplyDeleteTake care dear!
Xxoo
Krista