April has been a fairly good month for book hauls. The local hypermarket continues to surprise me with its occasional unexpected offerings. Finding Kate Chopin’s The Awakening on the bargain table was certainly a most welcomed sight, as I was planning to finally get around to reading her masterpiece this year.
Barnes’ Level of Life has been on my wishlist for some time and I have been meaning to watch the film version of Japrisot’s A Very Long Engagement for an even longer time. Seeing both of these in such beautiful Vintage editions was a real thrill. I just love the colour tones on these two!
I have only read a short piece by Dyer before, and am otherwise unfamiliar with his other works and style. I am also unfamiliar with the works of D.H. Lawrence, who happens to be the subject matter in this book, but since this comes packaged in an attractive Canongate edition, complete with French flaps and high praise from Steve Martin (he said it’s the funniest book he has ever read), I thought it might be worth a try.
Chloe Aridjis is a completely new to me writer. But there was something about this book and its female protagonist who chose to work as a museum guard at London’s National Gallery because it can offer her the life she always wanted, ‘one of invisibility and quiet contemplation’, that drew me to pick it up and read. I just finished this last week and found the reading experience to be somewhat similar to that of an Anita Brookner. It did take off quite promisingly, but somehow I didn’t find it finishing as strong.
Tim Winton’s Cloudstreet is hailed as an Australian modern classic and I just love this cover. Found this and Felicity Aston’s Call of The White: Taking the World to the South Pole (Eight Women, One Unique Expedition) at a book sale. Both these books look set to take me out of my familiar zones, I think. 🙂
And last but certainly not least, are the two Willa Cathers I found at yet another book sale just last week. The offering at the sale was largely disappointing and coming across these two there (and at rock bottom pricing – both were gotten for roughly the equivalent of a pound only!) was an unexpected surprise. Although they were in less than perfect conditions (you probably can’t tell from the photo), I think I can live with that. 😉
Having loved Cather’s O Pioneers after reading it late last year, I am truly looking forward to more (or rather, all) of her works!
So, has April been just as kind to the rest of you? 🙂
Would like to read the Dyer. I have read Cloudstreet twice. My favourite Australian novel and probably in the top 10 of all books read. It takes a bit to get used to as it is very Australian with nuances some non Aussies may not get. But persevere, a wonderful book. I also enjoyed the Kate Chopin book. Happy reading, a nice stash.
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That’s high praise indeed for Cloudstreet! Thanks, am definitely looking forward to it. 🙂 Just started the Chopin today and am enjoying so far. Hope you are having fun with your books too! 😀
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I love Willa Cather. That was an excellent find.
I’m trying not to acquire more books while I read down my TBR stack … but once that’s well under way I shall find some book sale to attend and go wild!
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Thanks, Lory! You certainly seem to have more self restraint than I do with regards to book buying. :p Have fun in the next book sale! 😉
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I love Vintage and think that most of their covers are very pretty.
This is a great bunch, but I am particularly happy about Willa Cather. How magnificent!
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Yes, they do have such pretty covers, don’t they? I just brought home another bunch from the hypermarket yesterday. Such beauties, just couldn’t resist. :p
I was particularly happy about the Cather, too. 🙂
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It’s a delightful bunch, I see it. 😛 😀
And I just brought a new bunch from Books.ba! Oh, the excitement! I got my first Virago Modern Classic!!
Drafting the post…
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So many pretty books! How is it you manage to find these jewels on sale? Good for you!
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Well, finding good books at great bargains is probably one of the few rare and useful ‘talents’ that I have, I suppose. :p
Mostly, I blame it on the hypermarket, though!
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