Wonderland

 

     The picture is "Wonderland" by Adelaide Claxton (1835-c.1905), and I found it on this site. Do you think the cat is real, or has it been conjured out of the book? Either way, it's a wonderful evocation of total absorption in a story, something I remember from childhood and still experience now, though far less often. What was the last book you read which caused you to miss your stop on the bus/train, or burn the toast, etc.?

Comments

[Dark Puss]

I think the attitude of the cat is pretty realistic! As to the book, it was The Lost Estate by Alain-Fournier, only Ms C... from the band "Ultrapuss" sitting next to me and starting up a conversation on the tube broke my absorption.

[Cornflower]

This augurs well; (I haven't begun the book yet).

[Lesley]

I caught an episode of the Woman's Hour serial 'All Passion Spent' by Vita Sackville West and I was hooked. I immediately bought a copy of the novel and only stopped reading it to ration myself- not wanting to finish it and suffer withdrawal symptoms. Even so, I read it in two days.
If you don't know the book, written in 1931, its about Lady Slane, a recent widow who ignores her children's wishes to parcel her out amongst themselves and instead seizes her independence by choosing to rent a house in Hampstead. She reflects on her life and abandoning her ambition to be a painter to become a duftiful wife and mother. It's not at all dry being written with great wit and it has tremendous comic scenes with her children and the new acquaintances she makes. It's very perceptive of human nature and, most of all, is as charming and captivating as Lady Slane herself.

[Dark Puss]

Lesley, it was our first CBG book. Some shared your positive view, I didn't! You can see the range of opinions on this weblog.

[Sarah]

I'm reading a can't-put-it-down literary thriller at the moment, In the woods by Tana French. I've been trying to read whenever I can, including when I'm getting ready for work (doing my make-up, drying my hair etc). I'm looking less than immaculate as a result!

[adele geras]

Hello Sarah! I read that book by Tana French...I too was gripped and thrilled but I'll be fascinated if you have the same reaction to the end as I did. Not saying another word.
Last book I metaphorically missed my stop for was Hearts and Minds by Amanda Craig, coming in May. I read it in proof.

[Barbara MacLeod]

The CBG book we are reading at the moment (The Lost Estate by Alain-Fournier) was so absorbing that - no, I did not go past my train stop - I was able to successfully tune out a gang of teenagers doing their best to bray obscenities throughout the 40 minute journey.

Ditto on All Passion Spent. It is available as an audio book and is a good candidate for, say, an elderly lady who finding the winter afternoons long and dreary.