The coming week's reading

    Here's my reading matter for the next few days, and a good mixed bag it is.

I'm starting with Joan Bakewell's first novel All the Nice Girls, which is set during the Second World War when a girls' grammar school joins the Merchant Navy's Ship Adoption Scheme. All is well until Captain Percival and his officers pay a visit to the school, then "the choices that follow will disrupt all their lives, reverberating even to the next generation, when, decades later, life and love are on the line again".

Next is non-fiction, Linda Grant's The Thoughtful Dresser. This is "the thinking woman's guide to our relationship with what we wear: why we want to look our best and why it matters". Based on the premise that our clothes tell a story, this sounds a fascinating combination of history, anecdote and insight. I shan't be adopting the leopard skin handbag on the cover, but I shall read the book with interest.

Then a welcome return to Barbara Pym. I read several of her novels many years ago but am glad of the chance to reacquaint myself with her writing through No Fond Return of Love. Dulcie and Viola have both rather fallen for the alluring Dr. Aylwin Forbes, but he is smitten with Dulcie's pretty young niece. "Once life's little humiliations are played out, maybe love will be returned, and fondly, after all...." Maybe!

  Here's a beautifully illustrated beginner's guide to becoming more self-sufficient. Written by Clarissa Dickson Wright and Johnny Scott, A Greener Life contains heaps of information on growing and raising your own food, and as you'd expect, many tempting recipes from Clarissa to make good use of your produce, but there are also chapters on spinning, weaving and knitting, quilting, soap-making, and keeping a greener home.

Last but not least, a welcome return to the No.1 Ladies' Detective Agency with Alexander McCall Smith's Tea Time for the Traditionally Built. Mma Ramotswe is having trouble with her tiny white van while Mma Makutsi experiences a crisis in her engagement to Phuti Radiphuti. But, "calm reflection, and frequent cups of redbush tea will be enough to solve even the most trying of problems..." A treat in store.

Comments

[Darlene]

I've just finished No Fond Return of Love and it was fabulous!

[Lisa]

This does look like a nice mix of reading. I rather like the handbag pictured.:) This is an interesting idea. I've never thought about what I wear in this way. I just buy what I like. Hmmm, wonder what I've been conveying to the world by my choices? Speaking of the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency -- there's a series based on the books coming on soon here in the U.S. I've seen a trailer for it, and it looks very well done. I can't wait to see it.

[Tara]

I just read No Fond Return of Love! I liked the writing more than the story, to be truthful. Love that modern cover!

[Barbara]

Joan Bakewell was on Open Book yesterday talking about her book; it's on Listen Again. I loved Linda Grant's The Clothes on Their Backs. This new non-fiction book was slated by Lynn Barber so I'll be interested to know how you get on with it. Like you I have the new McCall Smith waiting, goody, goody!

[Simon S]

I havent read any Barbara Pym, I have one but it remains untouched should I be opening it up immediately? Do let me know.

I would like to read the Joan Bakewell book... I am listening to her now on Listen Again so thanks Barbara!

[Margaret Powling]

I have the Joan Bakewell on order from Amazon. I thought it would've arrived by now. By coincidence I was looking at my four Barbara Pyms today, but for another reason (I wanted to check out the two chaps responsible for her renaissance - Lord David Cecil and Philip Larkin) but will try and remember to read her before too long ...

[Lisa W]

Strange, but true, I have also been re-visiting No Fond Return of Love this week and have really enjoyed it. As I've been reading along, AMS's Isabel Dalhousie has come to mind. Perhaps she and Dulcie Mainwaring are kindred spirits...