Today's books need little introduction, but one of them gets the prize for the most beautiful, most striking and most fitting jacket* of the year! That is, of course, Susan Hill's Howards End is on the Landing, subtitled 'A year of reading from home'.
Much talked about hither and yon, so there's probably no need to explain further here, but Simon says that in this Susan Hill "has written something delightfully, wisely, enchantingly bookish", and I can't wait to read it.
My thanks to Claire for letting me know that Susan was talking about the book on the radio the other day; you may be able to hear the programme by clicking here.
On to another very well known author (though one I've never read), Sarah Waters, and her Booker shortlisted The Little Stranger. A chilling ghost story set in a crumbling mansion in the early 1950s, numerous plaudits - that's enough to make me want to read it.
* - along with that of The Children's Book.
A co-incidence - I've just replied to someone over on Shelfari.com asking me about one of the characters in Sarah Water's 'The Little Stranger'. As I said elsewhere on your comments, I would have been glad to see this wonderful novel win the Booker. It is deceptively clever as it allows the reader to embellish the story with their own imaginations (or maybe Sarah makes you think things about what is going on). A wonderful read and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
Posted by: Teresa | 13 October 2009 at 08:17 AM
I have ordered the 'Howard's End is on the Landing from my library; looking foreward to that read. I recently read 'The Little Stranger' by Sarah Waters; I did enjoy the read but I still think her first book 'Affinity' was her best.
Posted by: Jennifer | 13 October 2009 at 09:00 AM
The Little Stanger is one boko I have read that though at teh time I wasnt so sure about now months on I am still thinking about!
I am desperate for Howards End is on the Landing, but then I can't think of anyone who isnt!!
Posted by: Simon S | 13 October 2009 at 10:31 AM
I have my copy of "Howards End" and am enjoying it immensely. So much so I think it may inspire my New Year resolution. Quite a thought though not to borrow or buy a book in 2010!
Posted by: Claire | 13 October 2009 at 01:31 PM
Thank you for the link to Susan Hill's interview. I'm expecting Howards End in the post any day now and looking forward to it immensely.
Posted by: Mary McCartney | 13 October 2009 at 03:09 PM
I'm anxiously awaiting my copy of Howard's End is on the Landing. Not too sure what to make of this strike action concerning the Royal Mail, just how full-blown is it? I was expecting at least one book today but nothing has arrived...zip, zero and nil! Sigh.
Posted by: Darlene | 13 October 2009 at 08:22 PM
The cover of the Susan Hill book really is lovely. I will have to add it to my wish list. The Little Stranger is my favorite by Sarah Waters so far--hope you enjoy it as well!
Posted by: Danielle | 13 October 2009 at 09:30 PM
Enjoy HEiotL! I think a re-read might happen here very soon...
Posted by: Simon T | 15 October 2009 at 11:49 PM