Following on from our posts on writers' lives and literary anniversaries, another of today's recommendations from the London Review Bookshop (the first is here) is Tove Jansson Life, Art, Words: The Authorised Biography by Boel Westin, just published here in time for its subject's centenary year.
Speaking of things 'northern', how do you fancy a writers' retreat in Iceland? As you'll see there, among the writers leading workshops is Geraldine Brooks, someone who would be very much worth hearing, I should think.
Catch, if you can, Donna Tartt on Radio 4's Bookclub talking not about her latest book The Goldfinch but her famous first novel The Secret History - which our own book group read.
In conversation with James Naughtie and the studio audience she discusses, among other things, the "northern light and northern gloom" which pervade the book, the influence of Greek drama on it, and her love of Dickens.
Thank you so much for the Donna Tartt link! The Secret History is my favorite book and I would have missed this but for your mention. It's almost time for a reread of this book for me. I am a little scared that I won't like it as much a second time, although I only read it a few years ago. Listening to her talk about it has probably pushed the reread sooner than later. I only wish I had enjoyed The Goldfinch half as much. :(
Posted by: LauraC | 09 January 2014 at 11:21 PM
Pity about The Goldfinch (I've yet to read it), but glad you enjoyed the programme as I did, Laura.
Posted by: Cornflower | 10 January 2014 at 07:19 AM
Spinning off from your title, but nothing to do with books, the CME from the recent X-class solar flare arrived last night. Not as much auroral activity as predicted, but still a fairly high probability tonight of seeing something for those of you in reasonably northern latitudes (> 55N ). Keep an eye on the auroral oval map at Space Weather and do have a look at the fabulous pictures of last night's aurorae that you will find there.
Astro Cat
Posted by: Dark Puss | 10 January 2014 at 11:32 AM
One of the nice about book blogging is the way one comes across unexpected connection. Have just read Finn Family Moomintroll (having read and loved some of Jansson's work for adults), and was wondering if there is a decent biography available, and lo and behold, you mention one!
Posted by: Christine Harding | 10 January 2014 at 01:24 PM
Thank you for mentioning the Iceland Writers Retreat in your blog! We hope to meet many of your readers in April. Best wishes, Eliza Reid, Co-founder of Iceland Writers Retreat
Posted by: [email protected] | 17 January 2014 at 12:40 PM
Thank you, DP.
Posted by: Cornflower | 17 January 2014 at 02:22 PM
A happy coincidence!
Posted by: Cornflower | 17 January 2014 at 02:23 PM
Lovely! Thank you, Eliza, and it sounds like a great event.
Posted by: Cornflower | 17 January 2014 at 02:24 PM
I'm very excited about the Tove Jansson biog - my copy is on its way!
Posted by: Simon T | 17 January 2014 at 09:20 PM