It's been an odd reading year ...

   

    ... in that usually, around this time, I can produce a list of a dozen or so books read over the preceding twelve months which deserve to be put centre stage again and from which two get the laurels, but this year has somehow been 'off'. Whether it's that my interests have changed - and I think that is so - or whether the novels I've read have simply not elicited the deeper feeling of connection I look for over and above their technical merits, there are few I'd award a Blue, so 2015's is a very short list.

    Elizabeth Goudge comes closest to what I've been seeking with The Dean's Watch and The White Witch almost but not quite matching The Runaways for sheer enjoyment. In non-fiction, James Rebanks gets an honourable mention for The Shepherd's Life, while Linda Lear's detailed biography of Beatrix Potter impressed me enormously and held my attention throughout. And that's it - not many, but distinguished nonetheless.

    As the year nears its end, I'm looking forward to heading in a new direction reading-wise, for some of the time, at least. I think the journey will be both fascinating and fun.

Comments

[Lory @ Emerald City Book Review]

I'm so very glad you find Elizabeth Goudge's books worthy of this honor. I have Linnets and Valerians (as The Runaways is still titled over here) on my shelf and I think it will be perfect holiday reading. The Shepherd's Life was one of my favorites this year too. The Beatrix Potter biography sounds marvelous.
A new direction -- how intriguing! Can't wait to hear more.

[Joan Kyler]

My mother loved Elizabeth Goudge. I read The Dean's Watch a few years ago and loved it. I've been meaning to read more of her books and your post reminded me of that.

[Mary]

I've also struggled a bit this year and nothing seemed quite right. But I would also put The Shepherd's Life high on my 2015 list, and that's coming from a 100% city person! Have you plans for your new direction? And will it include a revival of Cornflower's book group? (I was a hopeless member but often caught up with you months later!)

[cath]

My reading year brought not so many novels, can't remember this happening ever before, and reading much poetry and many essays instead. Scottish poet John Burnside was present in my reading all through the year, definitely among my favourite poets now.
Looking forward to hearing your new plans.

[diana]

I am again going to urge one and all to read The Scent of Water by Elizabeth Goudge . It is beautifully written and as always set in a place that we will find comforting but as always she requires more of us and of her characters: commitment and truth.

[Toffeeapple]

It would seem that I must read Elizabeth Goudge since you all think so highly of her!

[litlove]

I thought this year hadn't been a good one, though in fairness it looked better when I started going through my lists. Still, if you've been using up bad reading karma then maybe 2016 will compensate by being completely fabulous. I do hope so! I have yet to read Elizabeth Goudge but I would like to (you know how it goes). Happy Christmas and a peaceful and prosperous 2016 to you, Karen Cornflower!

[Deborah]

I have been waiting for your "Blues" as I hold great store by your recommendations. I loved "Runaways" and will now investigate more Goudge. I too have found little current fiction that excites this year so let's hope 2016 proves more lucrative! Wishing you a happy and peaceful Christmas and thank you for all your lovely posts this year.

[Fran H-B]

I have yet to go through my year's lists, a task I like to settle to in those gentle days between Christmas and New Year. I know I was blown away by Adam Nicholson's Why Homer Matters, Jude Morgan's The Taste of Sorrow and Flight Behaviour by Barbara Kingsolver.
A great fan of Elizabeth Goudge in my teenage years, writing to her once and receiving back a charming reply along with a signed copy of The Scent of Water, I revisit her now and then. She is an author, along with Rumer Godden, my opinion; who stand the test of time.