I'm reading the perfect book for a slow Sunday, Elizabeth Goudge's The Herb of Grace (there's a snippet here).
After the darkness of Small Days and Nights (which was preceded by Kate Atkinson's Case Histories - a lot more humorous than Tishani Doshi's book but quite grim, nonetheless) I wanted an uplifting novel, and I have it here in the shape of the second volume of The Eliot Chronicles (I wrote about The Bird in the Tree, the first book in the series, last year).
There is much to be said for writing which celebrates good things and good people, and the restorative effect of a 'nice' book is not to be underestimated.
I keep looking for Elizabeth Goudge books in our Oxfam shop, but so far no luck. I read them as a teenager but would love to revisit them.
Posted by: Jane from Dorset | 12 May 2019 at 04:06 PM
Good luck with your search, Jane!
It's only in recent years that I've read EG but so far each book has been a delight.
Posted by: Cornflower | 12 May 2019 at 09:09 PM
Your last comment: hear, hear!
Posted by: callmemadam | 13 May 2019 at 10:53 AM
I haven't heard of this one, but I have a few unread Goudges on my shelves and must get to them soon. Including The Bird in the Tree, I think.
Posted by: Simon T (StuckinaBook) | 23 May 2019 at 11:53 AM
It may be good that, in my opinion, you have started with the weakest of her books--which is being relative to hers as all are much better than many, many other writers, so that you have some serious pleasures ahead!
You have inspired me to return to "the Dean's Watch" which, again in my view, I think her best.
Posted by: Erika W. | 29 May 2019 at 01:07 PM
I loved that one, Erika!
Posted by: Cornflower | 29 May 2019 at 09:40 PM