The power of love and love as power I don't know about you, but usually if I have read a book, I won't watch the film version and vice versa. Having said that, there are, as always, exceptions to the rule. The Lover (L'Amant in original language) by Marguerite Duras is an autobiographical novel. It …
Tag: books
Falling for Autumn
Some say it is because I was an October baby, others believe it is because I am a Libra, still others disagree completely with me. But I have always maintained that Autumn, for me, is the best season of all! Against the brazen optimism that is spring, the carefree spirit of summer and the crisp …
Donna Tartt – Petite, Powerful, Prolific
haunting and elegant The Goldfinch introduced me to this author whose quirky trademark is that it takes her ten years to complete each novel (the final one I must read is The Little Friend published in 2002). Her books are hefty in knowledge, insight, elegance and pages. I find her writing neat and tight; every …
European Bookshops to adore
Libreria Acqua Alta This bookshop in Venice, Italy is absolutely dreamy and inspirational. You will find books in gondolas, on steps, chairs and anywhere there is available space Shakespeare and Company Located in Paris, France, Shakespeare and Company, although not at the original address, still possesses oodles of Old World charm, down to the lighting, …
Sharing books
A generous deeply felt read A yo-yo of emotions, intelligent and a work of love Beautiful prose, full of nuances, layers and texture
A very special bond
Thomas Wolfe and Margaret Roberts Learning about the writer and the man While in North Carolina, I visited Asheville and the home (now a memorial and historic museum) of the American novelist, Thomas Clayton Wolfe. With its yellow facade, gables and porch lined with rocking chairs, the Queen Anne style structure seemed out of place …
The librarian
As long as I can remember there were books. In the beginning, picture books alphabet books and pop up books. Much later (High School and University) textbooks, encyclopedias and dictionaries. However, in between these vastly differing spaces of time, reside the most important books and reading of my life. So let's back up a little... …
I love New York
History and Family Saga If you want to get a good smattering of New York's history under your belt without having to endure a dry read, may I suggest Edward Rutherford's New York. It is a chunky volume (981 pages) that covers the 1600's through to 2001. New York is a fantastic read (think Gone …
Larger than life
When you held the world in your hands Remember how, as a kid, everything was larger than life? The formative years of discovery, learning, possibility and novelty were accompanied by gigantic ideas, gargantuan dreams and ginormous feelings. Those were the days of joy oozing from your pores, of fear that made you sweaty and nauseous …
Manu writes 