After a fabulous, loud, joyful, peopley, cherished, whirlwind, loved, chaotic, and absolutely wonderful nonstop three weeks of family holiday celebrations, I have extended my blogging break until January 25. However, I did want to share what I have been reading and have a quick catchup with you. I will be reading and replying to all comments and linkups to this post, as well as any current posts of blogs I usually follow.
I look forward to connecting with you there. Without further ado, here are my late December/early January reads.
STUNNING TRANSLATION
4+ Stars
“Fresh Water For Flowers” by Valérie Perrin was published in French as “Changer l’eau des Fleurs” and translated into English by Hildegaarde Serle. The English prose is so intricately crafted and artfully paced that it is hard to believe it’s a translation.
This novel features a diverse cast of vividly depicted characters. Managing their individual tales and interwoven plot lines that span across time keeps readers on their toes. The main story unfolds slowly, revealing its intricacies piece by precise piece.
Just when you believe you’ve grasped the complete picture, an alternate point of view of the same event is presented, offering a profoundly thought-provoking contrast.
“Fresh Water for Flowers” is an emotional journey and a poignant exploration of rediscovering life after enduring its darkest moments.
Recommended to me by Marty @ Snakes in the Grass.
Canada’s Most Controversial Novel
4 Stars
My husband recently sent me a CBC article calling Marian Engle’s novel Bear “one of the most controversial books in the history of Canadian literature.” So, of course, I had to read it. Surprisingly, my local library had a digital copy available, which meant I could begin reading immediately. From the article, I already knew there was a sexual relationship between the female protagonist and a bear.
I also knew that the book speaks to conversations we currently have (or should be having) in Canada. Both things were helpful to know before reading.
While the novel made me uncomfortable (significantly), it also slowly, steadily and poetically drew me in. Provocative and introspective, the novel challenges conventions. The relationship between a lonely librarian/archivist and a bear serves as a metaphor for the complexities of human connections. The novel delves into themes of loneliness, longing, and the search for meaning, pushing the boundaries of societal norms.
Engel’s skillful narrative and evocative prose create a compelling and thought-provoking exploration of human nature that challenges readers to contemplate the depths of human desire and the intricacies of relationships. The complex Indigenous-settler dynamic makes Bear a very relevant current read.
Recommended to me by my husband and CBC.
‘LITTLE WOMEN’ FROM A UNIQUE PERSPECTIVE
4- Stars
After finishing Alcott’s ‘Little Women,’ a few friends recommended ‘March’ by Geraldine Brooks. I often avoid historical fiction as the intertwining of fact and fiction can confuse and frustrate me. Still, I enthusiastically began reading.
Without question, the novel’s strengths are numerous. Brooks’s prose is exquisite, her narrative compelling, and her characters intricately developed with profound emotional layers. The book boasts impressive research and offers a fresh perspective on the American Civil War.
Brooks fearlessly exposes the heinous realities of slavery and the brutalities of war. Her vivid descriptions of the carnage, horror, and sheer inhumanity make ‘March’ an incredibly intense read, a stark departure from the lighter holiday-themed books I’d previously been reading.
‘March’ offers significant deviation with both Marmee and Mr. March from ‘Little Women’ (based on Alcott’s real-life parents, who inspired the original characters). While I understand creative license, the romantic inclinations between March and Grace felt wrong to me. I can’t help but think that Alcott herself would not have appreciated this specific reinterpretation.
In summary, ‘March’ is worth reading — just exert caution in the timing of when you read it. And definitely do not skip Brooks’ afterward. It is very illuminating.
Recommended to me by Sue @ Women Living Well After 50
COMING SOON
5 Stars
I was delighted to serve as a beta reader for the first novel in Joanne Tracey’s new cozy crime series, due to be published in early April. Set in the fictional world of Whale Bay, it’s funny, smart, captivating and seamlessly woven together. I loved that I wasn’t sure who ‘did it’ until the very end.
Currently Reading
Man, I struggled with the opening of this novel. I mean REALLY struggled. Try as I may, I just couldn’t get into it. But, it was Charles (whose other writings I have greatly admired) and a book club read, so I persevered. I am now extremely glad that I did. At book club, we agreed to read only until the end of Book 2, Chapter 8, for now. Once I got there, I desperately did not want to stop. Stay tuned next month for Parts 2 and 3.
SO, WHAT’S BEEN ON YOUR BOOKSHELF LATELY?
COHOSTS:
Debbie @ Deb’s World
Jo @ And Anyways
Sue @ Women Living Well Over 50
• The bookbag in feature photo was created by Dottie Wombat.
Retirement Reflections 
I’m glad your holidays were festive and fun! I don’t know how you got to read all those books too! Looks like a good selection.
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Hi, Kate- Thanks so much for stopping by. My blogging break definitely helped me to have relaxed time with family/company and to sneak in some reading time as well. I did miss checking out my favourite blogs, yours included. I’m off to your site now to catchup. See you there!
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What an interesting selection this month – I might see if I can find Fresh Water For Flowers here.
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Hu, Barbara- Thank you for linking up with us. I think that you will quite enjoy Fresh Water for Flowers. I also recommended it to Deb (Widow Badass) and she loved it!
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Phew, no wonder you need a rest! January is the perfect month for it. Quite an eclectic assortment of books. Bear does sound like quite the read.
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Hi, Laurie – Yes, Bear was quite the read but I did get a lot out of it (beyond the literal shock value). 😀 I look forward to catching up with you and am off to your site now. See you there!
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I’m curious on what you mean about the ‘conversations you should be having in Canada’ Can you elaborate? (Not sure I’m up for Bear tho….but maybe that’s the very reason I should give it a try…?) #WOYBS
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Hi, Lydia – I found ‘Bear’ to be a highly provocative, challenging read, but I am ultimately glad that I read it. Central to its unspoken themes is the complexity of the Indigenous-settler dynamic and its aftermath. This is the theme that I was referring to in regards to essential conversations currently taking place in Canada. If you do read it, I’d love to hear your thoughts on it.
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Another great list of books Donna. I’m looking forward to reading March. I remember also struggling to get into A Tale of Two Cities, many years ago. I started it 3 times before finally continuing and loving it. It made me smile when I read that you felt the same. Good to hear you’re enjoying the break.
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Starting it three times is exactly what I did too! I tried listening to it on audio – but I couldn’t get into it. I tried watching the 1980 film version – but I couldn’t get into that either. Finally, I gave myself loads of time and settled back into a hard copy that I had purchased. The third time round was the charm! I loved what I have read so far and can’t wait to read more (after bookclub this coming Monday). I will keep you posted on how the remainder of my reading goes.<3
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HI Donna,
I’m so glad you liked Fresh Water for Flowers, it was one of my favourite books from 2022, which I think I put in my WYOB at the time. I just loved Violette, what a fantastic resourceful woman. I did it for my bookclub and everyone loved it also. I’ve read Book of the People by Geraldine Brooks which is another favourite of mine but not March.
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Hi, Alison – I’m glad that you also enjoyed Fresh Water for Flowers. Thank you for your recommendation on Book of the People. I’ve also heard great things about that. Did you read March and it wasn’t a favourite, or simply not read it yet?
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I think I started it but it didn’t appeal
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I loved Fresh Water for Flowers!!! Thank you for the recommendation, Donna. I’ll return the favour – I’m currently more than half way through North Woods by Daniel Mason – I think you’d enjoy it.
Deb
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Thanks, Deb – I just downloaded a copy of North Woods and greatly looking forward to it. We can have a mini-book club discussion on it when I see you next! Enjoy the sun and sand — this is a fabulous time to be away from the island weather wise!
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I remember seeing Marty’s recommendation of Fresh Water for Flowers and being intrigued. Now that you and Deb are also singing its praises, I will move it up on my TBR list. I liked March too for many of the same reasons you listed. It had been a while since I had read Little Women so I didn’t notice any of the deviations that you did.
I’m currently reading Miss Benson’s Beetle by Rachel Joyce and am really enjoying it.
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Hi, Janis – Great to hear from you. ‘Miss Benson’s Beetle’ is a very intriguing title. I will take a look for it. I look forward to catching up with you again soon!
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Hi Donna – so glad you’re having a fabulous peopley time with family and friends, and that you know how to prioritize your time. Loved your very professional book reviews and the variety of reading subjects you’ve covered over the last month. Enjoy your extended break x
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Hi, Leanne – Thank you for your (always) very kind words. It has been a fabulous holiday (and extended holiday) with family. Although I have extended my blogging break for an extra week, I am greatly enjoying this intermission to catch up with you and others. See you at your site soon!
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Well it seems that Fresh Water for Flowers is the book to read so it’s gone onto my TBR list. My library has a copy which is a good thing and the author will be great for my letter P in my A-Z listing for this year. Happy Dance all round
Take care
Cathy – #WOYBS
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Hi, Cathy – A great book, an available library copy and the perfect fit for a blog post — that indeed is happy dance material. Thanks for stopping by. I will be at your site soon to catch up on what’s been happening for you. See you there!
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Some amazing reads. XO
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Thanks, Darlene – It’s been a great start to my 2024 reads. I hope that you are having an awesome January as well.
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I’m glad you had a fabulous holiday season! I bet the quiet is just fine now, though!
As to reading, I literally finished March yesterday as the plane touched down. It took me a while to get into it. I also felt like the relationship with Grace was “off” although men at war do out of character things, so I guess?? I just got an actual book for my birthday so that’s up next.
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Hi, Bernie – It’s not quite quiet yet but there’s still hope! I completely agree with you about the Mr. March-Grace relationship, even with the background of war.
Happy belated birthday!! What book did you receive as a present?
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Donna, what a wonderful time with family and lovely to see you all enjoying yourself. I’m also taken with the breathtaking views from the outside balcony, over the mountains and forests – bliss! Like others I’m in awe not only of the books your read but also so thoughtfully reviewed. As a huge fan of Little Women, ‘March’ has me intrigued and might read later. Continue having a great time away and see you soon! ❤️
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Hi, Annika – Thank you for your kind and thoughtful comment. The balcony photo is taken from mt. Washington bc. It’s a definite happy place for me! ❤
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A happy set of photographs and sound reviews. It is good to see such credit given to a translator
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Thanks so much, Derrick. I agree with you 100% on the difference a good translator can make.
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I’ll bet reading provided some respite from all the socializing. Fun. I’m currently reading Never by Ken Follett: World leaders respond to a series of events which threaten to create a third world war complete with nuclear warfare; and When The Body Says No: The Cost of Hidden Stress by Gabor Mate. Reading in front of the wood stove provided diversion from the -40C weather that hit Alberta this past week.
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Ah, another kindred spirit moment! I do most of my winter reading infront of our fireplace. Heaven!
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I like the sound of Freshwater for flowers. I will look out for it. Our walking group are planning a trip to Stratford on Avon in April so I am currently brushing up my Shakespeare
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I read heaps of shakespeare in University but sadly none since. I’ve been thinking of picking up Hamlet or R & J again. Enjoy your trip. It sounds fabulous!
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They all sound really intriguing Donna!
I just finished another of Joanne Tracy’s books, the second of the Philly Barker series, and I’m working my way through Elly Griffiths “The Chalk Pit.” Got to have a little mystery going!
I’m still thinking about how much I thoroughly enjoyed “The Covenant of Water,” one of the best in a long time.
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Hi, Dorothy – Thank you for reminding me about ‘The Covenant of Water.’ I continue to hear and read great things about that book. I think that it’s a sign! 😀
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Didn’t want it to end, but all the threads were woven beautifully.
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That does it. I’m going in search of that book right now!
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Hi Donna, you certainly need some ‘downtime’ after your wonderful family celebrations. They can be hectic,chaotic but oh so special. As always I enjoy reading your well written reviews. I enjoyed March more than Little Women as you know and as a lucky recipient of Jo’s final draft I know her book set in Whale Bay will be a winner. Have a wonderful and well deserved break my dear friend. xx
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Thanks so much, Sue. Your kind words are always so uplifting! I greatly look forward to chatting soon. So much to catch up on! ❤
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I read March when it first came out and enjoyed it. Any novel that turns a classic novel around and reframes it is interesting to me. Like Wide Sargasso Sea, a prequel, that looks at Jane Eyre from a different point of view. I read A Tale of Two Cities in high school. Not sure I’d be into it now, but maybe…
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Hi, Ally – I’ve been meaning to drop you a line to let you know how much I appreciated you popping over to my blog last week to see what had happened to me. That was very touching! After catching up with comments on this post, and doing a quick visit to my favourite blogs, I will extend my blogging break for one more week. This past holiday was very full on so some down time is defiitely in order. ❤
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Sounds like a plan. Take care.
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I’m very excited to read Joanne’s latest; her books are usually so cute and captivating. I just love her characters.
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Hi, Joanne – I fully agree with you about Jo Tracey’s well-developed characters- they always feel like old friends. If you like the Philly Barker Series (and seriously, who doesn’t), I know that you will equally love Whale Bay! ❤
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Thanks for the shout-out! I too struggled with the beginning of TOTC but now want to keep going!
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Me too! I went from start-struggle-stop-start-again- start-struggle-stop-start-again to loving it. I can’t wait to discuss it and to keep on reading@
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I enjoyed March a lot. Our latest book group meeting was last night – we discussed a memoir by the author Kit de Waal, two of whose novels we had previously read. It covered her childhood and young adulthood and it was fascinating to see how her formative experiences had influenced her fiction.
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Hi, Anabel – This is a great reminder of the power of a good bookclub. I haven’t read anything by Kit de Waal but will now check her out!
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Weeks of family celebrations and a stash of good reads – your life is indeed extra special!
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Great family and good books. I remain incredibly grateful.
I hope that all is well for you!
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Hi Donna, I love seeing the joyful smiles of your family and friends this holiday season! A good kind of chaos. “The Bear” sounds like an intriguing and unique story. I will check whether it is available in my elibrary. I am also looking forward to Jo’s new book. I have been immersing myself spending too many hours reading, especially with our recent inclement weather. Cocooning is a favourite activity of mine and an excuse to ignore the chores. 💕 Erica
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Hi, Erica – It is wonderful to hear from you. Thank you for reading and commenting. Cocooning sounds like a perfect activity. Jo’s first book kicking off her Whale Bay Series will be out this April. I highly recommend it!
Sending big hugs to you and Chuck and hope that all is well for you.
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Hi Donna, Sounds like you’ve had a wonderful January with family, friends and good books. I’ll look for Fresh Water for Flowers in my online library. Thank you for your book share.
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Hi, Natalie – My friend Deb (WidowBadass) has online library privileges for both the Toronto LIbrary and our Vancouver Island LIbrary. I definitely have library envy. Your library is totally amazing!!
Wishing you a wonderful month ahead!
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Thank you Donna for your good wishes. Wishing you a wonderful, wonderful month ahead. I believe that the Toronto Public Library is among the best in the world. I’m fortunate to have access to its vast collections of books and more.
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Lovely pictures of happy festive loved ones! Enjoy your extended break!
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Thanks Carol. This extended break turned out to be much needed. I will send more updates on my next post. ❤
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What a fun time you’re having Donna with family friends and travel – a break is well deserved. Your books were all very interesting and I’ve yet to read March but intend to do so. I always like Geraldine Brooks’ words. Bear certainly sounds intriguing! I’m glad you said you struggled with the start of Tale of Two cites because I did too! Thanks for coming out of your break to join us and for sharing such a great range of books.
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Hi, Debbie – Thank you for your kind and uplifting comment. I always love reading all of the book shares here – I get excellent reading ideas. I greatly look forward to chatting soon. See you then! ❤
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Hi Donna, enjoy the rest of your break. I don’t think either Bear or March are for me. I wanted a lighter read so I’ve started An interview with a vampire by Anne Rice. A nice change from war and Christian slavery in the 17th century.
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Hi, Robbie – I have never read Anne Rice. Time to change that. I 100% agree that inserting a lighter book between more intense reads is always a good plan!
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Hi Donna, some people wouldn’t think it is light reading, but it is total fiction and imagination which is much lighter than historical fiction and war books. I also read Bridget Jones Diary over the December break which I found hilarious.
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You’re absolutely right, Roberta. I wouldn’t consider Anne Rice a ‘light’ writer at all. Compared to themes of war and Christian slavery, most other reads would be relatively less heavy (I definitely need my thesaurus here)! 😀
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I’m pretty boring since I rarely read fiction even thought my lst degree is English literature (also have my MA in library sciences). Charles Dickens was not my favourite author. I read LIttle Women twice as an older teen and loved it. Partially because I have 4 sisters and 1 brother, we were poor (but of course culturally different). Not surprisingly, I identified with /cheered for Jo, the writer and rebel.
“The Power of Language” by Viorica Marian is non-fiction and focused research on how babies, children acquire bilingualism and multilingualism, as well as cognitive benefits for creativity and problem-solving in general when one is bilingual/multilingual from childhood up.
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Thank you for reading and commenting. I don’t think that you are boring at all. Language and language development always fascinates me. “The Power of Language” sounds like an excellent read. Thank you for sharing it here.
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I read March as well. Well weiten and I do enjoy a secondary character’s own story.
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Hi, Antoinette – It’s interesting how many fellow bloggers have read March. I hadn’t heard of it until Sue (WLWO50) recently mentioned it to me. Sometimes, I swear I live under a rock! :d
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Your book commentary is always so thoughtful and interesting! Glad you enjoyed A Tale of Two Cities. I’ve read it twice, once in high school, when I struggled to get into it but ended up enjoying it, and once in grad school, when I loved it. I should read it again.
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Hi, Janet – Thank you for your kind comment. Reviews are so tricky. On Goodreads especially, I frequently wonder if anyone reads them, and if they do read them, are they merely thinking ‘what in the heck is she blathering on about?’ 😀
That’s cool that you read AToTCs twice. If you read it again, please post a review on your blog. I would love to read it.
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Phew I had to scroll a long ways to comment…lol. So excited to join the WOYB. THose books sound interesting. I’ve read a few of Jo’s books and enjoyed them. I wish my library had them.
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Hi, Kirstin – Thanks so much for dropping by. I love Jo’s books two. A friend of mine said that some of Jo’s books were in her Kelowna, BC library. That is soooo cool (and I was very jealous)!
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Glad you liked Fresh Water, Donna! Kudos to you for the mention of the English translator, which I failed to do in my Goodreads brief. IMPORTANT! It really is a gripping story. – Marty
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Hi, Marty – Thank you again for the recommendation. I greatly enjoyed the novel and have now recommended it to several others. I agree – it is a very gripping story that I could not manage to put down! I hope that all is well for you.
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I loved the novel MARCH. We live close to Louisa May Alcott’s house and I’ve toured it a dozen times – at least. I know her story well, and thought it brilliant how Geraldine Brooks fictionalized the Little Woman’s dad’s work during the Civil War, probably using Louisa May’s true accounting during the time she became a nurse during Civil War.
I just tried to get a Kindle version of Bear from my library, but they don’t have it. Huh….
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Hi, Pam – That’s so cool that you’ve been able to visit Louisa May Alcott’s home several times. I would love to do that.
Funny that Bear was not available at your library. It was published awhile back but remains highly controversial!
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Weird to not be there in our e-book library. I’m going to one of the libraries in the consortium and will ask them tomorrow. ;-0
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Good luck!! I hope that you find it. I’m interesting to hear your thoughts on it. It is definitely not a book for everyone. BTW – I just finished reading Matt Haig’s “The Midnight LIbrary” that I saw you read and greatly enjoyed!
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Hi Donna – I’m coming in late here and reading your posts in backwards order, but I wanted to thank you for sharing your recent reads. I’ve wanted to read March because I read Horse last year, but I’ll have to plan for that. As for A Tale of Two Cities, it’s the only Charles Dickens book I’ve read and although it was definitely tough to get into (I read it when my son was reading it in high school), I thought it was a fantastic story (once I finished it). My small paperback was so densely printed, I think I’d have to read a different version if I read it again! Hope you’re doing well 🙂
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Hi, Barb – Thank you for reading and commenting. I just took a break from reading Part Two of TOTC so your comment is great timing. I’ve also read Great Expectations, Bleak House and all five of Dicken’s Christmas novellas. I’ve enjoyed them all but some where much easier to get into than others! Reading literature with our children in hs can be very, very powerful for both parent and child!
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Your reviews are delightful to read…works of good writing each one. Most interested in March as I read Little Women as a child and researched Alcott for a term paper. It sounds like a more realistic depiction of the time period than the original story.
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Thank you for your very kind words. Until recently, I was in five different book clubs (I have now narrowed it down to two). As I often read ahead, I got in the habit of posting a review on goodreads for every book that I read. I always wonder if anyone out there is reading these reviews! 🙂
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Hi Donna – late here … I came across Geraldine Brooks recently via another blogger and was introduced to ‘Horse’ … about ‘A discarded painting in a junk pile, a skeleton in an attic, and the greatest racehorse in American history‘ – it also refers to George Stubbs and his exploratory painting of horses in the 1700s … well worth reading – a good story and fascinating history. I saw an exhibition about Stubbs a few years ago in Milton Keynes – amazing … I have the guide here. Cheers Hilary
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Hi, Hilary – Thank you so much for dropping by with this recommendation. I have heard other great things about Horse by Geraldine Brooks. It is definitely on my TBR pile – and now has moved up further!
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