What are you currently reading, how do you feel about it, and what's next on the list? Part 2

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The original thread is nearly full: Page 40 | What are you currently reading, how do you feel about it, and what's next on the list? | Mumsnet

So, here's another one to keep us going!

Finished Bitter Orange, not sure how I got through it so quickly when I kept pausing to reread sentences and sometimes going back a few pages hunting for clues. I read very late into the night and while it was like being under a spell or hypnosis or in some dreamlike state, I was always conscious of the writing and how descriptive and transportive it was. Reading it in a hot stuffy room under the eaves of an old house might have helped. Huge thanks for the recommendation!

I think "Eileen" is miles better than "My Year of Rest and Relaxation"

If you like things that are unsettling and psychologically intense, "Eileen" is absolutely up there. It's brilliant. I might re-read soon actually.

I'm so pleased you enjoyed it.
This is perfect weather for it too - I read it over Christmas and it didn't quite land the same. I really wish I'd read it over summer to add to the intensity and claustrophobia.

"Unsettled Ground" by Claire Fuller is also very good in the same intense and unsettling way.

I've finished Cast Away now, and agree with @Tortoishellcats about how good it is. I found it very moving.

Now reading some non-fiction - 'Unsuitable' by Eleanor Medhurst, which is a history of lesbian fashion. It's quite interesting and, at times, thought provoking.

Currently reading This Strange Eventful History by Claire Messud about a French family forced to leave Algeria after the war and their lives in the decades following. I'm enjoying it but keen to finish as Yesteryear is next on my list and since everyone is raving about it and the massive plot twist I want to read it before I see a spoiler. I think I'm almost guaranteed to feel a bit let down by whatever the twist is after all this fuss😅

Yesteryear is next on my list and since everyone is raving about it

Not everyone. I think its reception here (there's a thread about it) has been quite lukewarm. That might just be confirmation bias though.

London Falling. Terrific read. Creepy story.

I ordered this from the library. I am now number 2 in the queue so shouldn't be too long before I get it 🤞🏻

Finished 2 ‘classics’ with my reading group recently.

Great Gatsby - F Scott Fitzgerald
The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde - Robert Louis Stevenson.

Thought both were massively overrated. Seeing the film and TV adaptations first probably helped reaffirm that and was left disappointed.

Have a free month now, so am going to try to finish Kitchen Confidential.

Let us know what you think!

I will do.

I've nearly finished Vicious by V.E. Schwab.
It's not really my cup of tea, and I won't be continuing with the trilogy.

I can't decide what to read next though. My current choices are...

1. All the Sinners Bleed by S A Cosby
2. A Month in the Country by J L Carr
3. Writers & Lovers by Lily King

So if anyone recommends any of the above, I'll take it on board :)

According to my trusty spreadsheet I read and really enjoyed both 2 and 3 but I read them so long ago I can't remember much about them. I've read a lot of Lily King's books and enjoyed every one.

In my bid to read every Women's Prize winner, I'm reading "Fugitive Pieces" by Anne Michaels at the moment. It's a right load of fucking wank. I think I might give up.

Most of the Women's Prize books I've tried so far have been absolutely dire.

I've got "Free Food For Millionaires" by Min Jin Lee next on my agenda.
I loved "Pachinko" so hoping its similar quality.

I haven't read any Anne Michaels but I did hear her talk at a Booker Prize event when she was nominated. She spoke in such a waffly way that I concluded her work would not be for me. The excerpts from the book in question confirmed that.

I've just finished a manga version of 'Little Women'. Very odd. I'm not really the target demograph, I guess, but the illustrations were nice. I have now started 'A Bad, Bad Place' by Frances Crawford set in Glasgow in 1979 about a girl who discovers a body while walking her dog. Not as traumatic as it sounds in spite of tragedy all around, it has heart and authenticity, and is really nicely written.

And I've just seen that Frances Crawford completed an MLitt in creative writing in 2022 at the age of 60 and that this is her debut novel. Bloody love that!

@Hellohah I loved A Month in the Country - short but it has a hinterland, it stays with you. (There is a film from the 80s but I haven’t watched it).

I’m nearing the end of William Boyd’s The Romantic and have really enjoyed it though my views on the main character have changed as I’ve got further through the story..

Enjoyed Big Swiss by Jen Beagin, great blend of vulnerability and voyeurism. Can’t wait for the screen adaptation with Jodie Comer! Currently devouring Eileen by Ottessa Moshfegh and can’t remember exactly when I last felt so enthralled and simultaneously repulsed by a narrator.

You’ll have to let me know if it is. Panchinko was bought for me by DS who rarely reads fiction, read this and loved it so much he bought it for me.

I read A Month In The Country last year and really liked it.

I've requested A Gentleman in Moscow from the library.

I'm currently reading Women Who Blow On Knots by Ece Temelkuran. I've only read a few pages so not sure yet whether I like it or not.

I hope you enjoy A Gentleman in Moscow. I gave a copy to my DFIL and he enjoyed it too.

I started it a few days ago, I'm about 80 pages in.

It starts off quite slowly, the first two chapters did not give me much hope. But its picked up pace a bit.

I'll report back. Enjoying it so far.

If you finish Kitchen Confidential, I’ve just seen a trailer for a film called Tony that’s based on Anthony Bourdain’s early life!

Yes, it looks really good and is based on one chapter of the book apparently. I’m a massive Bourdain fan and often watch his docs on a place as part of my going away prep!

Ive just read The Personal History of Rachel DuPree. I was reading till 2 am absolutely couldn't put it down. I found it on my Kindle , no idea when I bought it. Highly recommended!

It's on Apple or Disney. I absolutely loved watching it , haven't read the book. OH has, and preferred the serialisation.