I’ve just finished reading The Light Years by Elizabeth Jane Howard. It’s the first book in the Cazalet series (I’ve yet to blog about it) and I’m trying to get my hands on the second one as I really want to get back to that family. Anyway, I noticed an article about Elizabeth Jane Howard in the Guardian Review section this morning, if you’re interested you can read it here. It’s by Artemis Cooper who has just written a book about Howard.
The photo above is of Elizabeth Jane Howard with her then husband Kingsley Amis. Like many writers she was a bit of a conundrum herself I think. On a frivolous note I wonder if she ever regretted sticking her middle name on her books – I know I would have if I had been her.
There’s an article about the ghost stories that E. Nesbit wrote for adults, it’ll be Halloween before we know it so it might be of interest to anyone reading books for that spooky season. You can read the article here.
I’ve always been interested in children’s books but in recent years I’ve become quite distant from what’s going on, mainly due to having no small people in my life at the moment. I must admit though that I still do buy children’s books if I happen to see any with beautiful illustrations. So I was interested in this Children’s roundup by Imogen Russell Williams.
If Shakespeare is more your cup of tea you might like to read Margaret Atwood’s article on rewriting The Tempest for the 21st century.
I’m glad you liked the Cazalet book and can’t wait to continue the series. I’ve started the second book, but have been distracted for the moment.
Joan,
I’m hoping I can take a copy of the second one with me on holiday! I should have some spare reading time.
The Cazalet series is my all-time favourite; I am currently re-reading it and have just finished the third book. (Also yet to blog about it.) I may possibly always be re-reading this series: I promise myself a book a year so each one will only come around every 5 years đŸ™‚
EJH led a fascinating life, heavily connected with various literati. I fully intend to read Slipstream, her autobiography, alongside the many and varied media articles and the biography. It’s just finding the time!
Sandra,
I didn’t even watch it when it was on TV so it’s all new to me and I’m loving it. I hope to read her autobiography at some point too!
I’ve never seen the tv version either, Katrina. There’s also a radio dramatisation too. I probably will watch/listen to them at some point – with the usual worries that my imagined Cazalets may not be what is portrayed.
Sandra,
Yes that’s my worry to. I’ve been really disappointed with the Poldark re-make but I think the original series was so good and the casting excellent and so like the books, I think they shouldn’t have bothered with the new version. Mind you people who didn’t see the first series and haven’t read the books seem to be enjoying the new version.