I seem to have had a lot of evenings to read while my husband is in hospital, so have caught up on one or two books that I have wanted to read for a while.
The Elegance of the Hedgehog
by Muriel Barbery
I wondered about this book to begin with, but once I had settled in to the beautifully written prose, I found I couldn't put it down. The story of the erudite Parisian Concierge who spends her life hiding behind a pretence of being uncultivated is fascinating. Her meetings with a twelve year old girl also living in the grand apartment block start a series of new happenings in her life, and she can at last let her real self come through.
Paloma, the young girl, sees Renee as she really is and says,
"Mme Michel has the elegance of the hedgehog; on the outside she is covered in quills, a real fortress, but on the inside she has the same simple refinement as the hedgehog, a deceptively indolent little creature, fiercely solitary--and terribly elegant".
I was not happy with the ending.
The Pattern Artist
by Nancy Moser
published by Shiloh Run Press.
I chose this book because I am very interested in fashion, patterns, structures of clothing. It's a novel set in 1911, about a girl who leaves England, as a housemaid to a wealthy lady, to live in America. She hopes that there will be new possibilities in her life and that she will not be in service for long. Indeed, she sets off on her own, finds a job in Macy's selling patterns and meets the Butterick pattern salesman. Very swiftly she rises in her career and always led by her faith in God, rises to become a fashion designer who is highly sought after visiting the fashion houses of Paris.
I did enjoy the book, but felt it all happened almost too fast. I always used Butterick patterns and it was interesting to read how Annie altered and adapted the patterns, with detailed descriptions of the fabrics and dresses . Her mercurial rise in her career , with help from various people in the fashion business, was a surprise, but I suppose it could have happened that way.
I received a copy of the book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
And one more for dipping into;
Coffee talk with Jesus
by Barbie Swihart
Recommended by a favourite blogger, this is a delightfully comforting book to read as a daily devotional.
12 comments:
lovely to read your reviews! comforting devotionals are often just the ticket, as my Aunt A. would say... :) ... the other books sound like really good stories; I can understand that the second one could seem to fast as you said; sorry about not like the ending of the other, that is so disappointing! I hope to read more again in time, am slowly reading 1 book, so that is good! Still thinking of you and your husband... I will light another candle today for you all! <3...
Elizabeth, thank you so much for these book reviews. I've been reading lots of books myself recently, and still haven't made a true dent in the stack of books borrowed from the library. xo
Isn't the Hedgehog book lovely? Except for the ending. I was disappointed, too. Thanks for these reviews.
Elizabeth, oh dear ~ the ending! I'm wondering if it was sad. I don't mind a sad ending in a book. I will add it to my to read list! Thank you for the recommendations!
I agree with you about the Elegance of the Hedgehog book and its ending.
Enjoyed your reviews, life doesn't always have happy endings even though I suppose I hope for them in a story. I would be disappointed, probably. Enjoyed your reviews today :)
I'm sorry you were disappointed in the first book. I always dislike when that happens. Moser's book caught my eye when it was released but I've yet to snag a copy. I will, though. Several devotionals have really enhanced my time in the Word. This one looks interesting. Thanks for sharing your thoughts! It's always great to get recommendations or a heads up. Have a blessed week!
I'm interested in the book by Nancy Moser, sounds like one I'd like.
You made both books appealing for a read...
Very interesting reads. I used to Butterick patterns, too. My mom was one of those women who could alter patterns. I have a very hard time following them. My one daughter has that same talent. I hope your husband comes home soon.
I will tell my daughter about the Nancy Moser book. She has enjoyed others by this author.
Thanks for sharing your reviews!
I bought a copy of The Elegance of the Hedgehog many years ago to send to my daughter. She is fluent in French but she also loved reading books in English and I thought it was important to maintain her mother tongue. I read a couple of chapters and loved it - I fully intended buying a copy for myself but didn't get round to it.
Your post has stirred my interest so I'll look for it in my second hand book shop - the other two sound like me too!
Thank you B for your recommendations.
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