tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15714418.post3412525178021059433..comments2024-03-25T19:05:07.205-06:00Comments on Reading, Writing, Working, Playing: Some Tame GazelleJaneGShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11094501834387622997noreply@blogger.comBlogger7125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15714418.post-88316269807067266822012-02-15T04:56:12.539-07:002012-02-15T04:56:12.539-07:00I have to read something by Pym. I do have Excelle...I have to read something by Pym. I do have Excellent Women, but love when a book can make me laugh.<br /><br />That watercolor is lovely.(Diane) Bibliophile By the Seahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10519875632878992728noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15714418.post-38002400495597940272012-02-13T13:54:26.318-07:002012-02-13T13:54:26.318-07:00It has been a long time since I read Pym, but your...It has been a long time since I read Pym, but your review brought it all back. I read quite a few, since they offer truth, but in gentle, digestible gulps. I agree that reading her work does not feel like reading Austen, more like the Gaskell of 'Cranford', as you suggested. Among later writers, I would compare Pym with Elizabeth Bishop or Anita Brookner, though Pym finds hope and humor rather than resignation. As you put it so beautifully-- her characters "meander along a journey that takes them to where they started, reasonably happy and comfortable and fulfilled." There is an art to gaining happiness from such rather meager emotional materials--a discipline of sorts that they excel at. In this discipline (and absence of complaint), there is something to admire.<br /><br />I'm also glad you mentioned Pym's vocabulary and the need for a dictionary at times! I remember learning what a "jumble sale" was from Pym (I'd call it "rummage"). As for mallow, I think of it as a small pink or white flower, but I would need help to spot one! :)Lucy Pollard-Gotthttp://fictional100.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15714418.post-24838365485567419522012-02-11T17:43:42.650-07:002012-02-11T17:43:42.650-07:00No, Pym definitely does not write fairy tales. I t...No, Pym definitely does not write fairy tales. I think the similarities to Jane Austen are based on village life and manners. Some Tame Gazelle is my next Pym... hopefully soon. So glad you enjoyed this.JoAnnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13691864361197071517noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15714418.post-62900423116166483372012-02-11T11:07:07.920-07:002012-02-11T11:07:07.920-07:00I enjoyed Excellent Women, and this one sounds lik...I enjoyed Excellent Women, and this one sounds like it covers similar territory. I agree with you that I wouldn't compare Pym to Austen, though. <br /><br />I have this book on one of my bookshelves - I'll get round to reading it at some stage.Tracyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03070070360087765540noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15714418.post-18855520326985500862012-02-11T05:36:46.191-07:002012-02-11T05:36:46.191-07:00I just yesterday checked this out from the library...I just yesterday checked this out from the library, no kidding!! I've only read Excellent Women which I just loved.<br /><br />I agree she's a bit like Austen and Gaskell, I think because of the village settings, but to me, mostly because of the wry observations of life. Just something about the atmosphere, I can't describe it any better than that.<br /><br />I also have Crampton Hodnet and Quarted in Autumn which I got via Paperback Swap. Haven't touched them yet but lately I've had the overwhelming urge for mid-century middlebrow fiction. Just the thing for the winter.Karen K.https://www.blogger.com/profile/13483190930383406559noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15714418.post-21423522842238089262012-02-10T20:02:05.459-07:002012-02-10T20:02:05.459-07:00I've only read Excellent Women which I loved. ...I've only read Excellent Women which I loved. It was enough to make me want to buy all the rest of her novels, which I have yet to get around to reading! You are tempting me to go pick up one of her books now. I do like good humor. Can't help you with the mallows reference though! :)Daniellehttp://www.danitorres.typepad.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15714418.post-45205428607555829532012-02-10T18:34:49.504-07:002012-02-10T18:34:49.504-07:00"Ilaughed out loud in places, I smiled freque..."Ilaughed out loud in places, I smiled frequently at Pym's wonderful turn of phrase, I sighed contentedly at the end.." <br /><br />Now that's how to sell a book! How have I never heard of Pym? Glad you rectified that for me because this certainly sounds like it's right up my alley!Lisahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05554217416500328610noreply@blogger.com