Review of Barbara Pym's "A Few Green Leaves"

From other critics, I understand that you seldom read Barbara Pym for an exciting plot. Pym's work sketches quaint scenes in provincial England or university life at Oxford. I haven't been disappointed yet in reading tales of the excellent women of the church, befuddled dons and vicars, nosy neighbors, and young bohemian anthropologists.

"A Few Green Leaves" takes place in a particularly small village in Oxfordshire. Throughout the book, the scenes rotate from the local rector, doctors, churchwomen, and young anthropologist hoping to complete a study on country life in their small town. Pym's writing style is humorous but compassionate. She perfectly illustrates the awkwardness of many social situations and conversations that don't always easily flow.

I found myself laughing out loud when some of the neighbors are taking a walk through the grounds of the empty manor of the village. Daphne, the rector's older sister, notices such a pretty spot of sweet violets only to be told that they are actually a discarded candy wrapper.

I love everything I've read by Pym so far and I would love to know if anyone else appreciates her. I'd say read one of her books, if it makes you smile or laugh out loud, then read on.

My review of "Snow Flower and the Secret Fan"

Another historical fiction book review! I've just finished Lisa See's "Snow Flower and the Secret Fan". I had read See's "Shanghai Girls" a few weeks ago and was very impressed. This is the story of lifelong friendship, arranged friendship at that! In rural China in the 18th century, two young girls are matched at age seven to be old sames, friends for life. The story follows the girls journeys into womanhood, marriage, and motherhood.
See gives women the foreground in her stories, rarely even revealing the names of male characters. This is a book of the many hearbreaks faced by women Puwei China, where their only value was found in their ability to bear sons. I greatly enjoyed the friendship as the primary relationship and basis for Lily's story instead of family or romantic relationships. I just remember talking about this in French class a long time ago how romantic relationships sometimes take precedence over good friendships and we rarely see big movies with just friendships as the main dynamic. If you're interested in seeing a good example of this, check out French movie "My Best Friend" starring Daniel Auteuil. It's pretty silly, but I really liked how it was simply about finding friendship.

Back to the book review. This book not only discussed some customs such as embroidery and footbinding, but also the lost art of the language of nu shu, a calligraphy made by women for their own secret use. The secret fan carries messages in nu shu between Lily and Snow Flower during the entirety of their friendship.

Pardon the scatterbrained reviews. I just know that it's always easier for me to remember a book I heard about or was recommended than to go to the library with no plan in mind.

Review of Emma Donoghue's "Slammerkin"

I had heard of Donoghue's new book, "Room" and that it's been getting good reviews. I looked for it at the library and when it was missing I decided to start with some of her other books.

Slammerkin is a the historical fiction of the life of Mary Saunders, a prostitute and maid in 18th century England. The book began with Mary's coming of age, and the bawdiness of her becoming a "Miss" was a guilty pleasure. Donoghue's descriptions of London's bustling nightlife made me feel as if I were actually there. Mary's life in London is a reference point for the rest of the book, taking place near present day Wales.

Mary's past is haunting, yet I kept hoping for her to be able to return to it. Saunders is not necessarily a pleasant character, but she breathes vigor and youth into the home of the family she works for.

I thought my review would be a lot longer, but this is all I've got. I highly recommend this to anyone who likes historical fiction, descriptions of fine clothes, and household tensions.

Also, my favorite was the character Doll Higgins and her quips and quotes that appeared throughout the novel.

Wowie zowie!

I can't believe it's been nearly a year since I've posted. Wow, was I emo. I deleted some old stuff because I prefer not to remember it. It just goes to show how far I've come!

I recently visited MN and being back there made me realize how much I love Athens and how happy I am to have moved here! It just feels right. I don't even mind working these days since my grace period for student loans is up. I am just so happy to be doing almost exactly what I want every day. Work is work, but someday I'll figure out what else to do. It's not a race.

I think I would like to start reviewing tea again on here as well as books I read. So to my two faithful followers, things may get exciting again. Much love!