Well I didn't get any serious reading done until after nine o'clock last night and stayed up until an unwise hour because I didn't want to put down Miss Buncle's Book even for something as necessary as sleep. For the second time in a few weeks, I have been reminded of Clifton Fadiman's essay Pillow Books in which he advises not to choose a book that is too exciting and wonderful nor one that is so slow as to induce sleep. I haven't always completely agreed with this sentiment because I have always loved reading a really great book until the wee hours but I am not as young as I used to be and can no longer get away with three or fours of sleep days on end. Getting up this morning was not fun...but this Persephone read is. I have tabbed it all up because there are so many sentences or paragraphs that make me ponder, laugh, or just revel in its perfection. Here are some that I have particularly enjoyed..."What fools the public were! They were exactly like sheep...thought Mr. Abbott sleepily...following each other's lead, neglecting one book and buying another just because other people were buying it, although, for the life of you, you couldn't see what the one lacked and the other possessed."
"It will have been deduced from the foregoing that Mr. Abbott was a bachelor - what wife would have allowed her husband to sit up all hours for two nights running reading the manuscript of a novel? None."
"'People fed them,' replied Uncle Mike. 'People don't feed saints nowadays, they ask them why they are not on the dole, and advise them to apply for parish relief.'"
"Sarah turned on the reading lamp and opened the book; quiet fell in the room as she began to read." (I love that moment at the end of the day when it is quiet all around and it is just you and a good book. BP)
The whole of Mrs. Walker, the chapter this last quote was taken from, was delightful. It was the last chapter of the day and a wonderful way to end it.
13 comments:
At least you can stay awake long enough to make a large dent in your reading. I took my book up with me at nine last night and surrendered just after ten! Miss Buncle's Book sounds like a delightful read and your quotes make me glad that I have a copy already on my shelf.
I was saving Miss Buncle's Book for later but you may have tempted me. The passages you selected were lovely. And I know exactly what you mean about staying up late to finish...most times it is worth it! Happy reading!
I love your opening paragraph and the quotes chosen! This sounds utterly delightful, of which I had no doubts. I think that I may finish a week of Persephone with this...
Darlene - LOL...that might be me tonight:)
leaningtowardthesun- Definitely worth it once the morning fog wears off:) I am only a third of the way through but I definitely recommend it.
Paperback Reader - It is utterly delightful and it seems so many of the Persephones are...makes the decision that much more difficult when it comes to choosing what to read next.
I read both this one, and the sequel, Miss Buncle Married four years ago, and liked them both. Well, I loved Miss Buncle's Book and liked Miss Buncle Married. D.E. Stevenson is so great.
Love that first quote too, yes!
Sounds like a fascinating read.
Nan - This is my first read by Stevenson and I am so enjoying it. I will have to read Miss Buncle Married just to find out what happens next.
Carrie - That first quote sure did get me thinking about the nature of publishing books. It is a fascinating read and one I can recommend...so far.
Hey--this is where I saw the plain grey books I was talking about in my Sunday Salon! Glad to hear that you didn't judge the book by it's cover and are being rewarded.
I'm enjoying this project by experiencing it through you and the others reading along...
The quotes you've chosen are really good. I often stay up late finishing a book but I find it harder and harder every year. When younger I used to take a torch to bed to read under the sheets. I didn't know until much later that my mum knew exactly what I was up to!
Since you call it perfection.. And who can resist a book about books? So happy to hear how wonderful this is. :D
Unfortunately I can't stay awake late reading anymore (at least not during the work week--though I often try!). I must get this--I've heard only good things about it so far!
Lit and Life - I was wondering:) I often do initially judge a book by its cover but I don't make the final decision until I have read the synposis whether or not I will read it. This is the year I have payed hardly any attention to covers but more the wonderful recommendations of book bloggers.
Beth F - Reading all the other participants' posts has been enjoyable for me as well...so much so I have to remember to read every once in a while:)
Green Road - I love that...and she knew all along:) My daughter has done that a couple of times and told me after that fact. I had no clue.
Claire - I definitely find it hard to resist books about books:) The book Miss Buncle wrote is like a main character that I am finding myself quite protective of.
Danielle - Yes, I know once school starts our nights of staying up late will definitely be curbed. The mornings will be that much more less forgiving. I don't think you would regret getting this one.
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