Happy Remembrance Day. We took this past long weekend away, thinking it would be good after the U.S. election to relax a bit and get out and walk in the woods with the dog and see new sights, which was all well and good.
Little did we know politics as usual would still be going on when we returned and the election results not conceded. How crazy and disheartening. The vote is clear, so let the democratic process stand and the next administration get ready. Meanwhile Covid cases seem to be surging everywhere … so I guess stress still abounds. It’s best to stay safe, vigilant, and escape whenever possible into various books and discussions. Below are reviews of three I finished lately.
We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson / Penguin / 1962
This was my Halloween read this year and it did not disappoint.
From the beginning you know that: Merricat, age 18, and her older sister Constance Blackwood are living with their feeble Uncle Julian in a large mansion on an estate and the rest of their family is dead. Merricat who narrates the story loathes the villagers who bully her and mock their family, and only leaves their locked gate to shop in town twice a week, but Constance, who cooks and tends to their vegetable garden, hasn’t left the place in six years.
It’s an unsettling start … and something or all feels amiss. Merricat, who has her superstitions of burying coins, nailing up items, and repeating her safe words, worries change is in the air and that something is coming that will disturb her and her sister’s safe, confined world. And indeed cousin Charles Blackwood arrives out of the blue to stay, but seems only interested in their money. Uh-oh. Merricat is not pleased and wants him gone.
Little by little you come to understand what happened to the rest of the Blackwood family and why the girls keep to themselves — being two close sisters who rely on one another and want to continue living undisturbed in their large house …. which comes to some ruin in due time. Uh-oh.
Merricat is quite a character, like a feral cat, who hides in the woods on their property, and seems much younger. She loves only her sister Constance, and Jonas, her cat. Her cousin Charles poses a problem for her and she feels he must be dealt with.
It’s epic Shirley Jackson … unsettling with a building dread of what will come and has happened. There’s a feeling of isolation, of being an outsider, and being persecuted by the villagers … which reminded me of Jackson’s famous short story “The Lottery.” It also reminded me slightly of the excellent 2009 HBO film “Grey Gardens” (starring Drew Barrymore & Jessica Lange) — although there it was with a mother and daughter and here it’s with two sisters — but both feature two close relatives living in a ruined state and eschewing things beyond their walls. It’s both creepy and something you can’t turn away from.
Lands of Lost Borders: A Journey on the Silk Road by Kate Harris / 2018
This is a book I read for Nonfiction November and which gained considerable praise when it came out in Canada a couple years ago.
What It’s About: Part memoir, part travelogue, this is about a Canadian girl Kate who dreams about being a scientist and an astronaut on a mission to Mars but instead ends up bicycling the Silk Road from Europe to Asia with her childhood friend Mel. In 2006 between her stints at Oxford (as a Rhodes scholar) and then MIT as a microbiologist, Kate had cycled with Mel part of the Silk Road and got a taste for the adventure. Then later when Kate bails on her MIT lab life, the two head back to finish the Silk Road from 2010 to 2011.
It’s quite an undertaking that had interested Kate ever since reading about explorer Marco Polo when she was young and his travels along the Silk Road around 1271 to 1295. And as a cyclist myself I was interested in Kate and Mel’s long-distance biking through such rigorous terrain … as they pedaled east across the Caucasus and Central Asia, and then south across Tibet, and west across Nepal then north into India, ending at the Siachen Glacier in the Himalayas at the edge of the Tibetan plateau.
It’s an epic journey across some incredible lands and plateaus, where they encounter various people from different countries who are mostly helpful to them long the way. It’s not all about the biking, quite a bit of the book includes the author’s thoughts on exploration, geography, history, science, borders, ecology, and geo-political landscapes. Much of it I found interesting and well-paced with some beautiful writing at times of the sights and places, though there are some slower parts later that I found a bit denser.
Still I marveled at Kate and Mel’s travels and was interested in their lives and the countries, people, and cultures they encounter along the way. I learned quite a bit (especially about Kate’s focus on the relations between China and Tibet … as well as what “the stans” are like (Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, etc.) of Asia, and it sparked my interest in long distance bike rides. I think Kate (along with Mel) are quite the adventurers, naturalists, badasses, thinkers, and in general do-gooders towards people they meet and the planet. I’ll be interested to see what the author puts out next from her life off the grid in a log cabin in northern British Columbia.
Monogamy by Sue Miller / Harper Books / 352 pages / 2020
What It’s About: Annie (a photographer) and Graham (a vivacious bookstore owner) have had a long marriage in Cambridge, Mass., which is the second marriage for both. Annie is friends with Frieda (Graham’s first wife) and their married son Lucas who now works in publishing in NY … and Annie and Graham also have a grown daughter Sarah who lives in San Francisco. All seems fairly happy and close until something happens to Graham … which sends Annie spiraling down … and even more so after she learns something about his life — which makes her wonder if she ever really knew him. Uh-oh.
This is a slow-burn of a novel — that you know with a title like that is likely not going to be about a marriage that has been always faithful. The novel swirls around with Annie’s grief and thoughts about marriage and monogamy (even in her past) and there’s also chapters from the perspectives of the ex-wife Frieda, and the two adult kids Lucas and Sarah that round out this character-driven novel about long-lasting love.
The beginning half with Graham I thought was the most interesting, but after that … things eventually begin to wallow a bit with Annie. There are some interesting thoughts on marriage and relationships, but it’s quite an internal journey on getting Annie back on her feet … and her evolution on thinking about Graham and their love.
There’s not a lot of action, which I was okay with for most of the novel — which I listened to as an audiobook read by the author — though towards the end I sort of started to tire of Annie. Maybe it was just me or the fact that it’s so internal and swirls over the situation that it got a bit tiring. But still I’m glad I listened to it and the author Sue Miller does an excellent job of reading it for the audio.
That’s all for now. What about you — have you read these books or authors and if so, what did you think?
I am counting down the days to Inauguration. 70, as of today. I have no doubt that Biden will be inaugurated and we will have heard the last from Trump, at least as President, but how annoying can one man be?
Your review of We Have Always Lived in the Castle is so excellent!
I have a newish blogger friend who goes by the moniker Mudpuddle, who reads skads of books like Lands of Lost Borders. I thought of him when I read your review.
I haven’t read Sue Miller in many years and am curious to see what she did this time.
I am currently reading My Own Words by RBG and while I admire her to the ends of the earth, I struggle to read 40 pages a day so I can finish by the reading group meeting for which I am reading it. Much of it is so dry! At least I am hydrating well as I read:-)
Ha Judy! Maybe that other RBG book will be (much) better. Sometimes I think we like fiction books way better — even though we can like nonfiction. I will have to check out Mudpuddle’s site. Every blue moon I’ll read an epic journey book of some sort. And be thankful for my bed & a shower, ha.
Also I’m glad you feel optimistic that the current occupant of the WH will be gone on Inauguration day. I feel quite sick about the whole thing and still fear the GOP are trying to steal the election. Sigh. please assure me. I’m scared.
It is scary but I don’t think he will be able to keep Biden out. What concerns me is the psychic trauma and their residual wounds around the country.
Yeah Judy, I agree. I worry about that too. sigh.
Trump’s behavior is really no surprise. This is what authoritarians do. Hopefully nothing he attempts succeeds and we will be rid of him soon.
I want to read We Have Always Lived in the Castle soon. You description of it makes it seem so interesting. I like books that create a sense of dread.
Hey Brian, you will like this Shirley Jackson book, perhaps it’s her best. I want to read the recent biography of the author sometime – I bet she felt ostracized? As for the current WH occupant … I really hope he will be gone soon, though all the GOP seems like such enablers … it’s really sickening to know how far they will take this. Grrrr.
I’ve just avoided all news from the American election since the weekend. Not too difficult, but I do feel sorry for you guys. May justice prevail.
I liked We’ve always lived in the castle more than I liked The Haunting of Hill House and your review was good!
Hope you had a good week and that you will enjoy your weekend.
Elza Reads
Thanks Mareli : I too probably liked this Shirley Jackson novel a bit better than the Haunting of Hill House but still liked them both.
I too hope justice will prevail with the US election. Goodness how far we’ve sunk. Can’t we abide by election results? Ugh. Hope your life is going all right. Stay safe and thanks for stopping by!
I hope democracy still wins on inauguration day! I saw a few promising tidbits from Republican senators etc. The two key dates are in December for the official counts and the appointed electors who officially vote. So if those go smoothly I’ll be a lot happier…
That bicycling travel memoir sounds right up my alley. I am adding it. I have enjoyed both Haunting of Hill House and We Have Always Lived in the Castle. Great reviews. I was completely shocked by the ending of that one. Though, I know if I reread it I would see all the foreshadowing etc in it. Such a great read.
May you find your slice of peace and safety this week!
Thanks Heather. Glad you liked those Shirley Jackson novels too. I thought you would … you seem an authority on scary/unsettling kinds of novels. You’ll probably like the travel memoir. I think the author might have a new book coming perhaps next year, hmm … though I haven’t heard specifically yet.
I’m also holding onto hope for democracy to win out & we should all demand it! … but also a bit scared of the GOP and the current WH … it’s all been alarming! ugh. take care.
Oh my goodness, can you believe it? I am actively looking at places in Canada to live because America is so utterly broken. 70% of Republicans think the election was rigged. It’s nonsensical and yet, here we are. 69 more days until what- the military is called in to oust him?
Sorry, my sanity is a bit frayed these days. I read Monogamy and liked it a bit more than you, but can see your point. It did make me want to read more of her backlist.
Hey Catherine, you’re about as freaked as I am about the U.S. WH situation. I get so mad — I can’t even watch. The GOP enablers are mind-boggling. And Moscow Mitch and Loser Lindsey are the worst of all. It’s really tough to take. All they care about are themselves & not the nation. By January he will/&must be gone! I will go to the gates of the WH if I have to … to protest this aberration.
I would read more Sue Miller in the future (this being my first) … I’m curious about her 2008 novel The Senator’s Wife … hmm.
Hold on & keep fighting!
The book about the Silk Road sounds really interesting! And, it seems the election has now been called, but, no real surprise here, the President isn’t accepting that information. I guess that’s what happens when one is a narcissist, you can’t handle rejection and it not being “about you.” Sigh.
Yeah Helen, it’s pretty much playing out how we thought he’d react, but yet the other GOP need to stop enabling his antics. Ohh what a world.
The Silk Road book opened my eyes to this ancient corridor … you might like it. Hope your week is going well … I’ll stop by your site soon.
Several years ago, I read a nonfiction book about the Silk Road the title of which completely escapes me at the moment but it was fascinating and this one sounds as though it would be, too.
Monogamy seems like it might be worth a read and Shirley Jackson always is, although I don’t think I’m up for this particular story just now.
Biden is right to go ahead with planning his administration and basically ignoring Trump. It’s a good strategy for handling a toddler having a tantrum. There is so much work to do, repairs to be made, and goodness knows it won’t be easy. It never is. But at least there is hope now.
Yeah Dorothy, though there is tremendous work to be done — I’m hopeful if Biden can get in & start. Just that hope — if we can stop another 4 years of this would feel (so) great.
I’m curious what Silk Road book you read … I googled such books and apparently there are a lot. The author I read doesn’t get into a lot of the ancient history of the Silk Road — it’s more the modern views from there. Sometime I’d like to read more about it. Cheers.
Walking in the woods sounds lovely. We have returned from a few days in the valley (Rod had a couple of pre-surgery appts. so we took the RV over) and got home just in time for a windstorm and rain. No walking in our woods for a while!
Yes, it’s terribly frustrating that there has not been a concession from the current president and that the COVID cases continue to climb. Oregon is heading into a two-week freeze/pause (not a lockdown, though) on the 18th. I hope it helps!
I have a copy of Monogamy in my stacks and am eager to get to it. I wonder if the introspection (or internal journey) is easier to read than to hear. I get irritated when I listen to a thriller on audio and the internal monologue goes on endlessly. I’ll keep you posted on my reactions. It’s been years since I read anything by Miller.
Lands of Lost Borders sounds like it would be a fun one to listen to while riding my Peloton. 🙂
Have a good weekend!
Hey thanks Lesley, Ohh your Peloton seems so good! I am envious. If we ever move somewhere with better space — than I will talk my husband into it.
The Covid cases now are just crazy though I continue to play indoor tennis which might close soon. Hope your rain is making things lush there & it’s nice you got into the valley. I will be curious to hear what you think of the Sue Miller book. Enjoy your week ahead.
I love the sound of Lands of Lost Borders – I’m just as fascinated with accounts of self-discovery while on an actual journey on foot, bike, or other. You learn so much of yourself in relation to other cultures and people. I’ll have to look that up.
Glad you got a good break from all the pre- and post-election nonsense. I expect it will continue all the way into the first half of next year, of how he’s been cheated and how it’s all fake. I just hope he doesn’t get much airtime.
Yeah Athira : if #45 doesn’t get airtime — perhaps he & his goons will fizzle and the democratic process can move forward. Let’s really hope so.
Lands of Lost Borders is a good one and opened my eyes to Central Asia which I didn’t know a lot about. These girls really biked so far & saw a lot!
Have a great week.
We decided to head off to Arizona for a week of hiking. We were as careful as anyone can be. While we were gone, the election was called (so glad!) and the vaccine trials were publically shared (very glad!) Let’s hope #45 starts packing soon, and that this year of covid may start to come to an end.
I’m very interested in Monogamy. It sounds like a compelling read. Land of Lost Border also sounds intriguing.
Have a good week.
Thanks Deb. Yeah let’s hope #45 will start packing asap. Can’t wait for his vacancy. I look forward to hearing about your hiking trip around Sedona and if it’s as good as everyone says. I have driven thru there — but was on my way elsewhere so didn’t stop. It’s beautiful country. Enjoy your week.
First off, the election. What the heck is going on? I mean, I knew he would not formally concede but just today he tweeted again that “HE WON” and the fact that many Republicans refuse to explain it to his base that no, he actually did lose and fairly. No evidence of fraud. It might be a hard pill to swallow but it’s reality. Will they ever move on?
I have not read that Jackson book but it’s been on my list for a really long time. Monogamy sounds very good. It wasn’t really on my radar but I enjoyed your review of it and now thinking about buying it as a Christmas gift to myself. My family never buys me books. I buy my own and even wrap them. I need to get a life.
I’ve been trying to get outdoors more. Everything is really pretty here. Not too warm or cold but very nice out. I can actually see us eating our Thanksgiving meal outside if the weather holds.
Today I took a long walk with the pup, worked some, and then worked on my grocery list for the big meal. I am about to start a deep cleaning of the house. I still don’t know if my son will be here for the holiday. His job situation changed last minute and then he got another job but it’s going to be a miracle if he isn’t working on Thanksgiving. I remain hopeful.
Hi Ti, it would be great if your son’s new job doesn’t start right away so at least he can have Thanksgiving there hmm. It sounds like a really pretty time of year to walk where you are. I don’t think we’ll make it for Christmas to Calif. — too much Covid around.
I am ticked & troubled by what’s going on with the election. Everyone knows who won. It’s just more lying & disinformation by the WH to try to hold onto power.
You might like the Monogamy novel. This was my first Sue Miller book & it had good parts to it. Enjoy your week. & Stay well.
Interested in the first two books, the third not so much. I have We Have Always… on my TBR; I just don’t know when I’ll finally pick it up. Did you see the 2018 movie adaptation starring Alessandra D’Adario and Sebastian Stan? They made for a beautiful couple, but the spooky factor was missing. Did you see Shirley? It was quite good, and a bit unsettling too (if you ask me! 🙂 ).
Hey Carmen, thanks for your comments …. I still haven’t seen Shirley … so I’ll look for it and try to talk my husband into it — perhaps this weekend. I’m sort of a chicken on watching scary things. And I haven’t seen the 2018 movie adaptation of Castle — is that on NetFlix? …. I’ll check for it. Perhaps I’ll try and read one Shirley Jackson book per year around Halloween time. She was quite a talent in an eerie way. Keep in touch. And enjoy your holidays.
Thanks for the good wishes, Susan. Likewise to you and yours. We Have Always… was on Netflix, but I don’t know if it’s still showing. Shirley is not exactly scary, just a bit “off”; I’m not sure I can tell you without ruining the plot.
Okay – good to know. I’m going to search for these. Canada often doesn’t have the same programming — we don’t get all that Netflix or Prime gets in the States which drives us crazy. Bahh. But I will keep searching. keep in touch there.