Since the Monty python I have a hard time reading stories with the inquisition without thinking about the rack and the comfy chair...
Since the Monty python I have a hard time reading stories with the inquisition without thinking about the rack and the comfy chair...
Spend the week end emptying our bedroom for the repair to be started tomorrow... Now it is time for some Gothic story and a crêpe for quatre heure (afternoon snack) :)
This book took me awhile to get through but it was pretty good. Some spots were intense and some were slow. Overall a good read!
Purchased this book used from my college bookstore around 1998 when I took a romance class for my English degree. Our professor had us read portions of The Italian to get a sense of early gothic novels, followed by the full Northanger Abbey.
After reading an article in Bella Grace Magazine last night about dark academia and the pull of classics in winter, I was drawn to pull this off my shelf.
#ItalianBuddyRead #Pemberlittens
I just realized what this illustration of Splatty has been reminding me of—one of my all-time favorite John Candy SCTV bits, Dr. Tongue‘s Evil 3D House of Pancakes 😂😂😂
https://youtu.be/1R3G_beQccA
Finito! What a book! So many thrills, chills & twists & who would have thought that nuns are really the mob?! Once you are in, just try getting out! We all need a loyal guy like Paulo in our lives-even if you can‘t shut him up, he‘s fun at parties. Ellena was a badass, just like her nun mom & I did get a grudging respect for Prison Vivaldi—although strength under threat of torture is not quite the same as under torture. Where was the torture?!⬇️
#PemberLittens #ItalianBuddyRead
Our final Chapter! What a whirlwind! My review is coming tonight but let‘s end with some dancing & happy haiku!
Chap 34/Vol 3, Chap 13:
Now our Dear Couple
Call Vivaldi‘s Villa “home”🕍
Finally happy!💕
Fete and Jubilee!🎉
Paulo, master of revels🕺🏻
Ready to party!🥳
Watch his strange capers🕺🏻
Truly he‘s Lord of the Dance!
Frisking it away...🎩
Gesticulating,🕺🏻
“O! giorno felice O!”
Oh! Happy Day All! 🥰
#ItalianBuddyRead #Pemberlittens
And for @DebinHawaii , here‘s our old pal Splatty 😂
#ItalianBuddyRead #Pemberlittens
Now to swamp your feeds with some of my favorite wood engraving illustrations...
Here we have Ellena with her lute.
#ItalianBuddyRead #Pemberlittens
In a month where my reading mojo has been MIA, this buddy read has been a lifesaver. I loved the chilling gothic vibes, the high drama, the soap operatics, the arch villains and villainesses, the sweeping natural vistas, and the hint of subversive political tension underlying it all. Great thanks to @jenniferw88 for hosting and sharing her scholarship and shout out @DebinHawaii for making me 😂 every day.
What a ride. This book has it all: star-crossed lovers, the nun mafia, the evil mother, the evil monk and loyal servants. There was several of the twists I didn‘t see coming
I can definitely see how Catherine Morland could be influenced after reading some of Radcliffe‘s novel
Thank you for organizing this buddy read @jenniferw88
Thank you for your chapter summaries @DebinHawaii They has me laughing and/ or smiling everyday
#ItalianBuddyRead
First of all, thank you @jenniferw88 for this #Italianbuddyread. I'd probably never have picked this book up if it wasn't for you, which would have been a pity!
It was great to have a taste of what Catherine Morland was so passionate about, and I enjoyed the ride a lot. It sure was a bit over the top, so the chapter-a-day pace was perfect for me, making it easier to deal with the melodrama.
Now excuse me, I'm off to join the Paulo Fan Club 😂
This was so much fun! I loved that in its day it was light reading, and that hasn‘t really changed. Once you get caught up in the story it‘s still all drama and suspense and romance and adventure. I‘m so glad that @jenniferw88 decided to lead a #buddyread. I totally want to read the Mysteries of Udolpho too now that I‘m done with this! #pemberlittens
Despite the melodrama and evil characters reading Radcliffe is pure fun! It‘s like a guilty pleasure. You know the plot is a bit over the top but you relish in the absurdity. I feel the same way when I catch an episode of Eastenders or some reality tv show, my brain says “really, you‘re watching this” and the rest of me shouts out with glee “for sure!”
@jenniferw88 #pemberlittens
This book is losing half a star, but it's because I was reading it a chapter a day for the #ItalianBuddyRead #PemberLittens. 4 1/2 🌟
What did everyone think in the end?
#anauthorthatisdeceased #fiveofdiamonds @Clwojick
#letterV #LitsyAtoZ #abcedariantbr @BookishMarginalia
BINGO! #bookspinbingo @TheAromaofBooks
#PemberLittens #ItalianBuddyRead
And with this set of haiku I am caught up... until tomorrow‘s (final?) chapter.
Chap 33, Vol 3 Chap 12:
FINALLY he‘s free! 🎉
Paulo cries O, my Master👬🏻
Vivaldi hugs back! 👨❤️👨
Paulo weeps & laughs🤪
Getting a thousand sequins! (💰)
Dude needs a chill pill! 💊
Must stay with Master! 👨❤️👨
Vivaldi promotes Paulo
He‘s manager now! 👤
Back home to Naples
Vivaldi and Ellena💃🏻🕺🏻
Reunited now!👫🏻
⬇️
#PemberLittens #ItalianBuddyRead
Oh so behind! Catching up on 3 chaps tonight in my favorite way, haiku. Here‘s Chaps 31 & 32 or Vol 3, Chaps 10 & 11:
Paulo, most loyal
Escapes Inquisition Jail
Off to tell Marchese 🏃🏿
ROOF, ROOF, raise the ROOF!
Paulo is almost giddy!
MY MASTER, THE ROOF!
Marchese heads to Rome
Finally sees Vivaldi👁
All is forgiven!
Three weeks, son still jailed
Summoned to dungeon by Monk
Will hear his last tale
⬇️
#ItalianBuddyRead #Pemberlittens
CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR: Okay using a pic of Paulo from Friends as a stand in here. Despite the fact that I‘m sure OUR Paulo would never cheat on Rachel, the Friends guy certainly seems to share the exuberance of my hands down favorite character in this book chock full of character. Oh happy day indeed to witness his reunion with Vivaldi. 😄
Finished my first Radcliffe book with #Italianbuddyread and I really enjoyed it. Filled with intrigue, death, love, journeys, suspicions, sordid pasts, jealously, the Sublime, it was a riveting story. Paulo was entertaining! And my inkling about Olivia turned out to be true. Thanks @jenniferw88 for leading this group read this month!
Confession time: I thought today was the last chapter!
#ItalianBuddyRead #PemberLittens
#WondousWednesday
I. I‘m almost finished with the tagged book, and in my household at the moment there are two songs that are played on repeat both by Taylor Swift, “I Did Something Bad” and “Don‘t Blame Me”. Both fit this book.
II. Don‘t have that much. Maybe my HP LEGO or my P&P tot bag.
III. I don‘t care about their age as long as it‘s a good story
Thanks for tagging me
#ItalianBuddyRead #Pemberlittens
CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO: My neck is sore from all the head spinning back and forth. Was it Niccolo? Was it Schedoni? Who‘s alive? Who‘s dead? Who‘s on first?
😂😂😂
And brava Mrs. Radcliffe for that baddie resurrection jump scare - Fatal Attraction‘s got nothing on this 😂
1. Personal Jesus by Depeche Mode for The Italian because of The Confessor both hearing La Marchesa and the horrible confession etc.
2. T-shirts I would be almost embarrassed to confess how many I have. (Another confession!)
3. As long as I can find some connection it doesn‘t matter. I loved Pumpkinheads with teens and kids books, I ❤️reading about older people too. Im in my 40s. Least appealing are romances about twenty-somethings. 🤷♀️
Not really relevant to today's chapter, but wanted to share this - and yes, I'm quoting myself! 😂
#ItalianBuddyRead #PemberLittens
#ItalianBuddyRead #PemberLittens
Father & son reunion ❤
#ItalianBuddyRead #Pemberlittens
CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE: I wish my edition had an illustration of the most excellent and faithful Paulo, who is shaping up to be my favorite character, but here‘s one of the Marchesa, from way back in chapter 14, before her deathbed conversion to loving mother, back when she was plotting murder, just in case there are any doubts about what a baddie she was. ☺️
This is an entertaining read, with true Gothic lit elements. Romance, mysteries, mysterious monks, secret passages and underground chambers...even has a comedic touch. Radcliffe brilliantly inspired terror with the chilling descriptions, suspense, anticipation, and hints of supernatural forces. Some twists and surprise events make the story more interesting. I enjoyed our #ItalianBuddyRead .
Wow, I just finished Part 3 Ch 7 and my head is spinning. Who to believe? I think I am as clueless as Vivaldi at this stage. Accusations flying in all directions.
I also think I have fallen behind even though I am a day ahead, and so I have another chapter or two to read tonight.
@jenniferw88 @DebinHawaii
#PemberLittens #ItalianBuddyRead
OK, sticking with the haikus for this soap opera!
Chap 30 / Vol 3, Chap 9:
Ellena is sad
No news about Vivaldi
Then, Olivia!
Got convent transfer
Old Abbess is heinous bitch!
Beatrice is here
There has been a death!
Takes WAY too long to tell tale!
Is it Vivaldi?
No! His evil mom!
Can‘t feel too sorry for her!
But where‘s Vivaldi?
Wait, there‘s more drama,
Olivia: Beatrice?
Hold up, I know you!
⬇️
Finally caught up again!!!
CHAPTER THIRTY: More twists and turns...and children, than an episode of All My Children! I love Beatrice‘s turn at the suspense-building servant “you shall hear!” schtick. Did these servants all happen to attend the same drama school?😂
#ItalianBuddyRead #Pemberlittens
#ItalianBuddyRead #PemberLittens
For some reason this scene popped into my head for this chapter! 😂
#PemberLittens #ItalianBuddyRead
Sorry friends, I kept up with the reading but not memes so here are 2 chaps combined & in haiku because it‘s all so much!🤣Today‘s chap coming later!
Chap 28 & 29 / Vol 3, Chap 7 & 8:
Schedoni accused👈🏻
He‘s Count who had brother killed!🥷🏻
Vivaldi is shocked!🤯
Schedoni on trial😱
🐶Paulo reunites with his
best maestro master! 👬🏻❤️
Monk is found guilty!⚖️
Tells Vivaldi that he is
Ellena‘s dad! What?!🤯
I failed #ItalianBuddyRead, but in my defense the last month has been a very stressful decade for me. 😜Anyway, I started yesterday morning and finished today. Whoops.
I liked this book! It‘s a lot more reigned-in than Udolpho (I‘m not sure our dear Catherine would have found it horrid enough), but fascinating and gothic and romantic enough to keep my interest.
I had fun catching up on all of the posts—Jenny, Deb & Kristine are Litsy MVPs!😂
Well, that was a wild ride! I got behind last week, then I couldn‘t remember where I was supposed to be so I just finished it this morning. Thanks @jenniferw88 for hosting #ItalianBuddyRead - it was fascinating!
Monks! Monks with red eyes & a horrifying visage. Parents! Parents who plot dastardly deeds or suffer nobly. Lovers! Lovers who are kept apart by evil forces. Nature! Nature in all its sublime splendour. Servants! Servants with wit & a good heart & the talent to tell a story. These are some of Radcliffe's favourite things, & the way she weaves them together into a riveting, menacing Gothic tale makes it some of mine, too. #italianbuddyread
#JoyousJanuary final stats: I finished two of the three I planned on plus read Scythe and finished The Italian. I made a little progress on W & P but am still behind. I am going to read a bit more of Mapmaker‘s Daughter to see if I want to finish. Thanks for hosting @Andrew65 Hope you have a good week!
Not quite the right image but Vivaldi and Paulo! ❤
#ItalianBuddyRead #PemberLittens
It‘s Saturday morning and, only a few chapters from the end, I couldn‘t keep to just one. Without spoilers I can say that it was true to Radcliffe‘s style, and a very satisfying ending. Even though I read ahead, I‘ll still be following along with the #italianbuddyread @jenniferw88
Thought it was finally time to read the introduction to this book, and found the first paragraph quit interesting.
#ItalianBuddyRead
#PemberLittens #ItalianBuddyRead
Chap 27 or Vol 3, Chap 6: The next night (I suppose it‘s fitting that inquisitions happen in the graveyard shift)😆Vivaldi is escorted again from his room, this time with an added veil covering his eyes, & taken on the ultimate “trust walk” through the tunnels & up & down stairs to the tribunal hall. He‘s asked about Father Schedoni & he reluctantly gives the report he was told but it takes a lot of threats &
#PemberLittens #ItalianBuddyRead
Playing catch up from yesterday‘s chapter due to my crazy work week.
Chap 26 or Vol.3, Chap 5: We‘re back to the Prison of the Inquisition where Paulo is still loudly lamenting not being able to “go shares” with his maestro & bro Vivaldi. It is surprising they have not tortured him to keep him quiet!🤣So Vivaldi has gone through several interrogations & moves up to the major leagues after not confessing to ⬇️
More about Vivaldi's interrogation!
#ItalianBuddyRead #PemberLittens
Back to Vivaldi, and is Schedoni going to get revealed?
#ItalianBuddyRead #PemberLittens
#PemberLittens #ItalianBuddyRead
Chap 25 or Volume 3, Chap 4: It‘s late so I‘ll keep this short-ish.😉Ellena is at her nunnery in the ‘hood fretting about the fact she has a very creepy monk guy for a father, she would get a heinous, evil MIL who wants her DEAD if she marries Vivaldi, if she even could marry him?! Where is he?! She‘s heard nothing from Creepy Monk Daddy! On the bright side, her local convent has a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Yelp review! ⬇️
#PemberLittens #ItalianBuddyRead
I got behind & did the reading last night but not the posting, so I‘ll make this quick(er).
Chapter 24 or Vol 3, Chap 3: Schedoni is up bright & early to get his CYA plan in effect & convince Marchesa that marriage between Ellena & Vivaldi is a good thing. Marchesa has gone to her beach house (damn, Vivaldi is looking better all the time!😍🤑) because orchestrating evil machinations is so tiring! 🙄Or maybe ⬇️
Is Ellena going to become a nun?!
#ItalianBuddyRead #PemberLittens