A Jest of God

A Jest of God | Margaret Laurence

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Winner of the Governor General‘s Award in 1966, in this superb novel we are in the head of Rachel, a schoolteacher in her 30s in small town Manitoba, where she lives with her ailing, petulant mother. Over the course of 3 seasons, major changes happen for Rachel. I loved witnessing her growth, overcoming her fears & anxiety as she comes to terms with fulfilling her needs for love & human connection. #CanadianAuthor

batsy I loved this ❤️ 3mo

Lindy @batsy It was the first time I‘ve read it. Love it so much! 3mo

LeahBergen I loved it, too! 3mo

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Lcsmcat I love your teacup! 3mo

Lindy @LeahBergen 😁👯🇨🇦🏆 3mo

Lindy @Lcsmcat thanks Linda! 3mo

vivastory 💙Laurence (this is definitely one of my favorites by her) 3mo

Lindy @vivastory I am definitely reading more of her books this year. 3mo

vivastory I think it rewards reading the cycle in order to see some of the connections 3mo

Lindy @vivastory I think the only one in the series that I haven‘t yet read is Fire Dwellers, but it‘s been so long that I‘ve read the others that I plan to reread them too. 3mo

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Lindy

A Jest of God | Margaret Laurence

We watched until the lights of the town could not be seen any longer. Now only the farm kitchens and the stars are out to signpost the night. The bus flies along, smooth and confident as a great owl through the darkness, and all the passengers are quiet, some of them sleeping.

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Lindy

A Jest of God | Margaret Laurence

… in among the stalks of last year‘s grass now brittle and brown like the ancient bones of birds, the crocuses were growing, the flowers‘ faint mauve protected by the green-grey hairs of the outer petals.
[internet photo]

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vivastory

A Jest of God | Margaret Laurence

📚Jest of God*Jane Eyre
🖋️Tove Jansson*Shirley Jackson*NK Jemisin*PD James
🎬 Jackie Brown*Jurassic Park*Jodorowsky's Dune*JoJo Rabbit*Jaws*Jude
🎙️ Joan Jett*Johnny Cash*Joy Division*Jeff Buckley*Jesus & Mary Chain*Japanese Breakfast
🎧 Jolene (D. Parton)*Jesus Don't Want Me for a Sunbeam (Nirvana)*Jackie Down the Line (Fontaines DC)*Ju$t (RTJ)*Jesus etc (Wilco)
#manicmonday #letterj @CBee

CBee I almost picked the Nirvana and Wilco too 🙌🏻 2y

vivastory @CBee 👏 🤘 2y

RamsFan1963 I like your taste in music 2y

vivastory @RamsFan1963 Thanks! 2y

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shawnmooney

A Jest of God | Margaret Laurence

https://youtu.be/-XECvUyCfaM

A playlist of all episodes in the Bite-sized Book Chat series: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLU-61cZp1pQdBH5V0Zb9q-2ujl4PY8nhf

Chat #1: with Margot from New Brunswick
@merelybookish

A Jest of God - Margaret Laurence

Chat #2: with Areeb from India

Natural History by Carlos Fonseca, Megan McDowell (Translation)

...

Centique

shawnmooney Chat #3: Paula from Auckland
@centique

Station Life in New Zealand by Lady Barker AKA Mary Anne Barker

The Imaginary Lives Of James Pōneke by Tina Makereti

Noopiming: The Cure for White Ladies by Leanne Betasamosake Simpson

Roughing It In The Bush by Susanna Moodie

Chat #4: with Freddie from Malaysia

Reunion by Fred Uhlman

2y

merelybookish Thanks Shawn! Enjoyable as always and shout out to the #Manawakans 2y

Cathythoughts @merelybookish Lovely to see you and hear you talking about this author.. I must try one of hers. Well done 👍🏻❤️ 2y

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Cathythoughts @Centique Lovely Paula ! So interesting to hear you speak of these times in your country! Bravo 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 2y

Centique Thank you Shawn and so lovely to see and hear you @merelybookish You did a great job and I‘m even more keen to start that series 😘 2y

Centique @Cathythoughts thank you Cathy! 😘 2y

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batsy

A Jest of God | Margaret Laurence

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Rachel is an unforgettable protagonist. Her voice is sharp, self-effacing, astute, & clever. Through a very careful depiction of an interior life, Laurence delves deep into the lives of an ordinary woman with breathtaking intimacy. Through her thoughts & fantasies & actions, we get a sense of how restrictive life can be for a single woman living with an overbearing mother in a small town, & the burdens of simply trying to exist as a Normal Person.

batsy I'm so glad I read it with you guys @leahbergen @merelybookish @vivastory and I have to deem it a new #spinsterlit classic! 😆 3y

merelybookish Lovely review! It seems many #spinsterlit classics are not about ordinary women or they cope by being eccentric or extraordinary. Whereas Rachel really is a very normal person! 3y

nathandrake1997 Brilliant review ❤️ Can't wait to read this! 3y

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BarbaraBB I definitely want to read this now, after your review and having just finished

The Stone Angel

vivastory I'm so glad you liked it & it is def a #spinsterlit classic IMO Are you interested in joining @merelybookish & @leahbergen & I for The Fire-Dwellers? (edited) 3y

vivastory @BarbaraBB I will be reading The Fire-Dwellers in September. Feel free to join! 3y

batsy @merelybookish @nathandrake1997 Thank you! ❤️❤️ 3y

batsy @BarbaraBB I'm a bit bummed that I didn't read it in order. I've got The Stone Angel high on the tbr 🙂 3y

batsy @vivastory Yes, I can't wait! I've ordered my copy and I hope it arrives on time 🤞🏾 3y

vivastory @batsy I think that I am going to push it back a bit. I know that @merelybookish is going to be busy getting settled into her new place. So, I was thinking maybe starting around the 13th? @leahbergen @barbarabb 3y

BarbaraBB @vivastory I‘m in! Thanks for thinking of me. Now I just need to get a copy ij time! 3y

vivastory @BarbaraBB Wonderful! Glad that you will be joining us 3y

batsy @vivastory No problem at all! I'm happy to start when we're all ready. 3y

shawnmooney Lovely review! I read it as a precocious teenager and all I remember is that I liked it. I want to read the entire Manawaka series in sequence one of these days! 3y

batsy @shawnmooney Thank you! And I regret not reading it in order, as well. I read The Diviners for a CanLit course years ago. I want to read the whole sequence too. 3y

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batsy

A Jest of God | Margaret Laurence

Oh, Rachel 💔

I'm almost towards the end but I don't want to finish it tonight—I'm a bit nervous about how it'll end. It turns out I'm getting softer with age and need my #spinsterlit anti-heroines to thrive 😭

@LeahBergen @merelybookish @vivastory

vivastory Same, same ...it looks like you're almost at the end 3y

merelybookish Her situation feels impossible at times! 3y

LeahBergen I know!!! 😩😩 3y

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batsy I finally finished and like @LeahBergen said I didn't see that ending coming! A triumph for Rachel, imo—plus what she said to her mother 🙌🏾 @merelybookish @vivastory 3y

merelybookish @batsy I'm glad you finished and had your fears are put to rest. The ending is great and makes so much sense for Rachel but didnt even seen like a possibility until the very end. So yes a triumph! 3y

vivastory @batsy @merelybookish @LeahBergen Over the past year I've noticed more & more how tricky a good ending is, especially one where there's a change for the MC & it's convincing. The more I think about it, this is my favorite ending of the year 3y

merelybookish @vivastory Most good books have okay conclusions. A good conclusion is rare, and one that actually makes the book better is even more rare. I think the ending to Jest of God is that rare exception! 3y

batsy @vivastory @merelybookish I agree! My main issue with Moshfegh's Eileen was the ending. Laurence just pulls it all off in a very realistic and low-key way and it feels totally *right*. 3y

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LeahBergen

A Jest of God | Margaret Laurence

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Oh, how I loved this Canadian modern classic (and spinster-lit classic, too, if I may 😉).

Rachel Cameron, forced home from university in her younger years to be her widowed mother‘s caretaker, is stuck in her elementary school teacher rut with only her fantasies (and anxieties) to keep her company. When an old acquaintance returns to town one summer, she embarks on a second coming-of-age.

Thanks for the buddy read!

merelybookish, batsy, vivastory

LeahBergen @vivastory @merelybookish @batsy I didn‘t see that ending coming!! I was cheering! 3y

merelybookish I like that you mentioned her fantasies! Because they were a bit jarring at first but really are key to her character. It is like a belated coming-of-age. She became the mother. 🙂 3y

batsy Feel like it's definitely heading towards #spinsterlit classic status! I'm the slowest in this speedy group but I'm itching to come back and check on your spoiler once I'm done 😆 3y

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rubyslippersreads This sounds intriguing. 3y

vivastory The ending is standing ovation perfect. I reread the final couple of pages a few times. Loved, loved it. 3y

vivastory Agree with @merelybookish that I'm glad that you mention her fantasies. Really were a key aspect of her character 3y

vivastory @batsy I'm curious to see what you make of it! Please tag us when you finish 3y

LeahBergen @vivastory It totally was! The way she finally talked to her mother? Oh, man. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 3y

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merelybookish

A Jest of God | Margaret Laurence

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There's a quote from some Alice Munro story about a character realizing she had to stop waiting to live her life because she is already living it. That came to mind as I finished this book. Rachel, a single 34 year-old elementary school teacher is paralyzed, hemmed in by the past and her own fears and beliefs. But by the end, she realizes she must be in charge of her own life. How she gets there and what that looks like is complicated and less 👇

merelybookish dramatic than might be expected, which is part of Laurence's gift, to find the depth and drama within the "average" life. Rachel's anxious overthinking and general fear of looking like a fool made this book uncomfortable at times, because of how much I could relate. And as @vivastory noted, the ending is pitch perfect in its honesty. Again, so glad to re-discover the wisdom of Laurence's fiction! @batsy @LeahBergen 3y

merelybookish Also, I'm still puzzling over the comment about the dad, getting the life he wanted. Thoughts @vivastory 3y

merelybookish And did I hear Fire-Dwellers is up next? I'm on board! It's about Stacy, Rachel's sister. 🙂 3y

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vivastory Wonderful review! I completely agree about her gift is finding the depth & drama in an average life. She reminds me of Williams in that regards. I was a bit baffled by the comment about the dad. I think the comment was because he was traumatized from the war experience & was able to spend most of his time with the dead, who didn't ask him anything. He seemed to be a recluse, but I couldn't tell if that was a result of the war or not. 3y

vivastory Fire-Dwellers is the beginning of September. I ordered my copy yesterday. I didn't realize it was about Stacy. That's an interesting perspective! 3y

merelybookish @vivastory Yeah I felt there was a lot to that comment about the dad but couldn't quite get a grasp on it. Like he had more say over his life than might have been perceived? Maybe that thing that we are all wrestling with our own demons/issues (eg Nick, the school principal, Calla) and trying to do our best to live our lives? Also, can you ever really know another person? (One of my favourite literary themes. 😉) 3y

merelybookish @vivastory I have a copy of Fire-Dwellers. The trick will be finding it after the move. 🙂 3y

LeahBergen Like I said on @vivastory ‘s review … I‘ll wait to read this and comment when I‘m done! 😘 3y

vivastory @merelybookish I definitely had the sense that part of this comment was as you said having more to offer than others might think. I think the difficulty of communication was effectively portrayed by Laurence in this one. Your move is soon, isn't it? 3y

merelybookish @vivastory Yes we are always trapped in Rachel's mind and she is always second-guessing what others mean or is caught up in what they must be thinking of her. Or not saying what she thinks but what she thinks she should say. Lots of miscommunication. Actually several instances. Move is on 17th! So yeah, feels weirdly both soon and far. 3y

merelybookish @LeahBergen I look forward to hearing what you think! 3y

batsy Excellent review. Love that reference to the Munro line. I'm a bit slow with this one but savouring it as best as I can 🙂 3y

LeahBergen I‘m right there with you! Her anxiety actually made me extremely anxious. When she visited the Tabernacle with Calla, I was like “oh, Lordy… is she gonna start speaking in tongues??” I can‘t remember the last time a fictional character made me feel so much vicarious social embarrassment. 😆😆 @merelybookish @vivastory 3y

merelybookish @LeahBergen Yes! The tabernacle scene is brutal! But kudos to Laurence because she really captured what anxiety feels like! 3y

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vivastory

A Jest of God | Margaret Laurence

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When I began A Jest of God I (understandably yet a bit unfairly) hoped for a repeat performance of The Stone Angel. I soon realized that, although there are several common themes & flourishes of Laurence's lyrical prose , this is quite a different book in both the personality of the protagonist & the overall tone. Rachel, our protagonist, lives with her emotionally manipulative mother in the flat above the Japonica Funeral Chapel. She is an👇

vivastory imaginative & empathetic teacher with an incredible sense of loneliness, & there is a current of anxiety running throughout the book. I mentioned in a prior post that it reminded me of Otessa Moshfegh, at times I also couldn't help but think of Shirley Jackson & Carson McCullers. But enough with the comparisons! Laurence is very much doing her own thing & it is magnificent! This is different from The Stone Angel, but is every bit as worthwhile IMO 3y

vivastory Laurence *really* knows how to write an ending. The final few paragraphs of this might very well be the best I've read this year. I will be continuing the Manawaka series next month with The Fire-Dwellers for anyone who is interested.
@merelybookish @leahbergen @batsy (edited) 3y

TrishB Great review 👍🏻 3y

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LeahBergen I‘m saving this to read when I‘m finished, too. 😆 3y

batsy Like @LeahBergen I'm going to come back to this when I've finished! I feel bad for missing out on The Stone Angel but I'll try to order a copy of Fire Dwellers for next month. 3y

RohitSawant This sounds fascinating! 3y

LeahBergen I was comparing this to The Stone Angel when I started, too, and then forced myself to let that go and enjoy it for what it was. I was surprised how quickly Rachel grew on me as I initially found her social anxiety so anxiety-inducing. 😆 3y

LeahBergen @vivastory @merelybookish And what do we think of Nick? I was so worried that he was going to be this typical “heartbreaker” but then Laurence completely surprised me (again!) by retrospectively showing his own struggles over the summer with coming to terms with aging parents. 3y

merelybookish @LeahBergen @vivastory I think it's hard to know what to make of Nick because we only see him funneled through Rachel's perspective. And she is always viewing him in relation to herself. (Why is he telling me this? Is he upset I said that? Etc.,etc.) Clearly he did not want anything serious and was a bit of a cad. But yeah once she actually thought about him outside of herself she saw there was more to his story and situation. 3y

vivastory @merelybookish @leahbergen The ending with Nick & the photograph...were you convinced with her excuse of the misunderstanding with the phrasing, or do you think she was worried about the relationship & used it as a way out? 3y

vivastory @LeahBergen I almost had a small panic attack reading the part in the church at the beginning 😬 3y

LeahBergen @vivastory @merelybookish It‘s funny because when I first read it my immediate impression of this crumpled photograph was that he WAS showing her a photo of himself and then I thought I‘d read it wrong. But in retrospect, she DID just say that if she had a child she‘d want it to be his so showing a pic of himself as a kid is not too unbelievable. You think? 3y

merelybookish @LeahBergen @vivastory I also thought it was a picture of him as a boy or possibly even a picture of his twin who died. I wasn't convinced she came to the right conclusion. But just immediately shaped a story around it. I thought how she came to see it later was more accurate. 3y

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vivastory

A Jest of God | Margaret Laurence

Hard pressed to think of a better ending that I've read this year, especially the final few paragraphs!
@merelybookish @LeahBergen @batsy

merelybookish Goodness, you are quick! I'm about midway. 3y

vivastory @merelybookish I might have been reading at work today...🤐 3y

LeahBergen Dang, you ARE speedy! 😆 I‘ve had zero reading time for the last couple of days and I‘m quite annoyed. 3y

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vivastory @LeahBergen There are very few things in life as obnoxious as not having reading time. Hopefully things turn around for you! 3y

batsy I'm only about a few pages in, but I'm *loving* Rachel's voice (and relating way too hard). 3y

vivastory @batsy She's a great character! I can't wait to see what you think of it 3y

merelybookish @batsy SO relatable! 😬 3y

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vivastory

A Jest of God | Margaret Laurence

The coffee is pallid and lukewarm. I have to drink it. It seems to be a peculiar medicine.

EvieBee A good spinster story is always my jam! Loved this one! 3y

vivastory @EvieBee I'm making my way through the Manawaka series one book per month. Next month I'm planning on reading Fire-Dwellers. Feel free to join me! 3y

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vivastory

A Jest of God | Margaret Laurence

I'm only about 20 pages in, but I'm a bit reminded of an Otessa Moshfegh character so far. I'm intrigued. @merelybookish @LeahBergen @batsy

LitStephanie ...or I'll be dead. 🤣🤣 3y

Nute That‘s one way of hoping to get out of a commitment!😅 3y

rwmg But would Calla accept being dead as an excuse? 3y

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LeahBergen Okay, that offer DEFINITELY needs to be turned down. Yikes. 😆 I‘m only about 5 pages in and hope to settle in for a good read later this evening. 3y

merelybookish OMG. I identify with Rachel so much it's almost painful. I thought the book affected me before because she ends up unmarried but really I think it's because I relate to her anxiety and fear of embarrassment. 😬 3y

saresmoore That last line, “…or I‘ll be dead,” I‘m sure has more context behind it, but I swear I‘ve had that thought before! 😬 3y

batsy I'm just starting tonight, but I already relate to that last line so hard 😅 @merelybookish @saresmoore 3y

vivastory @merelybookish This is one of the more memorable portraits of anxiety that I have read in awhile. The scene in the church...😬 3y

vivastory @saresmoore @batsy Definitely relatable! There's another line where Rachel talks about imagining worst case scenarios helps her anxiety by expecting the worst. Also relatable 3y

merelybookish @vivastory Yes! That scene was uncomfortable to read because her anxiety was so palpable! It just runs throughout the whole book. 3y

vivastory @merelybookish That's exactly what made me think of Otessa Moshfegh. Underneath the grotesqueness in certain Moshfegh's books seems to be this uncertainty between characters & anxiety. Also, Laurence has flashes of gallows humor 3y

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merelybookish

A Jest of God | Margaret Laurence

Not sure @vivastory @batsy @LeahBergen if we have a kick-off date for our Jest of God buddy read but I dove in today...and it's already preying upon my anxieties about moving back home. 😳😆

vivastory I was just about to ask if you wanted to wait to read. Wasn't sure if it was packed away or not. I'm planning on starting tonight or tomorrow! I completely understand the anxiety! I second guessed myself for awhile when I moved back to KC from Minneapolis. 3y

LeahBergen 😆 Oh no! Here‘s hoping you don‘t regret your decision. I think I‘ll be starting it tomorrow, too, @vivastory 👍 (edited) 3y

merelybookish @vivastory I kept some books out to get me through the next few weeks. 😉 And glad you'll both be joining me soon! @LeahBergen 3y

batsy Oof! What a line. I can understand that anxiety, too. I'm hoping to start in the next day or two. @vivastory @LeahBergen 3y

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merelybookish

A Jest of God | Margaret Laurence

My retro copy of A Jest of God has arrived! And in time for our buddy read. @vivastory @LeahBergen @batsy
When I read this at 19 or 20, I figured being a thirtysomething, unmarried schoolteacher was the worst fate ever. 😬 Obviously my perspective has changed, so interested to see how this affects me now.

LeahBergen Look at that lovely old Bantam paperback! 3y

vivastory What @LeahBergen said! I'm really looking forward to diving back into Laurence. My enthusiasm for Stone Angel hasn't diminished at all. 3y

merelybookish @LeahBergen @vivastory I am pleased with the cover! Most copies in the US have the title Rachel, Rachel but I wanted the original title. 3y

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LeahBergen

A Jest of God | Margaret Laurence

My copy arrived today, @vivastory @merelybookish @batsy , and I‘m ready for our August buddy read!

#JohnnyBergen has collapsed in abject disgust that this was a book delivery and not a dog treat parcel.

wanderinglynn Poor baby! Life is so tough! He clearly needs a special treat. 🤣❤️🐶 3y

LeahBergen @wanderinglynn Right? He‘s clearly starving! 😆 3y

squirrelbrain Poor #johnnybergen! 🤣 Have you read this one before or is it new to you? 3y

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vivastory This made me literally lol 😂🐶 3y

Megabooks Poor Johnny!!! 💜💜💜😂😂 3y

BarbaraBB Is it a series?! 3y

LeahBergen @BarbaraBB No, the author just set 5 books in the same fictional town. So, don‘t worry! 😆 3y

LeahBergen @squirrelbrain It‘s new to me! 👏🏻 3y

LeahBergen @vivastory John sends his regards (and FYI: I still cackle to myself when he answers to the name ‘John‘ 🤣). 3y

LeahBergen @Megabooks I don‘t think he‘s going to make it. 😆 3y

batsy I feel like I'm also personally responsible for Johnny's distress since this is a group read I'm involved in... 😂 A boop for him to show my remorse 💕 3y

mabell What a sweetheart! 😍 Better luck with the next parcel, kiddo! 🤞 3y

BarbaraBB @LeahBergen 😅 3y

Liz_M Poor baby. I hope he doesn't decide that books ARE treats and should be chewed accordingly! 😂 3y

rubyslippersreads Do dogs enjoy shipping boxes the way cats do? 😸🐶 3y

AlaMich He certainly has the drama queen routine down! 😂 3y

LeahBergen @batsy 😆 He sends his ‘thanks‘! 3y

LeahBergen @mabell 😘😘 3y

LeahBergen @Liz_M Thankfully he‘s past that stage now but he did nibble a couple of corners in his “youth”. 😬 3y

LeahBergen @rubyslippersreads His passion is for bubble wrap. He dashes around, popping it in his teeth. 🤣 3y

LeahBergen @AlaMich He learned it from me. 😉 3y

Centique I love that he really does have his paw across his face like he‘s seriously disappointed. 😂😂 Beautiful Johnny! 3y

LeahBergen @Centique He has a very tough life. 😆 3y

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vivastory

A Jest of God | Margaret Laurence

My copy arrived today @LeahBergen I'm looking forward to diving back into Laurence in a couple of weeks!

LeahBergen And mine is currently on its way to me! 👍 3y

vivastory @LeahBergen Wonderful! I have the feeling I will make my way through the Manwaka series by early next year 3y

LeahBergen I‘m so happy you‘re a Margaret Laurence convert. 🤣 3y

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BarbaraBB I bought Stone Angel and a buddyread with @squirrelbrain is on its way! 3y

EvieBee I adore this book AND film! ❤️❤️ 3y

vivastory @EvieBee I was unaware that there was a film based on it. I'll have to check it out after I finish reading it! 3y

EvieBee @vivastory Yes! It‘s called Rachel, Rachel and starrs Joanne Woodward. Directed/produced by Paul Newman. (edited) 3y

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arubabookwoman

A Jest of God | Margaret Laurence

Finished this book last night. Review to follow. As I posted before, it was made into the movie Rachel,Rachel, which my husband and I went to see on our first date, almost 50 years ago. On Tuesday, when we arrived at our condo on the Del. shore, these flowers were waiting for me—it was our 47th anniversary.
I will say that the book was closely tracked by the movie.

Leftcoastzen Congrats 🎉🍾 Lovely thoughts,sounds like you know how to celebrate! 6y

readordierachel Happy anniversary! 🎉🎉🎉 6y

Smrloomis Wow, 47 years! Good job to both of you 😄👍🏽 6y

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ValerieAndBooks Happy anniversary 💖!! 6y

Centique Happy anniversary! Beautiful flowers and beautiful view 😍 6y

Suet624 Happy anniversary! Very impressive. 👏🏼👏🏼 6y

overtheedge Have a great Anniversary! Looks like a great start.. 6y

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arubabookwoman

A Jest of God | Margaret Laurence

Recently acquired book to be read soon. In 1968 it was made into the movie “Rachel, Rachel” starring Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward. My husband and I went to see Rachel, Rachel on our 1st date (in 1968). We held hands (blush), and have held hands in every movie we‘ve seen since then. Next week we celebrate our 47th wedding anniversary. ❤️

SqueakyChu Best wishes on your anniversary! 💕🎊🎶🍷🍷 6y

TrishB How lovely 💕 6y

KatieanneF So sweet! Happy anniversary 💙 6y

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merelybookish How lovely! And I love Laurence's novels. 6y

CarolynM Happy Anniversary👫💕 6y

batsy That's lovely 💕 Happy anniversary! 💝 6y

BiblioLitten Beautiful! Happy anniversary! 💑💞🎇 6y

Cinfhen Awww!!! That‘s amazing ❣️❣️❣️Happy anniversary 6y

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Rachbb3

Rachel, Rachel | Margaret Laurence

My #ProfilePic is one that I use for all social media, but since I got rid of all my other social media it's only on Litsy.
I tried to get my #litsyavatar to match. Lol. It's not easy.

@Chelleo

SilversReviews I am always amazed how Bitmoji can get the character so close to the “real” us. 6y

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EvieBee

Rachel, Rachel | Margaret Laurence

Probably early in the game, but I know I won't be finishing anymore books this month. Here are my #JuneReads and favorites. Such a great month although out of all the books I read, only one was from my own stash. Kind of disappointed there but hopefully I can make up for that in July. #BestOfJune

saguarosally It's a good bit and a cute way to track! I might not even hit ten this month. 7y

britt_brooke So cute! 💚 And great month! 👏🏻 7y

EvieBee @saguarosally Thank you! I enjoy picture books more than comics so they help boost my numbers but not the page count. So it makes me feel good regardless. 😁 7y

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EvieBee @britt_brooke Thank you so much! 7y

LeahBergen What lovely book journaling! 7y

Suet624 Love your drawing. 7y

batsy Lovely drawing! 7y

Ms_T Well done! 7y

kspenmoll Lovely drawing!!!! 7y

Simona And you said that you can't draw!?!? Very nice❣️ 7y

EvieBee @LeahBergen @Suet624 @batsy @Ms_T @kspenmoll @Simona Thank you all! I've been learning so much. Anyone who says they can't draw (like I used to say) will be surprised when you find the approach that best works for you. (edited) 7y

tpixie Great pic!! I'm still looking for my approach after 56 years! Lol (edited) 7y

EvieBee @tpixie There's a book that has small daily exercises that a NOW painter friend recommended. Looking to purchase next month. Maybe that will work for you too!!!

Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain (Definitive, Expanded, Updated)

(edited) 7y

tpixie @EvieBee84 thx!! 7y

99 likes14 comments

EvieBee

Rachel, Rachel | Margaret Laurence

pick

I loved the film and so glad it introduced me to Laurence. She is a kindred spirit. Rachel is probably considered a little odd by most people, but the world inside her head is often times hilarious but heartbreaking. Such a lonely soul, but so lovable! A new favorite! ☕️☕️☕️☕️☕️ #JuneReads #20BooksOfSummer 4/20

LeahBergen 👏🏻👏🏻 Now I want to hear what you think of

The Stone Angel

EvieBee @LeahBergen Purchased!!! Now to wait. Thank you for the recommendation! ❤️🌺 7y

rubyslippersreads @EvieBee84 @LeahBergen I've just been thinking about reading Margaret Laurence. Where should I start? 7y

See All 19 Comments

LeahBergen @rubyslippersreads I haven't read Rachel, Rachel but The Stone Angel is the one that is most often taught in schools here in Canada. 7y

EvieBee @LeahBergen You should definitely read (Rachel, Rachel) which is the 2nd book in the Manawaka series. @rubyslippersreads Stone Angel is the first in the series though! I don't think the order matters but there are some reoccurring characters that I've heard will be recognized throughout the series.

A Jest of God

(edited) 7y

rubyslippersreads @EvieBee84 @LeahBergen Thanks for the recs. The book shopping just never ends, does it? 😄 7y

EvieBee @rubyslippersreads Never! I was reading (shopping research) about her fiction and nonfiction books set in Africa where she lived for sometime with her husband and thought...dear girl, hide your credit card! 7y

LeahBergen @EvieBee84 @rubyslippersreads My Dad moved to a town not too far away from Margaret Laurence's hometown (the original "Manawaka"). He took me on a father/daughter literary outing when I visited. ? We toured her house and museum and then visited "the stone angel" in the cemetery. 7y

rubyslippersreads @LeahBergen What a lovely story! ❤️ 7y

EvieBee @LeahBergen What an awesome experience! 7y

batsy @LeahBergen That's lovely! Have you read The Diviners? I read it as part of an intro to Canadian Lit class and loved it. 7y

LeahBergen @batsy I'm a bad Canadian - I've only read The Stone Angel. 😂 I fully intend to read her others, though. 7y

Jess7 Cute doggie! 7y

EvieBee @Jess7 Thank you! ☺️ 7y

Jess7 What type of dog is it? 7y

EvieBee @Jess7 Well, we aren't sure lol! I know she's a poodle for sure, the other part is unknown. She looks a lot like other Cockapoos and Maltipoos. When we adopted her, the foster mamma said the previous owner had said she was a "toy" poodle. Clearly not hahaha! She was only a few months old. (edited) 7y

Jess7 Her facial features in this picture look a little bit like a mini schnauzer :-) 7y

EvieBee @Jess7 Hmm! Hadn't considered that but you're right! Dog DNA testing would at least help the groomer figure out a cut for her. We always try something new. The mullet wasn't flattering. 😆😁 (edited) 7y

EvieBee #readingmyshelves 6y

70 likes1 stack add19 comments

EvieBee

Rachel, Rachel | Margaret Laurence

Early morning reading. The husband had knee surgery yesterday so it's been hard to have a moment to myself to read. I've been savoring every chapter but I think it's time to finish this up. #BookAndCoffee

Libby1 I hope he feels better soon. ❤️ And I hope you get the rest you need. 7y

DivineDiana Wishing your husband a speedy recovery! Don't forget to take care of you! 7y

MicheleinPhilly I hope his recovery goes well! And I hope you get more moments like this! 7y

See All 11 Comments

EvieBee @Libby1 @DivineDiana @MicheleinPhilly Thank you so much! ☺️💕💕 7y

vivastory I hope your husband has a swift recovery. Hopefully you get to sneak in more reading time! 7y

Cinfhen Poor hubby, poor you! Hope his recovery is quick & easy 🙏🏻 7y

Zelma Ouch, lots of good thoughts for his rehab! And great photo; that coffee looks wonderful. 👍☕️ 7y

EvieBee @vivastory @Cinfhen @Zelma Thank you so much! He is doing better already. I think the first night is always the most difficult. 7y

kspenmoll Hope he is even better now! 7y

EvieBee @kspenmoll Much better! 😊 7y

EvieBee #readingmyshelves 6y

74 likes11 comments

EvieBee

Rachel, Rachel | Margaret Laurence

The writing in this novel is phenomenal! I'm forced to take it in slowly. Can't believe I've never read Margaret Laurence before. I just ordered a copy of STONE ANGEL from The Book Depository because I just know I'll have to read it after finishing this one.

Melissa_J The Stone Angel was required reading in high school for me. Such a good book! I've read a couple of Laurence's other books, but not this one. I'd also recommend

The Diviners

EvieBee @Melissa_J Oh yes! I noticed they're part of a series of 5 books including two short story collections. Seem to be people from the same town. I'll definitely be adding them all to my collection. Is she required reading in Canada? 7y

Melissa_J She was for me. Grade 12 English, at least in Ontario when I was in high school (more than 20 years ago 😳), focused on Canadian literature. I read my first Margaret Atwood - The Handmaid's Tale - for that class. 7y

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EvieBee @Melissa_J That's wonderful! I'm just now exploring more Canadian literature. I feel an affinity for all things Canadian. 😁 7y

Melissa_J @EvieBee84 let me know if you'd like some recommendations. 7y

minkyb I love how you reach back in years for different books and authors! 7y

EvieBee @minkyb Thank you, Mindy! I always felt like I was born in the wrong time period, lol! 💕 7y

EvieBee @Melissa_J Most definitely! I'm trying to acquire native Canadian reads that will be spot on. Any recommendations? 7y

batsy That's nice to hear! I've only read The Diviners and I loved it. It was for a class and everyone else seemed to hate it 😕 7y

EvieBee @batsy Oh no! You sound like me. I always loved the books my English teacher chose but was the only one! She loved Austen, the Brontes and Thomas Hardy, who are favorites of mine now because of her. 7y

batsy @EvieBee84 Right? The highlight was being exposed to so many wonderful books and writers ☺️ 7y

EvieBee #readingmyshelves 6y

66 likes3 stack adds12 comments

EvieBee

Rachel, Rachel | Margaret Laurence

Made it to the bookstore in Lahaina! On to the airport! Funny thing: I saw the movie based on this book directed by Paul Newman about a month ago. It was so good! I wanted to read the book right after. Then it falls into my hands far from home for only $3. #fate #bookhaul #canadianlit

batsy Oooh I've been trying to find a copy of the movie. I heard it's really good. Thanks also for reminding me that I've been meaning to read this. Nice find! #bookishfate 7y

EvieBee @batsy It was on TCM when they were featuring Paul Newman's films and I just adored it! Also this movie based on the play. Another book I'd like to read but now available in ebook format.

The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man-in-the-Moon Marigolds

(edited) 7y

batsy @EvieBee84 We used to get TCM here but no longer! It's the best. I haven't heard of the Zindel book that looks fascinating, too! Thanks. 7y

See All 16 Comments

merelybookish I read all Laurence's books when I was in college and loved them. This book was published originally in Canada as A Jest of God. I considered posting it for the #singleladies prompt the other day. So funny to see it mentioned today! I am curious to see movie adaptation. I didn't realize Newman directed it! 7y

tpixie Great find!! 7y

LeahBergen Have you read The Stone Angel? So good!

The Stone Angel

BellaBookNook Great find! I'll have to check out the movie. I hope you had a lovely vacation. 7y

Buddys_Momma It was meant to be! Have a safe trip home 😀 7y

EvieBee @merelybookish Lol she was an exceptional single lady. I'd love to read all of Laurence's books! I love Joanne Woodard (Newman's wife) and she was such a great Rachel. I hope you get to see the film. (edited) 7y

EvieBee @tpixie Thank you! ☺️ 7y

EvieBee @LeahBergen I haven't but have heard it's her best book! I'd love to get a hold of all her books. 7y

EvieBee @BellaBookNook Thank you! ❤️ 7y

EvieBee @Buddys_Momma Thank you! Xx 7y

tpixie @EvieBee84 JW is an awesome actress that makes it an even better movie! 7y

EvieBee @tpixie She really is! One of my favorites. 7y

tpixie ❤️ 7y

87 likes5 stack adds16 comments

karenlees

A Jest of God | Margaret Laurence

When your library holds come in at once AND you're really attracted to the New Canadian Library covers AND you can't renew them because you're graduating. #pressure #CanLit #librarylove

4 likes

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