Welcome to Litsy!

After reading The Venice Sketchbook, I wanted to read more by this author. The Tuscan Child is similar as it‘s written in a dual timeline, this time Hugo & Sofia in 1944 and Joanna in 1973. After her father dies, Joanna discovers a letter he wrote to a Sofia in a tiny village in Tuscany and goes to find out why. It‘s not as good as VS, but still entertaining & makes you wish you were in the Tuscan countryside with that good food.

In 2017/8 I read this an as ARC- it is an unusual book and quite dark, however it led to me to start to read about atrocities in Argentina that I knew next to nothing about and since Argentina is next up for #FOODANDLIT I thought I would share this. Many triggers, but it is a story that shows a side of both of these atrocities that reads real and when you research yourself you see it is a composite of truth for so many countless victims.

I can‘t stick with any new book right now, so I‘m back listening to a favorite while I knit- something I haven‘t done in ages, but I finished this scarf for my sister today!

Spent a lovely morning snacking and finishing this one. Set between the WWs in England, Violet is determined to be an independent woman. She becomes part of an embroidery circle and develops feelings for an older bell ringer. A slow burn that reminded me a little of Toibin‘s Brroklyn.

During the Mexican American War of 1846, a Mexican healer and an Irish soldier fall in love as they face conflict and turmoil during this warring poltical time. An epic historical fiction saga described as Long Petal to the Sea meets Cold Mountain.

I struggle a bit with WWII fiction... every once in awhile you come across a beautiful story, but much of it feels almost exploitative to me. Like if you want to write a historical best seller, write about WWII.
That being said, I loved this book. I only read it because it was a gift so I was very surprised to find myself unable to put it down. It was the story of two very different sisters and their experiences in France during the war.

I HATE AUDIOBOOKS! Please change my mind!!!! I just started delving into AB because I love the idea or getting through some TBRs while I do shit around the house but I just can't get into them. I never like the books I listen to and I can't even tell if it's because I actually don't like the book or just don't like the format. Please recommend your absolute favorite AB so I can get over this and learn to love them.

#OnThisDay in 1977, the tv adaptation of Alex Haley's epic tale Roots debuted, introducing new audiences to the saga of Kunta Kinte and his descendents. Roots would go on to win 9 Emmys, a Golden Globe, and a Peabody; the finale episode still stands as the 2nd most viewed finale in tv history (Name #1 - No googling!). Fitting that the man who encouraged us to "take a look, in a book" would find his break out role in an adaptation. #HistoryGetsLIT

A good read, I enjoyed this. As Hilary Mantel says ‘a box of delights‘. Each scene is fun, well-paced & tells you a story. Characters ring true & their relationships are poignant (especially with the wartime backdrop) but not too sentimental. The book feels very (white) English. Interestingly Atkinson says it‘s ‘about being English‘ & she captures well the stoicism, restraint, humour & sense of being defined by the war(s). Slightly too long.

🥱 I gave this one about 50% of the book and it never really caught me. Giving it up to move on to the next one. Too many books to read and too little time in which to do it.