History in Vogue discussion

I thought I would set up an area for general discussion. Feel free to come and chat about anything you like.

I saw Ep 1&2 of N&S today. I just completed reading it last week.

I thought that the actors were truly well-cast.

I'll probably see Ep 3&4 in July. My sister has to Netflix for me. I don't have a TV of my own set up because I do is read.

Continuing Linda & my conversation. My husband stopped Sky because he was only watching 1 rugby game a week.(As far as Sky goes I wasn't watching anything) He figured he could go to the pub for that. But Sky is now charging him for the decoder as well as a holding fee. He wants to rejoin again shortly, so they have us stuck - for now!

Our daughter is going to show us the mysteries of Netflix, etc next month.

As far as TV goes I watch the news. The current affairs I watched has just been scrapped. At the moment I'm watching the replacement "Come Dine With Me NZ" with a certain horrified fascination.

I was watching Polldark but that has finished for now.

Psst! Marie has said she wants side conversations in the Drawing Room...

That made me laugh, probably a lot more it should have, Carol. :) We start Poldark here in the States tomorrow night. I haven't read the books or seen the original, but I'm looking forward to it. We could have a discussion here if anyone would like.

Andrea, I'm glad you like the name for the thread. The Drawing Room seemed appropriate. :)

I love the N&S miniseries. I was hesitant to watch it for a while, worried that they would ruin it, but I was really pleased with the series and the casting. I even liked the scenes they added, like Thornton's dealing with the worker he caught smoking at the beginning. I thought it highlighted his characterization really well.

We should set up a group discussion for it as well. I know several of us already seen it, but I could always watch it again. ;) I have it on DVD, but I know it's pretty easy for everyone to find on Netflix, amazon, etc.

I'd love too discuss Poldark but I missed the first couple of episodes. However, I do have the book Ross Poldark. In the house. Somewhere.

We are redecorating & things are squished everywhere!

***Carol*** wrote: "I'd love too discuss Poldark but I missed the first couple of episodes. However, I do have the book Ross Poldark. In the house. Somewhere.

We are redecorating & things are squished everywhere!"

My sis (lives in front of TV when not at work) told me about Poldark. I think her discussion has made me want to read the books.

I believe the original series was also excellent but I was just slightly too young to have watched it.

This one totally compelling.

I figure I can count on NZ TV to repeat it very soon.

***Carol*** wrote: "I believe the original series was also excellent but I was just slightly too young to have watched it.

This one totally compelling.

I figure I can count on NZ TV to repeat it very soon."

Did you enjoy it enough to watch again when it is aired again in NZ?

Oh yes! I really didn't know what was going on at the start as I haven't read the books.

I swore I wouldn't watch again, but I watched the NZ version of Dancing With the Stars last night. I wonder what the people who have the original format think of what they have done to it? Tacky beyond belief.

***Carol*** wrote: "Oh yes! I really didn't know what was going on at the start as I haven't read the books.

I swore I wouldn't watch again, but I watched the NZ version of Dancing With the Stars last night. I wonder..."

I think I'll read the books first before I watch the series. Then I'll make/ ask sister to Netflix it for me to watch later.

I'm the sort who likes to read the book before I see the movie/miniseries etc.

I'll set up a discussion for Poldark, and we can all add to it as we see it..

Is anyone else planning to watch Crimson Fields, about British WWI nurses in France. We're just getting this one in the States, starting tonight as well.

Haven't heard about that one.

Should be back in my own bed tomorrow! Paint smell pretty much gone from the room & carpet layers can't start until the 29th.

It was really good, Carol. I knew about it when it broadcast in England, but hadn't expected us to get it in the States. Mr Mosley from Downton Abbey is a Lt Colonel in charge of a British field hospital in France. He's had a disagreement with his commanding officer over whether a private - obviously suffering from PTSD - is considered injured, or fit to return to the front. He went behind his commander's back and furloughed him for neurological injury. Three young volunteer nurses arrived, one who seems to have secretly left her husband, and another who was thinking it was going to be some sort of glamorous experience. She reminded me a little of Ethel's character on Downton. There are two senior nurses - one trained the other, but her "protege" was promoted ahead of her. She also has some sort of very personal attachment to one of the severely injured soldiers. It really highlighted the restrictions and the modesty code the nurses were required to follow. I liked the beginning, and I'll definitely watch the rest.

"Katie-bree wrote : Sorry about the late reply. I am really interested in dipping my toes in so to speak so nothing too complicated. I like the 'Pride and Predjudice' type..."

If by Pride and Prejudice type you mean Regency England, there are of course, any of Jane Austen's books - I like Persuasion the best, but that tends to be one of her less liked novels. I prefer Vanity Fair, Becky Sharpe still retains the humour of Austen's characters, but it's a bit more serious with its inclusion of the Napoleonic Wars and ladder-climbing heroine. There's also a whole world of Jane Austen inspired books set in Regency England, called Austenesque. Georgette Heyer is their queen, who Ms Carol can tell you anything you would like to know about if she sees this.

If you want to dip your toes into the Classics, think about the more common ones you're introduced to in school. Jane Eyre or Wuthering Heights for the Brontes, The Great Gatsby, North and South is a good one. The Age of Innocence will introduce you to Edith Wharton, she's a favorite of mine. Also Thomas Hardy - his work isn't for everyone, but you might enjoy Far from the Madding Crowd that they just made the movie of. My other favorites are Leo Tolstoy and Fyodor Dostoyevsky, but you might want to work your way up to those because of the length - most are about 700 to 1000 pages or more.

Speculative fiction, or alternate history can go several ways. There is historical based fantasy, like Robin Hood or King Arthur. There are alternative versions of history, such as "what if Hitler had won WWII?" Or "what if the United States lost the American Revolution?" There's history with other worlds functioning within society, like steampunk and the other "punk" genres. The Infernal Devices starting with Clockwork Angel are probably the most popular ones right now, I've read them, and they were all right. There's also The Parasol Protectorate starting with Soulless, but I haven't read those. If you want a historical setting with a magical element, I've been recommended Shades of Milk and Honey set in a magical version of Regency England. I haven't read them either, but QNPoohBear said they're very good.

Is there a certain book you want something like?

Has anyone seen The Testement of Youth yet? There's a new one out now.

QNPoohBear wrote: "Has anyone seen The Testement of Youth yet? There's a new one out now."

I haven't yet, but I want to. I didn't realise it was already available here in the States. Have you read Vera Britain's book? I've been meaning to for a while, but doubt I'll have the chance before I see the film.

Have you been watching Crimson Field? It's WWI nurses in France, and so far it's very good.

Marie wrote: "QNPoohBear wrote: "Has anyone seen The Testement of Youth yet? There's a new one out now."

I haven't yet, but I want to. I didn't realise it was already available here in the States. Have you read..."

I haven't read Vera Britton's book but the older adaptation was on a "Love Downton Abbey? You'll like this..." list. The movie is showing at a local art cinema. I haven't seen Crimson Field. I'm not sure we get that here. I'm stuck watching toddler cartoons for the summer but once the nieces and nephews go on vacation/go home, I can look for it. I started Victory Farm (WWII) on Netflix but the first episode was way too cliched and stopped watching.

Marie wrote: ""Katie-bree wrote : Sorry about the late reply. I am really interested in dipping my toes in so to speak so nothing too complicated. I like the 'Pride and Predjudice' type..."

If by Pride and Prej..."

Thanks Marie!
You have really given me some ideas! I think Vanity Fair sounds interesting so I might give that a try. It's a nice simple start to the genre I think and as you mentioned, I'm not sure I would want something too long when I am still not sure what I prefer. And of course I am reading The Age of Innocence in your reading group which is an awesome idea by the way!! Thank you :)
I have heard Shades of Milk and Honey come up a few times so maybe that will be on the cards also :)
I think you have given me a general starting point which is basically what I was after so thank you :) I appreciate your help! This is a fantastic group and I am learning so much :)) Thanks guys!

Marie, those reading suggestions are great - I love Vanity Fair, North and South, The Great Gatsby, and Jane Austen (although by her I've only read Pride and Prejudice, Emma, and Lady Susan). I will second those suggestions!

I want to read Far From The Madding Crowd, and matter of fact, I'm working my way toward Tolstoy and Dostoyevsky, as Marie said. I must say I have a new found love of these classics in my adulthood, I think mainly because my world view is wider and my sphere of understanding greater.

I saw the N&S mini series mentioned earlier - I just had the pleasure of watching it last week, and I had read the book before hand, which I usually try to do. At first, I couldn't help comparing the two, and in some ways I felt that the show dropped the ball on portraying some of the intense emotions of Margaret and Thornton as written in the book. Otherwise, I found it was fantastic to the time period, and I only wish it could've been one episode longer, so as to include a little more from the book. The cast portrayed the characters amazingly, and it is one of my new favorite adaptations. Anyone who hasn't watched it or read the book should do both!

Nikki, I will be participating in a buddy read oF Far from madding Crowd starting July 15. Would you like to join us?

Andrea, that sounds awesome, I'd love to join! I'm going to be reading Age of Innocence with this group as well.

Nikki wrote: "Andrea, that sounds awesome, I'd love to join! I'm going to be reading Age of Innocence with this group as well."

At this point, I'm not sure where we will discuss yet. But that would be great if you join us.

I read AoI in April and loved it.

Andrea (Catsos Person) is a Compulsive eBook Hoarder wrote: "Nikki, I will be participating in a buddy read oF Far from madding Crowd starting July 15. Would you like to join us?"

I was also going to do a buddy read with some people in July. I might push it back to August so I can read Age of Innocence in July. I was hoping the library was going to run their adult summer reading program again but it doesn't sound like it. (Maybe because I kept winning? LOL!)

Thanks, Nikki. It is always difficult to lose so much of the emotional content in a book to film adaptations, but I did love the choices they made with N&S. The casting was wonderful, and of course it could have always been longer... Darn time constraints.

Now that I'm approaching my second twenty-ninth birthday, I find myself going back and rereading many of the books I read in my teens. I feel rereading Tolstoy and Dostoyevsky are in order. Once I get the hang of doing group reads, maybe we could have a Russian month. Anna Karenina or War and Peace would probably be the easiest, but would definitely be split into two months.

If you enjoy Age of Innocence, definitely add House of Mirth to your reading list. It's my favorite of Wharton's novels, and one my favorite books.

I love Far From the Madding Crowd. It has already been offered as a nomination for our August read. If it wins I'm sure we'll have great time discussing it, with everyone having recently read it. I will be starting nominations for August, next Monday, and the theme is nineteenth century England.

Andrea, I hope you come join our Age of Innocence discussions, having read it so recently. So far, think I'm the only one participating that has already read it. It will be fun to have someone else around who knows all the secrets. ;)

QNPoohBear, I know, I used to be one of those people who read three to four hundred books a year, now I just don't have that kind of time. I see myself read about forty a year now, and it kind of makes me want to cry. As for that discussion on Crimson Field, it's on in my area on Masterpiece, right after Poldark. You could probably check the Masterpiece website if you want more information. I know they used to show full episodes for a few weeks, but I'm not sure if they still do.

whispers Join us with The Age if Innocence. Give in to the peer pressure. ;)

It would be so great to do Far From The Madding Crowd in August, that way I can focus on The Age of Innocence this month. And Anna Karenina is definitely one I want to read!

I found Crimson Field listed on the TV Guide before Poldark. How graphic is it? I'm squeamish about blood.

QNPoohBear wrote: "I found Crimson Field listed on the TV Guide before Poldark. How graphic is it? I'm squeamish about blood."

It's WWI, but they're in a field hospital, so slightly removed from the trenches. The first episode was more an introduction to the characters and working conditions, there was a PTSD story started. So far it's mostly been bloody bandages and things. On last weeks episode they received a large convoy of injured soldiers. There were a few pretty quick shots of men missing limbs, and one with a fairly large hole in his abdomen, but the majority of surgeries/injuries are off-screen. It mostly focuses on the lives of the doctors and nurses.

***Carol*** wrote: "Continuing Linda & my conversation. My husband stopped Sky because he was only watching 1 rugby game a week.(As far as Sky goes I wasn't watching anything) He figured he could go to the pub for tha..."

You read my mind! (I'm back from the week in the Emerald Isle). "Poldark" is just starting here, and I got into it! But temporarily, they post past episodes online, so I was able to catch 1 and 2 in their entirety (had caught a few moments of 1, liked it, but had missed 2)

***Carol*** wrote: "I'd love too discuss Poldark but I missed the first couple of episodes. However, I do have the book Ross Poldark. In the house. Somewhere.

We are redecorating & things are squished everywhere!"

PBS has the episodes online, at least Episode 1 is available until July 15, so hurry!

Andrea (Catsos Person) is a Compulsive eBook Hoarder wrote: "***Carol*** wrote: "Oh yes! I really didn't know what was going on at the start as I haven't read the books.

I swore I wouldn't watch again, but I watched the NZ version of Dancing With the Stars ..."

I generally do, too, but hadn't even heard of this one. Something in Episode 2 or 3 made me wonder if there was a book, so now it's confirmed!

I'm recording Poldark and I'll see if I can watch Crimson Fields online.

Has anyone else seen The Woman in Gold? Amazing movie!

Marie wrote: "I'll set up a discussion for Poldark, and we can all add to it as we see it..

Is anyone else planning to watch Crimson Fields, about British WWI nurses in France. We're just getting this one in t..."

I just started Crimson Field. Episode 1 was a little gory for me but I like the characters. I'm recording Poldark. I thought it would be a good one to watch with my parents this winter but I will probably just watch it before then.

Aw, I want soneone to discuss it with now! :) Am re-watching Episode 2 at this very moment!




.

QNPoohBear wrote: "Marie wrote: "I'll set up a discussion for Poldark, and we can all add to it as we see it..

Is anyone else planning to watch Crimson Fields, about British WWI nurses in France. We're just getting..."

I'm glad you're enjoying it, I am too. I will warn you, it gets much gorier around the third episode, I hadn't watched it yet when I wrote that above. But it's done realistically, especially for a Sunday night drama. I like it much better than Poldark - though I am enjoying it, too.

Linda, I've been watching it, I had a discussion for it here, but I think I must have deleted it somehow?? I can post it back if you like. I do like it, but I was a little less enthusiastic until last week's episode. I felt it was definitely the strongest so far.

Yep, it's progressing! I know, I looked for the link and didn't see it!

Crimson Field is too gory for me but I'm hooked on the characters and plots. I may get to Poldark later this week or in a few weeks.

Marie wrote: "QNPoohBear wrote: "Marie wrote: "I'll set up a discussion for Poldark, and we can all add to it as we see it..

Is anyone else planning to watch Crimson Fields, about British WWI nurses in France...."

If we wanna discuss it without ruining it for others, maybe we should......episode four is tomorrow! :)

Okay, the Poldark discussion has returned...

https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

Meanwhile, Poldark will be returning in 2016!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/tv/entries...

That was a fun article!

I'm all caught up with The Crimson Field. I am in agony until I can see episode 6!

QNPoohBear wrote: "I'm all caught up with The Crimson Field. I am in agony until I can see episode 6!"

I know, I feel so awful for Joan. This week is the finale, and I'm certain it doesn't bode well for her.

Marie wrote: "QNPoohBear wrote: "I'm all caught up with The Crimson Field. I am in agony until I can see episode 6!"

I know, I feel so awful for Joan. This week is the finale, and I'm certain it doesn't bode we..."

:( The DVR has a summary of the episode and it doesn't sound good. (view spoiler)[It would never work with Joan and Anton. Where would they live if he survives? How would they go on with everyone prejudiced against him if they went to Britain and against her if they went to Germany. Too bad Matron didn't counsel her. THAT was a big surprise. (hide spoiler)]

QNPoohBear wrote: "Marie wrote: "QNPoohBear wrote: "I'm all caught up with The Crimson Field. I am in agony until I can see episode 6!"

I know, I feel so awful for Joan. This week is the finale, and I'm certain it d..."

I knew it didn't sound well... (view spoiler)[ While I was certain they would hardly live happily ever after, I'm hoping she can make it through her court martial. (hide spoiler)]

Did anyone else see this article on The Guardian...

Move over Lizzie Bennet - let's hear it for the unsung heroine

http://www.theguardian.com/books/2014...

It's modern authors talking about their favorite, overlooked literary heroines. My favorite is Sue Bridehead because of Jude the Obscure, but North and South and quite a few others are mentioned. Not that I cared for Thornton being referred to as Mr Darcy with flat vowels...

warning : rife with spoilers for Mansfield Park, Villette, Jude the Obscure, A Room with a View, North and South, The Odd Women, The Winter's Tale, Little Women, and Proust's novels

It's coaching weekend! Will be thinking of you all, though if it's any consolation, it's supposed to be raining all weekend. We've got 72% dew point (humidity), and "oppressive", according to the weathermen, begins at 75%........so while I usually pity them for being in Victorian dress while it's sunny and hot, this year, I'll feel sorry for them because they're be in Victorian dress when it's hot and steamy.

They can come to Florida. We're having a "cold snap" right now - mid nineties. Last week it was 106 with over 80% humidity... Have fun, take pictures.

Don't know if I'll make it, as am dealing with other things that require phone calls....I did take pictures in past years, and almost always take my camera when I'm out on my bike, anyway!

Hello, not sure if this is the right place for this or not... I'm headed to Boston next month and would love to be reading some relevant historical fiction. What are your suggestions?

Amy wrote: "Hello, not sure if this is the right place for this or not... I'm headed to Boston next month and would love to be reading some relevant historical fiction. What are your suggestions?"

The Fifth of March and The Secret of Sarah Revere are the two I usually bring with me on the train. I use them as guide books through colonial Boston.