Devon Book Club discussion

Gazing at my copy of 'Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell' by Susanna Clarke I am reminded that I really intended to read it in 2014. Much the same as 2013 and 2012.

I have little doubt that I will enjoy this book hugely. But the latest reading group book, graphic novel or biography always seems to get in the way...

So I have two questions - first, what is the ONE book that you always mean to read but never get around to and second, in your view should I read 'Jonathan Strange...' in 2015?

If this thread gets going we might be able to advise each other whether we should read that ONE book or give up on it altogether in 2015...

Thanks for starting the topic.

I have a similar experience with The Museum of Innocence. I also know I will love it as I am a huge admirere of Orhan Pamuk; so why haven't I got to it? Books I have been waiting for and had on order keep coming from the library - and I find myself thinking - "I'll read those whilst I can; The Pamuk book is there whenever I want it".

I am now going to make it an early read in 2015 - it will provide the P in my personal alphabet challenge

I too like Orhan Pamuk, Ian, but haven't read that particular book.

I'm sure he will represent 'P' admirably!

Colin wrote: "I too like Orhan Pamuk, Ian, but haven't read that particular book.

I'm sure he will represent 'P' admirably!"

I am supposed to do a new author for each letter each year but I do give myself a little latitude!

Orhan Pamuk's Istanbul is, maybe, one of the best books I've read this year!

Nick wrote: "Orhan Pamuk's Istanbul is, maybe, one of the best books I've read this year!"

Thanks for that - not read that. I've read Snow; The Black Book
and My Name is Red (the first of his I read)

Istanbul: Memories and the City is added to my list

Colin wrote: "Gazing at my copy of 'Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell' by Susanna Clarke I am reminded that I really intended to read it in 2014. Much the same as 2013 and 2012.

I have little doubt that I will enjo..."

Hi Colin, I can't offer any advice vis-à-vis the 'Jonathan Strange ...' as I am in the same situation. For some reason, I just don't want to read it. I didn't even add it to the pile of 'Xmas reads' that were supposed to be about clearing the shelves of ones I've had for ages and never read.

The one I want to read, but have been postponing for years is Don Quixote, I always think I don't have the time, and that - maybe - it will not be that wonderful, after all. I do think I'm going to try in 2015 ... as I can count it as part of my 'Round the World' challenge.

DrMama wrote: "Colin wrote: "Gazing at my copy of 'Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell' by Susanna Clarke I am reminded that I really intended to read it in 2014. Much the same as 2013 and 2012.

I have little doubt th..."

Great choice - on my list too. As an aside I read Grahame Green's Monsignor Quixote this year - a wonderful book. It is a reworking of Don Quixote where Quixote is a local priest who accidnetially beocmes a Cardinal and Sancho is teh ex community mayor - very funny.

I really didn't enjoy Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell. I thought it started out well, but lost its way. It seemed to meander from scene to scene without direction, describing irrelevant things in great detail. It's much, much too long. Edited to half its length it would be a better read.

Thanks BJ and DrMama, I think the length is a barrier for me too. Jonathan Strange just sits next to 'Bleak House' on my bookshelf, the two books taking up more space than unread books should.

I increasingly find long books rather off putting - there are so many books I want to read. However , I am hoping that the sequel to A Suitable Boy will be published soon.

So many books, so little time Angela.

I am rather concerned that the follow up to A Suitable Boy will be a disappointment after the majesty of the original novel. We shall see!

Hi Colin - I do hope it will be worth the (very) long wait! I have also read An Equal Music by V Seth which was a very enjoyable novel and I purchased the CD of the classical music which is mentioned in the story - lovely to have playing in the background whilst reading in front of the fire!

I also have read and enjoyed An Equal Music (albeit not as much as A Suitable Boy) but didn't even consider listening to the CD. What a nice idea :-)

DrMama wrote: "Colin wrote: "Gazing at my copy of 'Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell' by Susanna Clarke I am reminded that I really intended to read it in 2014. Much the same as 2013 and 2012.

I have little doubt th..."

I loved that book, just caught a glimpse of an announcement that there's a tv adaptation coming up.

The One for me at the moment is Les Miserables ...so huge though ... gets great reviews (I haven't seen the film or the musical so would be reading it without any preconceptions ) .. anyone in our group read it? Is it worth the time ...

Sonia wrote: "The One for me at the moment is Les Miserables ...so huge though ... gets great reviews (I haven't seen the film or the musical so would be reading it without any preconceptions ) .. anyone in our ..."

I keep asking the same questoin - I would love to know what people think too

I might just go for it! Finished a book last night so need something time read....May wait to see responses and read another ONE - The Curious Incident of The Dog in the Night time ...Or Remains of the Day ....so many ONEs ...

Ian wrote: "Sonia wrote: "The One for me at the moment is Les Miserables ...so huge though ... gets great reviews (I haven't seen the film or the musical so would be reading it without any preconceptions ) .. ..."

I have been part-way through it for about a year and a half, which says something I think. I did enjoy the film - which is how I know it's a good story - but the book seemed awfully longwinded. However, it's only just struck me that there must be several translations and the one that was free on Kindle must be old enough to be out of copyright. There's a discussion about translations here - https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Slightly off topic, we went to visit his house in Guernsey last year. Well worth seeing but the style of decor (mostly his own work) is exceedingly eccentric.

I downloaded it to my kindle a while ago but still haven't read it yet. I haven't seen either the film or musical either.

Ruth wrote: "Ian wrote: "Sonia wrote: "The One for me at the moment is Les Miserables ...so huge though ... gets great reviews (I haven't seen the film or the musical so would be reading it without any preconce..."

Thanks Ruth. Will take a look at the discussion. Think it will remain the one for the time being as have started Christmas in the Snow- very different from Les Miserables I imagine! Not something I would choose myself but a christmas gift so giving it a go.