Reading the 20th Century discussion

Sarah Moss has long been a favourite author of mine, since her first novel Cold Earth. I don't think we have a thread for her but I was excited to learn that she has a memoir out at the end of the month:

My Good Bright Wolf: A Memoir

In the household of Sarah Moss's childhood she learnt that the female body and mind were battlegrounds. 1970s austerity and second-wave feminism came together: she must keep herself slim but never be vain, she must be intelligent but never angry, she must be able to cook and sew and make do and mend, but know those skills were frivolous. Clever girls should be ambitious but women must restrain themselves. Women had to stay small.

Years later, her self-control had become dangerous, and Sarah found herself in A&E. The return of her teenage anorexia had become a medical emergency, forcing her to reckon with all that she had denied her hard-working body and furiously turning mind.

My Good Bright Wolf navigates contested memories of girlhood, the chorus of relentless and controlling voices that dogged Sarah’s every thought, and the writing and books in which she could run free. Beautiful, audacious, moving and very funny, this memoir is a remarkable exercise in the way a brain turns on itself, and then finds a way out.

Anyone else love her writing?

I loved Cold Earth and Ghost Wall - but then she lost me at Summerwater.

I saw My Good Bright Wolf somewhere (LitHub?) and noted it too as one to read.

I liked Summerwater and The Fell. I’d read any book of hers.

I think I’ve read most of her books too.

Good to hear other like her too. I am looking forward to her new book.

I have only read Ghost Wall. Liked it so not sure why I never read more.

I liked Cold Earth and Names for the Sea: Strangers in Iceland but wasn't keen on The Fell, I have an ARC of the new memoir to get to soon.

Oh good, do report back, Alwynne.

I loved Ripeness

Highly recommended. My review if anyone is interested:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...

Another author to explore, thank you Susan for this thread. The various assessments of her books remind me how excited I have been about a book but learned friends have not enjoyed. Good fodder for discussion.

I've enjoyed all of the books of hers that I've read. I have a few sitting on my shelf, waiting for me, and now there will be another.

Good to hear, I really loved this one.

Thanks for the review, Susan - the subject didn't especially call to me but as it's Sarah Moss I'll give it a try at some point. Her memoir, My Good Bright Wolf: A Memoir is fantastic if anyone hasn't read it.

Ripeness is currently 99p on kindle.

Also, a new book out in October, perfect for a Christmas read. The Winter Guest

Tell me the worst thing you’ve ever done.

On Christmas Eve, in a hotel on Ireland’s west coast, a man and a woman meet for the first time. As a snowstorm gathers outside windows twinkling with fairy lights, they share a meal, pour wine, propose a toast.

Janice and Gerry are strangers to one another, but they each have a story to tell, a confession to make.

As the blizzard howls, the night will take an unexpected turn, and their conversation will have consequences far beyond the candlelit table.

I struggled with Ghost Wall, with that in mind to what extent do you think I might like Ripeness?

I am a huge Sarah Moss fan. Excited to see another new release this year!

Thanks Alwynne

Alwynne wrote: "Corrie writer deciding to be a bit off the wall - and failing..."

Corrie as in coronation street?

Yes

Nigeyb wrote: "Yes"

Ouch. Haha.

I wasn't keen on Ghost Wall, but I loved Ripeness. I think that was her back again at her best.

Thanks Susan - very helpful

Alwynne wrote: "What it's known as here, it's a Brit institution innit!"

Haha, yes, it's also a bit of one here in Canada. It's been aired here for decades.

I wished to clarify because I saw a clip of Corrie's 2021's sinkhole murder storyline and it's one of the most ridiculous things I've seen :D