Between the Wars discussion

I'm planning to read Sunflower by Rebecca West soon. It had been mentioned as a possible group read once, so I wondered if anyone else is interested in reading it, or already has.

My suggestion! Woo! :)

Actually, I started trying to read it, but I had to put it down. It was quite dense but still felt quite shallow--I couldn't really get at the protagonist. Hope you enjoy it though.

I'll let you know. I'm particularly interested because she based it on her own affairs - one with Lord Beaverbrook, who appears in my novels.

Gabriele, I will look around for a copy and read it with you. Thanks for suggesting it -- and for Lauren originally suggesting also.

Great, Sarah! I found mine on Amazon, but through one of their affiliates in Britain - the Book Depository, I think.

And, Lauren, thanks again for bringing this book to my attention! My daughter said it sounds intriguing, and plans to read it as well.

Gabriele, the choices looked a little thin and pricey out there for this book. I will look again though for sure. I haven't been impressed with the Amazon "used" conditions lately -- I guess there are just a lot of individuals selling their books on there now. I will look again though because there might be some reliable one I have ordered from before.

I saw it for $3 on http://www.powells.com/ a bookseller in Oregon. They add $4 shipping, unless you order $50.

Sarah, my book was a brand new copy, but it did cost $16 + $6.50 shipping. I'm afraid that buying new books, especially if I consider them helpful for my research, is a vice of mine. :)

Yes, I did see it on Powells too I think, I will go back and look at that, Jeannette. Powells is one of my regulars and they have less widely known books too. I am not sure I even saw a new copy listed anywhere for under $24 or so, Gabriele -- that what was making me wonder. Well Gabriele, you don't have to worry about wear and tear if you order new, so that isn't really so extreme to me!

I am not seeing the one you mentioned Jeannette. They had a really cheap copy, $1.95 maybe, that was pretty old and one for $9.95. I was wary of those too actually, although Powells has never sent me a poor condition book and heaven knows they are sticklers when they buy books from you! haha

Maybe it was the $1.95 copy. I was just guessing at the price (when I wrote $3 in the post) -- I knew it was inexpensive. I have a friend who works at Powells; maybe I could have her check the book's condition for you? $1.95 is a pretty good price.

I think I will just go for it and see how it turns out. I will let you know and let you know Gabriele when it arrives and can get started.

Lucky you, Jeannette -- a friend at Powells!

I am lucky! She has already sent me one box of ARCs! :D And, she hears all sorts of cool stuff about upcoming releases, and book news in general, which she passes along.

SarahC wrote: "I think I will just go for it and see how it turns out. I will let you know and let you know Gabriele when it arrives and can get started.

Lucky you, Jeannette -- a friend at Powells!"

OK, Sarah!

Gabriele wrote: "I'll let you know. I'm particularly interested because she based it on her own affairs - one with Lord Beaverbrook, who appears in my novels."

And I believe Essington is based on H.G. Wells?

Nice to have everyone back by the way. It all went a bit quiet.

Lauren wrote: "Gabriele wrote: "I'll let you know. I'm particularly interested because she based it on her own affairs - one with Lord Beaverbrook, who appears in my novels."

And I believe Essington is based on ..."

Yes, I think so.

Lauren wrote: "Nice to have everyone back by the way. It all went a bit quiet."

I became caught up in work and dropped pretty well everything else. Still need to concentrate on the new novel, so I will undoubtedly disappear into it again. :)

My copy of Sunflower arrived, Gabriele. Have you heard of any other interest? When did you think of discussing? I haven't started it yet, but just let me know :)

I just started reading it, Sarah, although I don't have much time each day - only my bedtime reading - so it's a slow process. But anytime you are ready, we can begin discussing it.

I will be finishing up a big read for another group this week so I think I can get started after that. I will probably be going a bit slowly too, Gabriele -- this summer is proving busier than I thought! I am very much looking forward to discussing with you, Gabriele, and others who may join us.

Sounds good to me, Sarah!

Gabriele, I got on a roll with reading Sunflower yesterday during time I spent in my backyard reading in the shade - we are trying to more fully enjoy our backyard than ever this year, glad to say.

Anytime you want to start discussing is fine. I am finding it very interesting with quite a bit to comment about. Interesting that West created Sybil as an actress, I think, dealing with this political world. Also, I am looking forward to hearing more from you about the real people behind the fictional characters.

Sarah, please do begin your comments and I will chime in. Things have been hectic here, so I'm not far into it, but also enjoying it. I have some errands to run that entail waiting (i.e. for car repair), so I will take the book along with me. I'll start a new thread for discussion.

Glad you're able to enjoy your garden!