Europa Challenge discussion

I'm planning on Peter Kocan's "Fresh Fields," which I believe is the backstory of the main character in his "The Treatment and The Cure," which I just finished and reviewed on The Europa Challenge Blog this week. But Jane Gardam's "The Queen of the Tambourine" is also calling to me, as are the 2nd and 3d books in James Hamilton-Paterson's Fernet Branca trilogy. I know Josh has read "Fresh Fields" from his comments on the Challenge blog; anyone else read Kocan?

I've just started The Most Beautiful Book in the World: Eight Novellas by Eric-Emmanuel Schmitt. The first story was really good.

Reading Linda Ferri's Cecilia, and Stephen Kelman's Pigeon English. Neither of them is exciting me. Could be my current state of toughness due to recent crises, but I find myself more critical and analytical--my own life is so full that someone trying to claim my attention must come up with something quite spectacular. All's fair in love and war.

Helen wrote: "I'm planning on Peter Kocan's "Fresh Fields," which I believe is the backstory of the main character in his "The Treatment and The Cure," which I just finished and reviewed on The Europa Challenge ..."

Haven't read Kocan, but I hope to.

I just finished You Deserve Nothing this morning. Next on the list is a toss-up between The Have- Nots and The Most Beautiful Book in the World.

Tajma wrote: "I just finished You Deserve Nothing this morning. Next on the list is a toss-up between The Have- Nots and The Most Beautiful Book in the World."

I read The Most Beautiful Book in the World last week and it is fabulous.

Thanks for your input, Suzanne. I'm traveling to Germany later this week and must limit myself to three books. This will make the trip.

I LOVED it!!! I literally had a fight with my husband this morning when he tried to keep me from the last thirty pages. It dragged (slightly) in just a few spots for me, which is why I didn't give it five stars. The shifting points-of-view helped with that, though and it is a minor criticism.

I'm looking forward to reading this, but I have a question that someone might know the answer to. A friend who was picking it up at the bookstore I work in yesterday said he was surprised that it was by an American writer who had in fact been affiliated with the Iowa Writer's workshop.

Personally, I have no problem with that, but he was a bit miffed by the idea that this wasn't actually a European writer, thinking that it watered down the idea of the imprint. But he did buy the book.

I'm also not sure what is supposed to distinguish the Tonga line from other Europa titles other than somewhat different cover design.

Sorry that that is slightly off topic.

Seana, I know exactly how your friend felt. I have to confess that the cover blurb by Alice Sebold was unsettling for me. Those of us who enjoy reading Europa Editions aren't looking for sequels to The Lovely Bones, no offense. It definitely waters down the spirit of the imprint in my mind but I have great respect for Iowa Writer's Workshop.

Marie, I would be quite interested in that Q&A.

I'd like to see that Q&A too, and I'm sure my friend will want to know the results. If it comes to pass, I will see if I can get him to participate.

Trish, what is it about Cecilia that you aren't liking? I need to place my next Europa order and that was going to be on it.

Thanks, Marie!

Excellent. I'll get my question ready.

Tajma wrote: "Trish, what is it about Cecilia that you aren't liking? I need to place my next Europa order and that was going to be on it."

Well, it seems like it should envelop me in the times...remember how Mary Renault's The King Must Die did that? But it moves quickly through stages in her life, i.e., before marriage, after marriage and I never really get a feel for how and why she feels the way she does...then she begins to follow Jesus and frankly, that was sketchiest of all.

If you want to send me your address through my blog ( email Trish@TheBowedBookshelf), I will send you my copy. Europa Press, please turn a blind eye.

LOL!!! No need to send it to me. I know exactly the story problems you are relating and it sounds very much like I wouldn't enjoy the novel much, either. I'm not one to fight putting a book down when it doesn't move me and the fact that you're willing to loan it out tells me all I need to know. Thanks for your input.

For those of you who like their violence graphic, a Goodreads maven, Karen, has just reviewed a book by Matthew F Jones. Note at the end of the review she mentions a Europa Editions book by this author: Boot Tracks.

Tajma wrote: "LOL!!! No need to send it to me. I know exactly the story problems you are relating and it sounds very much like I wouldn't enjoy the novel much, either. I'm not one to fight putting a book down w..."

A-a-a-o-o-oh-h. I'm sorry to hear that. I hate to discourage people from reading something. You may have a completely different take than I, and enlighten me as to what I was missing. I have been known to be wrong. Besides, it's not a loaner. It's a straight-out gift.

That's so generous of you, Trish. If you're sure you don't want it I'd love for you to send it to me. This is one of my favorite periods in history so I feel like I should try. Thank you for making me rethink my rather hasty decision. I'll email you my address.

Trish wrote: "For those of you who like their violence graphic, a Goodreads maven, Karen, has just reviewed a book by Matthew F Jones. Note at the end of the review she mentions a Europa Editio..."

follow-on to this discussion, Karen has just reviewed Boot Tracks and it does sound graphic...

Trish, I just received Cecilia. You're a woman after my own heart, as the book is in flawless condition! I will let you know what I think when I start it. Many thanks again for your generosity.

No prob.

I just finished You Deserve Nothing and thought it was terrific.

Marie wrote: "I'm reading DAYS OF FEAR and it's amazing- both hard to read and hard to put down."
I just finished Days of Fear a few minutes ago. I raced through it, almost against my will. It's so powerful and important...

I'm reading "An Accident in August". Fascinating premise around Princess Diana's death, but a bit tough to get into.

I just finished Caryl Ferey's UTU, which is just as bleak and violent as ZULU. I am a bit of an evangelist with Europa - I try and get every serious reader I know to read their stuff. I have read over 25 titles and look forward to tackling more.

Erik wrote: "I am a bit of an evangelist with Europa - I try and get every serious reader I know to read their stuff. I have read..."
I know what you mean about "evangelizing". I've told everyone about Europa, including the local librarians, who are bringing a few more titles in. Most popular so far- "A Day in the Life of Ancient Rome".

Wow. I just stumbled onto Europa this month & I'm in love w/ their editions of books.

First one I read was "In a Strange Room" by Damon Galgut. Next, I read (& abosolutely loved) "Zeroville".

I've just started "Broken Glass Park" & would like to start "Hygiene and the Assassin" w/in the next week or so....

Glad I found this group!

I tried to read "In a Strange Room" last week, but couldn't get involved. It was probably just me. Just ordered "The Most Beautiful Book in the World" from the library, and am waiting for it to arrive.

Treasure Island!! I really really dislike it. Probably won't finish it. It's well written, but the narrator is so contemptible I don't want to spend time with her...