xenu01 > Recent Status Updates

Wtf, Brigid! I did not expect to be so ENTHRALLED by this book but I need everyone to kiss.

??

At a standstill because I just hate Quentin so damn much

"But there are none so frightened, or so strange in their fear, as conquerors. They conjure phantoms endlessly, terrified that their victims will someday do back what was done to them--even if, in truth, their victims couldn't care less about such pettiness and have moved on. Conquerers live in dread of the day when they are shown to be, not superior, but simply lucky."

Slow-going, mostly because I'm having trouble making room for it in my normal reading spaces (like the train). Finding the constant use of the n-word jarring in a space novel, esp. since this was written by a white woman. WTF, Cecelia Holland?

I am enjoying my second of Madeline Hunter's Medievals with one caveat: not sure about how I feel regarding her weird trope of forcing a reluctant heroine to live in close quarters with the hero until he charms her sufficiently. It kind of reminds me of trying to push down on a cat to make it stay when it doesn't want to stay. I mean.

"His fingers were long and the color of a well-cooked crisp biscuit; I seemed to feel them with my teeth and tongue."

"...it had brought his head so close to my hand that I only had to stretch my fingers-and there is was, the delightful heather spring of of the different hair tension tingling against one's digital nerves as no flaccid blond hair does."

OMG MARY, STAHP IT.

Was shocked to look at the copyright page because this feels so strongly (for better or for worse) like vintage YA girl's fantasy.

I am enjoying this book even more than I expected. This is my second Barbara Pym. My first, A Few Green Leaves, was enjoyable but not as memorable. This book has similar element but is truly something special. I have a feeling a lot of my women friends will be receiving this book at one time or another.

This book is ripping my heart out.

Magical.

OK so far. Prose is very workmanlike. I have to say I am very amused that the heroine's name is Princess Contessa (Tess for short, of COURSE). I mean, Princess Countess? I really hope that is on purpose.

Update, 300ish pages in: Ok, nearly done now, but uh, gypsy...?

OK so far. Prose is very workmanlike. I have to say I am very amused that the heroine's name is Princess Contessa (Tess for short, of COURSE). I mean, Princess Countess? I really hope that is on purpose.