This is the seventh edition of my weekly reading journal, originally published in Italian. From now on, I’ll also be sharing these posts in English.
I have less than 200 pages left to finish Bomarzo by Manuel Mujica Lainez and I’ll admit it: I’m struggling. I’m stubbornly sticking with this book, which is not like me at all. Usually, if a story isn’t convincing me, I abandon it. If I look at a book sitting open on my bedside table and don’t feel like picking it up, I abandon it.
With Bomarzo, I leave it to marinate for days, then pick it up, reluctantly read a few pages, and forget about it again for days. A push and pull worthy of the best romantic comedies, right? So I’ve decided to take a break, just like Rachel and Ross. I’ve chosen a light read that won’t make me think too hard: Lyla Sage’s romance Done and Dusted.
My adventure in Georgia is going much better. I still have 16 hours of the Gone with the Wind audiobook left, but Scarlett has surprised me, and I think the end of the war is going to bring a lovely wave of drama. The good news is that I haven’t bought a single book this week, so I’m keeping the promise I made to myself: no more books until Christmas.
In print
- The book on my bedside table: Done and Dusted by Lyla Sage.
- Random thoughts: a beautiful ranch in the mountains of the United States, gorgeous, proud horses, and a love story full of teasing and biceps. If I was looking for a light read to help me switch off, I’d say I found it. The first book in the series set at Rebel Blue Ranch, Done and Dusted is a love story that starts quietly, with more than a few difficulties along the way and, surely, a happily-ever-after waiting at the end. But getting to that happily-ever-after is the best part of contemporary romance, where I often find very current themes such as envy, ambition and, in this case, panic attacks. And really, who wouldn’t want to live on a beautiful ranch? Although I’d happily settle for a weekend in Wyoming.
In audiobook
- For walks through the sweltering countryside: Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell.
- Random thoughts: every time I think this book might bore me, something happens that makes me change my mind. The escape from Atlanta, surviving at Tara, and Scarlett—fiery and spoiled, determined and self-centred: Gone with the Wind is one of the greatest soap operas of all time. Not to mention the pages about the American Civil War, which are brutal, seen through the eyes of women, of those who stayed at home but still paid the price of years of fighting, poverty and hunger. Now that the war is over, I’m curious to see what happens next. And can I say it? Ashley gets on my nerves, with all that self-importance.
The quote
Hunger and exhaustion, fear and constant tension, the horrors of war and reconstruction had stripped her of all warmth, youth, and grace.
Stories I’m curious about
There are so many books I’d like to read, and I already have plenty waiting for me on the shelves of my little studio apartment. As always, the choice depends on my mood. There are some doorstops waiting for me, but also Flowers in the Attic by V. C. Andrews, which has been described as a breathlessly chilling horror novel.
With 15 hours of listening time still ahead of me, Gone with the Wind has completely absorbed me, and I think it will be difficult to find another title that captures me in quite the same way. I suppose “masterpieces” are called that for a reason.
Leave a Reply