I had to put some of my current books in progress aside to pick up Whose Body by Dorothy L. Sayers this weekend. I didn’t think I was going to make it to my Murder on Mondays book group this month because I was hoping to go out of town but that didn’t work out and so I’ll go to book group.
I’m almost done with the book and I should have it finished in time for book group. Here’s where I make a big confession, I’m not a fan of Dorothy L. Sayers. I know, what kind of a mystery fan am I right? According to the blurb on the front cover she is only “One of the greatest mystery story writers of this century.”
I read two of her books many years ago and I couldn’t connect. Perhaps I was looking for a more action type book or maybe I wasn’t used to a certain type of writing. I have since then read many more book set in that time frame and have enjoyed them a lot. Still it is a bit hard I think to pick up a book by an author who you’ve had a hard time with and fully enjoy it. I do try to keep an open mind but in this case I don’t think I’m doing as good a job about it.
Anyway, what I’ve read so far I have enjoyed quite a bit. There are definitely a lot of flashes of great writing and witty characters. I will let you know what I think once I’m done and of course I look forward to hearing what the other book group memebers thought.
I actually need to write up a couple of other reviews. I haven’t forgotten but I just got, um, sidetracked. In any case is there one writer you hate to admit that you don’t like?
Quite a few, really! I cannot abide William Golding, although he is supposed to be wonderful. And I can’t get on with Rachel Cusk. I’m sure there are loads more, actually, but my memory fails me! I’m not surprised about Sayers in a way – she has a very particular style that I’m sure wouldn’t suit everyone.
I wish I had time to finish (or even start) this book for our book group! Just too many gift baskets to put together for Mother’s Day, among other events that have been going on. But I am looking forward to listening to the discussion of This Dorothy Sayers’ book. And of course, I’m looking forward to seeing you girl! Hope your Monday is a good one.
For me it’s Joseph Conrad. I did eventually get through ‘Heart of Darkness’ but only so I could discuss it with a good friend who was writing about it for her Masters.
Which Sayers did you read previously? If you haven’t read ‘Gaudy Night’ then you might enjoy that; it’s certainly my favourite.
JRR Tolkien. I tried to read The Hobbit when I was in middle school and just couldn’t. I tried reading the first of The Lord of the Rings in high school and couldn’t again. Then after I saw the movies in college and loved them I tried a third time. I really admire his creativity and genious. I mean the man created his own language for goodness sakes. He’s just not for me.
For me it is J.K. Rowling. I just cannot get into her books, and I mean, I love fantasy, so it should be right up my alley, but I never have managed to get drawn into her world.
Chuck Pahlaniuk.
Litlove – I’ve read one Rachel Cusk book and didn’t like it. I may try another but I’m in no rush 🙂
Shadan – Can’t wait to see you girl. And, I have the book for next month to give you.
Ann – The two I read were The Nine Tailors and Busman’s Honeymoon. I did finish Whose Body last night and I’d be happy to try another Sayers book. I have heard good things about Gaudy Night so I’ll add that to the list.
aka Nik – I’ve never read Tolkien but of course everyone says how wonderful the books are don’t they? Ah well.
Kailana – I haven’t read any of the Harry Potter books although I think my resistance to them has been because I don’t read YA… Granted that seems to be changing for me lately so who knows maybe I’ll check out one of the Potter books eventually.
Jenclair – I don’t think I’d like Pahlaniuk’s books. The ones I’ve heard about sound kinda disturbing for my tastes.
Sayers had great serializations on PBS. But, I must admit, I haven’t read any of her books.
You know me — the non mystery reader. Hope you enjoy the book group dicussion and look forward to some of your reviews to be posted.
Did you make it out to Urban Bazaar?
I would have to think about that question–I am sure I do have some authors that fall into that category. Maybe Mark Twain? Does that sound awful? I know people love him, but I just don’t want to read him. I did break down and read Tom Sawyer, and it was pretty good, and I know I need to read Huck Finn, but I am just not drawn to his books.
Isabel – Really? I wonder if I can find the videos at the library. I’ll have to check.
Christine – Nope, didn’t make it out to the Bazaar. I was so lazy this weekend! 🙂 Did you go? Was it fun?
Danielle – Oh me too. I don’t have any desire to read Mark Twain. It sounds terrible doesn’t it? Ah well, I don’t feel too bad because I think about all the authors I do want to read and that list will keep me busy forever 🙂
Sayers videos – Look under Lord Peter Wimsey Mystery
Good luck!
I can’t think of a particular writer I hate to admit I don’t like – but I will join the Rachel Cusk group. I really didn’t care for Arlington Park and now I see it’s up for some awards. I also am not a fan of The Great Gatsby, and have not come across anyone else who feels the same. I think it’s really that I dislike the characters. Anyway, I even live in a city Fitzgerald called home!
Like, Tara, I cannot think of anyone in particular that I would hate to admit to not liking. Their are authors who I haven’t been impressed with and probably won’t bother reading more than the one or two books I read by them, but none I wouldn’t want to admit to not liking.
Chuck Pahlaniuk is one of the authors that I was less than impressed by when I read his book, The Diary. And Gabriel García Márquez’s One Hundred Years of Solitude was a big turn off for me.
William Golding and Joseph Conrad are two that I just can’t get into…
Isabel – Thanks girl. I will look for them.
Tara – I’ve only read one Rachel Cusk novel and didn’t like it but I’m willing to give her another try. Granted I’m not in a rush 🙂
Literary Feline – As much as I love GGM, I did not like One Hundred Years of Solitude.
Gentle Reader – I think I’m reading a Joseph Conrad novel this summer for one of my groups. Yikes. I hope it won’t be too bad 🙂