I think I’ve found a new favorite author and what’s funny is that I’ve only read one of her books and am just now a few chapters into another of her novels but read this and tell me you aren’t intrigued?
“Dr. Weiss, at forty, knew that her life had been ruined by literature. In her thoughtful and academic way, she put it down to her faulty moral education, which dictated, through her conflicting but in this one instance united agencies of her mother and father, that she ponder the careers of Anna Karenina and Emma Bovary, but that she emulate those of David Copperfield and Little Dorrit.
But really it had started much earlier than that, when, at a faintly remembered moment in her early childhood, she had fallen asleep, enraptured, as her nurse breathed the words ‘Cinderella shall go to the ball.’ The ball had never materialized.”
Dr. Weiss is the main character of The Debut by Anita Brookner. From what I’ve read so far, her parents were sort of there in the background as she was growing up but they were more concentrated on themselves so she grew up escaping into the world of books.
I’m at the part now where she’s moved on to college and out of her parent’s house and she’s trying to be an independent woman. It’s interesting how her parents react to her newfound freedom. They want to hold her back and somehow they still manage to manipulate her. I’m very curious to see how Ruth will break free of what she believes has held her back and how she will “grow up” in this story.
Last year I read Hotel Du Lac and loved it and it appears that The Debut will also be a keeper for me, at least I hope so. I’ve been jotting down sentences I like and am just taking my time with this book.
How about you, have you found a new favorite author? Tell me about them.
I have The Debut on my fall reading list also and I’m saving for my little getaway in Christmas. I love Anita Brookner. She’s a keen observer of humans and their emotions. I’m looking forward to reading your opinions after you finish! I have found myself rationing her books!
I’ve added The Debut to my list! Thanks, iliana!
I’ve just recently fallen in love with Marisa de los Santos, specifically her book Love Walked In. I generally feel like I need to read at least two of an author’s books for them to qualify as a favourite, but I’m (almost) ready to waive that rule for this author.
I’ve never read Anita Brookner, but your excerpt definitely makes The Debut sound good!
Weird cover though!
Another one to add to my ever growing to read pile – thanks!
I’m smitten with Jasper Fforde at the moment and his Thursday Next novels and I’m onto my third one in the series soon.
The Debut sounds wonderful, and your enthusiasm for Anita Brookner makes me extra happy to have found a bargain copy of Hotel du Lac earlier this week 😀
Keep reading her! You’re in for so much pleasure…
Oh, that does sound wonderful. And, I just happen to have a copy that I found at the library sale (thanks to you — I might never have noticed the book, otherwise). Nancy Moser is a new favorite author, for me. I’ve run through all three of her historicals, so now I need to get my mitts on some of her other books.
Oh this sounds like fun! I can see why she is a new favorite author. I will have to look out for this one!
Matt – Good thing she has quite a number of books out there right? I agree, it’s those observations on relationships that make her such a great writer.
jenclair – yay! – I’m about half way through the book and I’m really liking it.
avisannschild – I know what you mean. It makes sense right to read more from an author before deciding but I guess sometimes you just know! And, I thought the cover was a bit odd too – it reminds of the pulp novels and not a “literary” book I guess.
Jelenie – Oh I keep meaning to read one of those Jasper Fforde novels! I get the feeling I’m seriously missing out 🙂
Nymeth – I really hope you’ll enjoy Hotel Du Lac. I can’t believe I never reviewed it but you know how that goes 🙂
Audrey – Funny thing is that I have been on the look out for some of her books so I do have some others waiting on the shelves 🙂
Bookfool, aka Nancy – I’ve really enjoyed your reviews on the Moser books and you know I really want to read Mozart’s Sister – that’s the title right? Now if I could just read so much faster! haha…
Stefanie – You’ll have to keep us posted if you do get to one of her books. I’m actually wanting to read some Balzac now as she keeps mentioning him in this book. Love it when one book leads to another 🙂
I read Visitors, but it’s about an old lady. You have to be in the right mood to read that work.
My new favorite author that I discovered last year is John Dunning and his Cliff Janeway novels. I haven’t posted about his books nearly enough. They are great detective novels in their own right, but they involve Cliff Janeway, former Denver detective and now bookseller. I read each of his books in about 2 days. I’ll read everything he writes, even his non-Janeway books which I’ll begin soon.
I’m intrigued! I’ve never read Brookner, but I’m gonna have to try now!
Isabel – I remember you mentioned that book to me. I still want to read it. I have a few other Brookners but I don’t think that’s one of them. Hmm, a trip to HPB might be in store 🙂
Mike B. – Ok, I’m so looking for those books. Those sound wonderful.
Andi – You are in for a treat! I highly recommend Hotel du Lac which I believe is the one she won the Booker for too.