The year has already started off with some interesting reads. I’ve only finished one book so far, a good mystery which I’ll tell you about soon, but today I just wanted to share some tidbits on the books I’ve been shuffling on the nightstand.
First, is After The Quake by Haruki Murakami. I’ve read two Murakami novels which I’ve thoroughly enjoyed but this short story collection is leaving me a bit unsatisfied so far. I think this particular collection is the reason why I sometimes feel like I don’t get a complete story with short stories. I’ve only read three of the stories here so far, which all have the Kobe Earthquake in common in some way, and while I’ve liked the characters I’ve encountered and appreciate the situations I feel like I’m missing something.
Has anyone read this and felt the same way? I will continue with it because like I said I enjoy the writing style and who knows maybe in the end it will all come together for me.
My other read is Leaving Home by Anita Brookner. Again, another writer whose previous novels I’ve read and have really liked. I’m not very far into this book so I’m still not quite sure about it but I always find something to relate to with Anita’s characters.
I like that she explores women at a crossroads in their lives and how they try to break free from traditions or what is expected of them. In this story the main character realizes that to gain freedom she must leave her mother and her home. Plus, I always like the author’s interesting word choices: intemperate, somnolescent, etc. Have you read any Brookner? Got a favorite?
Finally, you know I have to have a mystery on the shelf right? So I am about half way through The Chalk Circle Man by Fred Vargas. Remember how I said I would love to work with Inspector Gamache from the Louise Penny books? Well, I cannot imagine working with Inspector Adamsberg. He is always distracted and he seems to be in his own little world.
Now, that’s not to say I’m not liking the mystery. Actually I am. I’m very intrigued by the little crimes that have been taking place and now something big has happened. I cannot imagine how it’s all going to be tied together so the author has definitely got my attention there.
So those are my current reads. I don’t know which I’ll pick up tonight or if maybe I’ll just throw in another book in the mix.
Well, if you think you are missing something with Murakami’s short stories, I REALLY did because I tried to listen to them on audio. Even if I were reading them, I think I’d need cliff notes. I’ve not heard of the other books, but I do enjoy a good crime thriller. Thing is, I think in my old age (and after reading hundreds of this genre) I’m getting a little persnickety over them. Is it me, or do they all start to sound the same?
I just can’t do short stories. I just get into them and then they end, so I no longer bother to even attempt to read them.
I haven’t read any of Anita Brookner’s books, which one would you recommend?
I read Leaving Home last year and remember that when I was done I kind of thought, oh? But as I got further away from the story, bits and pieces came to mind and I realized that it was a story that I needed to sit with awhile. I also read Murakami’s book about running – non-fiction and I really liked his writing. I have him on my list to try one of his works of fiction this year.
Too bad the Murakami is disappointing. I’ve not read any of his short stories so I can’t say if I’ve had the same problem. I love his books though!
Leaving Home – quiet but rebellious at the end! Loved it.
Murakami – Have you gotten to the story of Super Frog? (Forgot the exact name, but it’s a superhero.)
The stories don’t deal with the people and the quake but others seeing it from afar. It’s a bit weird like all his novels.
Mmmm, I love Inspector Gamache, too. Such a nice man. I finished The Brutal Telling a few days ago and really enjoyed it.
The Chalk Circle Man cover is a little scary, isn’t it? Makes the heart quicken a bit. Eager to hear your final opinion on this one.
I do like short stories but I can be very particular. Some authors do it very well. I recently picked up a book of short stories by Sam Shepard called Great Dream of Heaven. There is one story in there that made me laugh out loud called Betty’s Cats. I have often gone to pick up a Murakami and then it gets put back down. I should try reading one of his novels. I really liked Anita Brookner’s Hotel Du Lac which was something I read because of your review.
Sandy – Definitely give Murakami’s novels a try. And, yes, I know what you mean about crime novels. I like them but I want them to have good, original characters. So far this one is quite different from others I’ve read.
vivienne – I’ve had some success with short stories that I’ve read in collections like Best Short Stories or something like that. I would give one of those collections a try. As far as Brookner goes, Hotel Du Lac is really good and I’d go with that one as an introduction!
Juliann – Oh I’m glad to hear you liked it. I really am not far into the novel so I need to let it sink in a bit more and just see what happens with the characters.
Stefanie – I’m bummed out because I just love Sputnik Sweetheart and Norwegian Wood so I was sort of expecting the same. It’s not a bad collection just not what I was expecting I guess.
Isabel – ooh, rebellious at the end? I can’t wait then! And, just finished reading Super Frog. What a weird story. Although it may be one of my favorites so far.
jenclair – My mystery book group selection for March is The Brutal Telling and I can’t wait. I’ve recently read two of the Penny books . And, the cover is scary but so far nothing too scary has happened. Well a body has been found but not too descriptive so I’m glad about that!
christine – You need to do a post on short stories! Would love to see some of your recommendations as I know you really enjoy them. I need to add the Shepard collection to my radar. And, yes, pick up a Murakami novel when you can – you are in for a treat!
I haven’t read After the Quake yet, but given Murakami’s style, I can see how it might leave short stories lacking somehow. I’ve never read Brookner at all. Which of hers would you recommend a newbie start with?
I really like Brookner too, and enjoyed Leaving Home. I also liked Hotel du Lac. I’m looking forward to reading more of her work!
I’m like Vivienne, I don’t read short stories. I never could. Leaving Home sounds like a book for me. I hope you are still enjoying that one. Let me know. I haven’t read anything by her, but with the women themes she pursues I think I should.
I like Murakami (After Dark) and plan to read more in 2010 by this author. I also like Anita Brookner’s newest book: Strangers, so plan to read something else by her. Thanks for the great post.
andi – I say start with Hotel Du Lac… Which I believe she won the Booker for? Maybe I’m getting confused. But anyway, it’s very good!
Dorothy W. – I think I just need to spend a bit more time with Leaving Home. Unfortunately my other two reads are claiming more of my attention and I’ve even started another book!
Wisteria – You should definitely give Brookner a try! Her women characters are quite rebellious and I like that 🙂
diane – I’ve really enjoyed two of his novels so maybe my next book will be another novel!
I haven’t read any of these, but Brookner is one of those authors I hope to read at some point.