I finally finished Ruth Hall by Fanny Fern, a reading group choice for the Slaves of Golconda. Despite the short chapters I found it took me a while to get through the book. Normally I’m very drawn to stories about women but this one seemed to me so bogged down on the tragedy that it’d set it aside for a while.
There is one thing I really liked though and that was the language. Here’s Ruth thinking about how she must act towards her in-laws.
Still, Ruth kept her wise little mouth shut; moving, amid these discordant elements, as if she were deaf, dumb, and blind. Oh, love! that thy silken reins could so curb the spirit and bridle the tongue, that thy uplifted finger of warning could calm that bounding pulse, still that throbbing heart, and send those rebellious tears, unnoticed, back to their source. Ah! could we lay bare the secret history of many a wife’s heart, what martyrs would be found, over whose uncomplaining lips the grave sets its unbroken seal of silence.
You can read more of my thoughts here and of course join in on the discussion at the MetauxCafe forums.
The other book I finished recently is one of my R.I.P. III Challenge choices, Hallowe’en Party by Agatha Christie.
‘Tis the season to think of Halloween parties and so this book seemed like the perfect choice. The atmosphere, the quaint town, it’s all wonderful. What I didn’t expect was the undercurrent of malice. I guess I didn’t expect a child to be murdered in an Agatha Christie book. Goes to show you that I still have a lot more Christie reading to do.
I loved the mystery writer, Ariadne Oliver who is on hand to help Poirot. I understand she is also in several other Poirot novels so I’m looking forward to finding more of those were she’s involved. Does anyone know and can give me a clue? This wasn’t my favorite Agatha Christie book but I’m glad I read it. You can read more of my thoughts on it here.
For tonight’s reading I’m going back to Beautiful Lies by Lisa Unger. I’m finally getting in the middle of things in this book and am so curious to know what is going on. I can’t figure it out!
I thought I would fly through the book as well, but it took me longer than expected. I enjoyed many aspects of the book, but I think I would have preferred a more tightly knit plotline. Still, it was an interesting look at the period, and Ruth held her own pretty well against her family in the end! I’ve not heard of that Agatha Christie–it sounds good. I really need to read more of her books.
I think everyone got bogged down in that sad middle part. I know I kept flicking ahead to make sure the wheel of fortune would turn eventually! Halloween Party was one of Christie’s last books, and probably the best of her late work. Very twisty ending!
I also enjoy reading books based on the season/weather/holiday/etc. so I may have to find this Christie book before the end of Oct. I doubt my library will have it, so I may go trolling in the Amazon.
Sounds good – I’ve never read anything by Agatha Christie… I know, it’s terrible!
Wow! Nice reads for your fav holiday – Halloween!
Danielle – I agree, I think the book would have benefited from a tighter plot line. The other thing I wish we would have seen were the articles that she wrote. Some samples you know.
Litlove – That middle part was just not fun to go through because just when you think things can’t get any worse they do. What was hard for me to comprehend was that these people were just so mean and without cause.
Mike B. – I had a hard time finding that book at regular stores but lucked out at Half Price Books!
Joanna – Really? Well, I hadn’t read anything by her until maybe last year or so. See, you aren’t that behind 🙂
Isabel – I know! Halloween is just so fun.
It’s been a long time since I read any Agatha Christie, so I’m no help. They both sound interesting, though!
Tiffany – Mrs. Oliver was a great character. I definitely need to find more books she’s featured in helping out Poirot!
I have never heard of Ruth Hall or Fanny Fern, until Danielle and you mentioned the book. I’d like to check it out! 🙂
I didn’t understand why the in-laws didn’t like Ruth either. I can understand Harry’s mother not thinking anyone could be good enough for her boy, but she kinda takes it to the extreme and doesn’t let any evidence to the contrary change her mind. My mother-in-law and I aren’t exactly friends but thank goodness she isn’t that bad!