On the first Wednesday of every month, GWL team members and volunteers share what we’ve read recently at our Book Picnic:
Last Seen in Lhasa by Claire Scobie
In this memoir, recommended by Mary, award-winning journalist Claire Scobie recounts her multiple journeys to Tibet, driven by her fascination with a rare red lily that blooms in the region only once a decade. The book is not just about her botanical quest, but also a deep exploration of Tibetan culture, spirituality, and the profound changes affecting the region. Central to her story is her friendship with Ani, a Tibetan nun, which offers intimate insights into the lives of Tibetan women and their spiritual practices. Scobie’s narrative is a blend of travelogue, cultural study, and personal evolution, set against the backdrop of the breathtaking Himalayas and the political tensions surrounding Tibet. Mary felt it was both well-written and evocative, and enjoyed how it explored ways of life, culture, and traditions that are at risk of being lost.
The Mercies by Kiran Millwood Hargrave
This book, recommended by Caroline, who described it as “dark but with an element of hope”, is based on real events. Set in 1617 in a small Norwegian village where a catastrophic storm kills most of the men, the novel focuses on the women of the village as they struggle to survive in the aftermath, forging new roles for themselves in a patriarchal society. When a Scottish commissioner arrives with his young wife to oversee a witch trial, the village’s dynamics are further disrupted. The story explores themes of love, betrayal, feminism, and the fear of the unknown, as the women confront both natural and human-made challenges in their isolated community.
Ethel Rosenberg by Anne Sebba
This biography, recommended by Pauline, reexamines the life of Ethel Rosenberg, who was executed with her husband, Julius, in 1953 for conspiracy to commit espionage for the Soviet Union. Sebba delves into Ethel’s personal history, her marriage, and her role in the espionage case, offering a nuanced view of her as a person, not just a political figure. The book also sheds light on the atmosphere of fear and suspicion in America during the Cold War, questioning the fairness of the trial and the motivations behind the Rosenbergs’ conviction. Pauline is finding it to be a hard read, and mentioned that although it is a biography, it “reads like a Greek tragedy.”
The Balkan Trilogy and The Levant Trilogy by Olivia Manning
Also recommended by Pauline, The Balkan Trilogy – “The Great Fortune,” “The Spoilt City,” and “Friends and Heroes” – follows the life of Harriet Pringle, a young Englishwoman, during the early years of World War II. It begins with her arrival in Bucharest, where her husband, Guy, works as a university lecturer. The trilogy paints a vivid picture of Eastern Europe during the war, as seen through the eyes of Harriet. It explores her marriage’s challenges, the diverse expatriate community, and the impact of the war on their lives.
Continuing the story of Harriet Pringle, The Levant Trilogy – “The Danger Tree,” “The Battle Lost and Won,” and “The Sum of Things” – moves to Cairo, where Harriet and her husband find refuge after escaping from Greece. The narrative captures the complexities of life in Egypt during the war, including the political intrigue, the social whirl of expatriate life, and the personal struggles Harriet faces. The trilogy is praised for its rich historical detail and portrayal of a marriage under strain in extraordinary circumstances.
Both trilogies were based on Manning’s personal experiences of fleeing different countries with her husband during the second world war.
The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods
Recommended by Anna, “The Lost Bookshop” by Evie Woods is a blend of historical fiction, romance, and magical realism. The novel centers on Opaline, Martha, and Henry, who, in two different timelines, encounter a unique bookshop that disappears and reappears in another time, and leads them on a series of unexpected adventures. The story weaves their personal journeys and discoveries, beginning in 1921 England, as they navigate the complexities of life, relationships, and the transformative power of literature, all centered around the mysterious “missing” bookshop. Anna remarked that it makes a lovely winter read!
The Fascination by Essie Fox
This book was also recommended by Anna, who described it as a dark, fascinating tale. Set in Victorian England, in a landscape of rural fairgrounds, opulent theatres, and anatomy museums, is a story rich with secrets and intense obsessions. The story focuses on twin sisters Keziah and Tilly Lovell, who are physically identical except for Tilly’s unusual lack of growth since age five. The twins, used by their father to promote a dubious elixir, find themselves sold at fifteen to an enigmatic Italian known as ‘Captain’. Parallel to their story is that of Theo, an orphan raised by his unsympathetic grandfather, Lord Seabrook. When Theo is forced to leave home, his path leads him to Dr. Summerwell’s Museum of Anatomy in London. It’s here that his life intersects with Captain’s theatrical troupe, a motley crew of performers and social outcasts, including Tilly and Keziah. As relationships develop and secrets unravel, the narrative delves into themes of love, loss, redemption, and the essence of being unique, all set against a backdrop of the glittering, yet shadowy, world of Victorian London.
Magnaccioni: My Food… My Italy by Anne Pia
Recommend by Wendy, who described it as a warm, joyous read that was easy to dip in and out of, this book is a heartfelt tribute to Italian cuisine and culture, blending personal memoir with a cookbook. Anne Pia shares stories from her life, reflecting on her Italian roots and the way food has played a central role in her family’s history. The book is interspersed with a variety of traditional Italian recipes, ranging from simple, home-cooked meals to more elaborate dishes. Pia’s narrative provides not just culinary guidance but also a window into the Italian way of life, emphasizing the importance of food in bringing people together and preserving heritage.
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