Tuesday, February 21, 2012

A Delicious Read.....

It's just as well it wasn't a very long book because, from page one, I could not put it down .

" The Vanishing Act Of Esme Lennox" carried me back, heedless of dust and dirt, dishes and laundry, unmade beds and unvisited princes, turning page after page after page until it washed me up on the shore of my neglected house, sleep deprived, but completely satisfied!  It reminded me, in a way, of the whole Irish Laundries scandal. Different, but similar in that, in both cases, women or girls who were too spirited, or unconventional, or unwilling to sit quietly with their needlework while their brothers had all the fun, were shunned by society or, as in Esme's case, locked away, so as not to embarrass their families. What a glorious read! On the lookout now for more books by Maggie O'Farrell........If you can find "Esme" read it and tell me what you think.

15 comments:

persiflage said...

Although I have not heard of the author or title, your recommendation captivates, me, so I must sally forth and search. Thank you.
By the way your sewing looks gorgeous, also the fabrics, of course.

Thimbleanna said...

I haven't heard of it either, but it sounds wonderful. Off to check amazon....

Joan said...

I have read Esmé, and thought it very good. It always makes me happy when O'Farrell has a new book out. My absolute favorite is"After You'd Gone". Better get caught up with your chores before you crack that one open! The only one of her books that I didn't really care for (too superficial, it felt like a rush job) was "My Lover's Lover".

Pauline said...

Just ordered it from the regional library shelves. Have you read Kate Merton's The Forgotten Garden? I did nothing else for days except turn pages.

Peg said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Peg said...

Sorry my post came out looking like I'd been at the whiskey bottle! I've really enjoyed your blog, I haven't read Maggie O'Farrel but will look out for her. To me it's the sign of a good author when you can't put their works down.

SmitoniusAndSonata said...

Isn't it awful when you can't put the book down ... but don't want it to end !
Housework's vastly over-rated , by the way ...

Friko said...

O'Farrell as been one of my favourite authors for a long time.

yes, you were right, I just couldn't sleep, so read a few blogs. Should have read a book instead, maybe.

Julie said...

Have just read your last 9 posts. Finally caught up. Oh goodness, can I possibly read those letters below to prove I am not a robot - I will try.
As usual loved the stories and made a note of book to read.

heartinsanfrancisco said...

I own the book but haven't read it yet. Thanks for the reminder!

Jenny Woolf said...

I rarely find books these days that grab me as much as this has grabbed you - although they do exist. One that did was written by a fellow blogger and issued on Kindle - very inspiring don't you think? Such a lot of good stuff out there!

heartinsanfrancisco said...

I'm back. I just read it and enjoyed it thoroughly. Wow! What a story!

patty said...

the next book I plan to read after this month's book club selection

Birdydownunder said...

On your recommendation I have bought the book, waiting to be reading as soon as I finish the final Chapter of The Winds of War.

Birdydownunder said...

The Scot says thanks Molly in Florida .... no housework has been done .. I just finished the book.... compelling but I have to read again. Have just searched the web and I dont think I agree with others about the ending.
Whats next on the list please.