the books I am reading

20Mar09

I tend to read more than one book at a time.

Here is what I am up to at the moment:

Goya by Robert Hughes. This is a magnificent book about that enigmatic artist of Spain, at the time of much turmoil in Europe. It is a work of love and spares no effort to give us the detail of Goya’s life and times, as well as every detail of his work. This is a book to own and go back to often. My first rereading was when I borrowed it from the library and read it right through. But it is such a big and comprehensive book, you need to have a copy for yourself.

Bel Canto by Ann Patchett. I am reading this on the recommendation of a friend, it is not a book I would have picked up by myself. And therein lies the puzzle – why would I not have chosen it? Because it is by a woman? Not really. Because it promises to treat of romance? Probably why I would walk past it. But I am enjoying it so far, a droll book in some ways. I need to think more to explain what is to like about it.

Open Secret by Stella Rimington is the autobiography of the first woman head of MI5, the British Intelligence Agency. She worked in the organisation from the bottom to the top over 30-odd years. I am just beginning this and the first few pages seem rather heavy going, which is a surprise, as she writes the most readable novels. I shall plough on and give her a chance. At the moment, we are working through her experience in war-time England – hardly likely to be sprightly reading, after all!

I shall came back and tell you more about these books when I am further advanced with them.

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Tags: Ann Patchett, books, reading, Robert Hughes, Stella Rimington