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Nic V: Today I Read… @nic-v.bsky.social · 19h

A beautifully written coming of age tale.

James looks back to his teenage self, 20 years ago in the early 2000s, when he had an all-absorbing obsessive crush on Luke from the farm down the road.

Their quiet village is well-described.

#books
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Nic V: Today I Read… @nic-v.bsky.social · 2d

The story of Lavinia, mentioned in Virgil’s Aeneid, brought to life by Ursula Le Guin.

Richly imagined with plenty of detail of pre-Roman life.
I preferred the household scenes, nature and rituals to the battles.

Interesting approach to dialogue with the poet.

#books
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Nic V: Today I Read… @nic-v.bsky.social · 3d

I was on the fence about reading this novel, being a fan of Benjamin Myers but feeling averse to spending time with the unpleasant Kinski.

But this review has tipped me surely into the positive side. I’m on the lookout for it now!

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Benjamin Myers @benjaminmyers76.bsky.social · 3d

Bloody hell: JESUS CHRIST KINSKI is Novel of the Month in The Independent.

This feels like a miracle of sorts.

Non-subscribers can read the full review here.

www.newsbreak.com/the-independ...

Nic V: Today I Read… @nic-v.bsky.social · 3d

Yes!
It’s part of the Storyville documentary strand, broadcasting late on Tuesday night, so I guess it’ll be on the iPlayer shortly after that.

Sarah @norfolkbookworm.bsky.social · 4d

Very excited to see that the American film The Librarians about book banning in America is being shown on the BBC this week - I'm assuming to tie in with #BannedBooksWeek

I've been searching the cinema listings for somewhere showing it but this is even better
📚💙 #BookSky

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Nic V: Today I Read… @nic-v.bsky.social · 5d

An undemanding whodunnit.

At her retirement from the police, Midge is gifted a weekend in a ‘haunted house’. When the group of stock characters is inevitably isolated by snow and slashed tyres, a murder occurs.

Is it the ghost of the White Lady?
(No.)

UK publication 16th October
#books
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Reposted by Nic V: Today I Read…

Goldsmiths Prize @goldsmithsprize.bsky.social · 5d

We are delighted to announce the #GoldsmithsPrize2025 shortlist.

Congratulations to our six brilliant novelists!

Find out more about the shortlist: www.gold.ac.uk/goldsmiths-p...

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Nic V: Today I Read… @nic-v.bsky.social · 5d

An excellent study of political extremism and violence in the 1960s, 70s & 80s in the Middle East and Europe.

@jasonburke2.bsky.social utilises extensive research and deep understanding to portray characters and events in a compelling thriller-like narrative.

Lengthy but essential.

#books
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The Revolutionists:
The Story of the Extremists Who Hijacked the 1970s
By Jason Burke

The unbound proof copy of The Revolutionists by Jason Burke.
Which is how I’ve managed to read a 768 page book by its publication day!

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Nic V: Today I Read… @nic-v.bsky.social · 7d

I’m about two-thirds of the way through the most excellent history book I’ve read this year. It’s nearly 800 pages long - and not a single paragraph is skippable or skimmable, it’s so engrossing.

Anyway, according to my self-imposed rule I only post my review & pic once I’ve finished the book, so…

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Nic V: Today I Read… @nic-v.bsky.social · 10d

The new Thursday Murder Club novel.

In which our familiar friends have another crime-solving adventure whilst valuing their friendship.

If you liked the previous books, you won’t be disappointed.

Everybody read this this weekend, right?

A nice bit of cosy enjoyment & escapism.

#books
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The Impossible Fortune
By Richard Osman
The hardback independent bookshop exclusive edition.

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Nic V: Today I Read… @nic-v.bsky.social · 11d

I definitely want to read this!

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Nic V: Today I Read… @nic-v.bsky.social · 11d

A retelling of Oliver Twist from the perspective of Nancy.

I think that the idea behind the story is a good one, but unfortunately the writing style did not work for me.

#books
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The Scent of Oranges
By Kathy George

A paperback proof copy, splayed out to show both covers. It’s very prettily decorated with oranges and orange blossom, a woman in a red dress with her back to us on a bridge, and the words “It’s a tale you know with a Twist you don’t”

Yes, I’ve got more positive things to say about the cover than the contents.

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Nic V: Today I Read… @nic-v.bsky.social · 12d

An interesting exploration of the act of complaining, and the hostile institutional systems that impede and frustrate.

With many relatable examples, often from university workplaces, it becomes clear how injustices and inequalities are reproduced and deeply rooted.

Infuriating!

#books
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No Is Not A Lonely Utterance:
The Art and Activism of Complaining
By Sara Ahmed

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Nic V: Today I Read… @nic-v.bsky.social · 14d

Clear by Carys Davies is a great novel set on a remote Scottish island (not specifically Orkney, sorry) during the Highland Clearances.

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Nic V: Today I Read… @nic-v.bsky.social · 14d

I’m looking forward to seeing @saranahmed.bsky.social in conversation with @noreenmasud.bsky.social tomorrow evening in Bristol.

I’m not even halfway through her new book, and already it’s essential reading!

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www.thesmallcitybookshop.co.uk/event-detail...

No Is Not A Lonely Utterance: The Art and Activism of Complaining with Sara Ahmed | Small City Bookshop

The incomparable Sara Ahmed returns with her new book on the art of complaining - a moving exploration of the solace and power of listening in an unjust world. In conversation with Noreen Masud.

www.thesmallcitybookshop.co.uk

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Nic V: Today I Read… @nic-v.bsky.social · 15d

I’d buy it, and certainly try to convince my bookshop bosses to stock it.

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Nic V: Today I Read… @nic-v.bsky.social · 15d

I’ve read 6 so far, of which 2 were outstanding - Endling and Seascraper - I hope they both make the shortlist.

Love Forms and The South are both pretty good, but I’m afraid I didn’t get on with Misinterpretation or Audition.

Also hopeful for Kiran Desai and Andrew Miller, not read them yet…

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Nic V: Today I Read… @nic-v.bsky.social · 15d

Agreed!
Of the ones I’ve read so far my favourites are Endling and Seascraper, so I’m hoping they both make the shortlist.

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Nic V: Today I Read… @nic-v.bsky.social · 15d

A lyrical novel set in the changing times of 1990s Malaysia, with vivid descriptions.

16-year-old Jay spends a summer on the failing old family farm, where he begins a tentative romance with the son of the farm manager.

The first of a projected quartet.

Longlisted for #BookerPrize2025

#books
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Nic V: Today I Read… @nic-v.bsky.social · 17d

A fascinating memoir/ cultural history exploring the intersection of Deafness and race in the UK.

Beautifully written, as you would expect from this accomplished poet, and full of insight.

It was a treat to see him in conversation with @nikeshshukla.bsky.social in Bristol this week.

#books
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The Quiet Ear:
An Investigation of Missing Sound
by Raymond Antrobus

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Nic V: Today I Read… @nic-v.bsky.social · 19d

I’ve been in a book club for one whole year now, and I love it!

Every month the dozen of us meet to discuss a novel. It’s always fun and interesting; everyone brings perspectives that I wouldn’t have thought of by myself.

Here’s what we’ve read so far - such a brilliant selection!

#books
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A pile of paperback books.
From top to bottom:
Orlanda by Jacqueline Harpman
The Safekeep by Yael van der Wouden
Greta & Valdin by Rebecca K Reilly
Whale Fall by Elizabeth O’Connor
The Morningside by Téa Obreht
The Other Valley by Scott Alexander Howard
The Honjin Murders by Seishi Yokomizo
Dealing With The Dead by Alain Mabanckou
Eurotrash by Christian Kracht
Crooked Plow by Itamar Vieira Junior
Hangman by Maya Binyam
Land of Milk and Honey by C. Pam Zhang

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Nic V: Today I Read… @nic-v.bsky.social · 19d

Tristan, this week the Bristol Post website changed so I can’t read any of it unless I pay or accept 844 partners’ ads/cookies.
This is a real shame, because I’ve been reading your journalism for years.
No longer, alas.
Please mention this to your Reach bosses.

Nic V: Today I Read… @nic-v.bsky.social · 20d

The new, overhyped Ian McEwan novel in which he contemplates mortality, tediously.

In a vain attempt at relevance, the setting is partly a future, climate- and nuclear war-ravaged archipelago of British Isles.

Posh English academic types are introspective, have affairs, & do poetry 🙄

#books
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What We Can Know
by Ian McEwan
a paperback proof copy, splayed open to show both covers.
The front cover has a quotation from the text; the back cover has unjustifiable blurbs of praise from the publisher.
The title is appropriate; dull and pseudo-clever meaninglessness. I’ve already forgotten it and I typed it literally seconds ago

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Nic V: Today I Read… @nic-v.bsky.social · 21d

I’m pickling, and then posting about pickling, because I’m avoiding the new Ian McEwan novel What We Can Know.

I’m half way through, it’s so tedious. But I’m not going to quit!
The characters are blah & posh & English and I wish they’d just shut up about poetry and affairs.
(Not surprised)

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Nic V: Today I Read… @nic-v.bsky.social · 21d

Chilli pickling day again!

A chopping board and knife with several piles of different coloured chillies, along with vinegar, limes and other ingredients

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Nic V: Today I Read… @nic-v.bsky.social · 22d

A relatable, readable and relevant Korean feminist novel.

Jiyoung is experiencing some mental ill-health; we learn about the sexism she has endured since childhood, in the family, education, workplace, relationships and motherhood.

(And there are footnotes😊)

For Wednesday’s book club

#books
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Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982
by Cho Nam-Joo
translated by Jamie Chang

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