With several posts popping up over the last forty-eight hours about this – I am sure everyone knows about this by now – but Jessie who blogs at Dwell in Possibility is having a Persephone readathon. Between the 1st and 11th those of us who love Persephone have the chance to brighten up our social media with photos of our Persephone books, talk about all things Persephone and of course indulge ourselves in a bit of Persephone reading. 
I only found out about this readathon two days ago – so I wasn’t sure I could join in, but I really wanted to. So, I have re-thought my reading schedule (which is always fairly elastic anyway) and decided to try and squeeze one – perhaps even two Persephone volumes into the next ten days. I’m not sure if any reviews will get written in time for the end of the readathon though – that might be tight, as I still have two of January’s books to review.
I’m finishing a novel in translation today – as well as meeting my mother for lunch and going to the cinema – but sometime today I aim to get properly stuck into The Journey Home and other Stories by Malachi Whitaker; Persephone book number 124 – which I got for Christmas from Liz, I read the first two very short stories the night before last. This collection was first published by Persephone in 2017 though the stories themselves date from mainly the 1930s – which is very much my reading comfort zone. I have five others Persephone titles tbr – and now 97 titles altogether.
I have a couple of links to old posts for those of you who might have missed them.
Last January I wrote a post called Perfect Persephones – it was my top ten Persephone titles – as they were then. Already I feel if I were to edit it, I might have to change it to include Earth and High Heaven – one of my best books of 2017.
In 2015 I wrote about the children in Persephone books in a post called The Lost Children of Persephone.
All my Persephone reviews are tagged Persephone – so if you’re looking for recommendations – click away ;)I like to encourage others in the Persephone habit.
Everyone discovers Persephone at different times, I first heard about Persephone books from Liz, that was at least twelve years ago. I have visited the shop a few times, it is always an exciting trip, and of course the train journey back always includes an extra bag. The shop is so beautiful, even the outside is wonderfully photogenic.
So I am looking forward to seeing lots of Persephone love around in the next week or so, reviews and pretty pictures.
I enjoyed your post very much, and especially the link to The Lost Children of Persephone. The one who always sticks in my mind is poor unloved Alex in Consequences, who grew into a lonely, unloved woman – however much inherent traits of character may have shaped her development I can’t help feeling that things might have turned out differently if her family had shown more interest and affection.
Consequences is one of the Persephone books I don’t have. It’s definitely one I shall acquire at some point though.
Wonderful post and photos. I think my first Persephone was Someone at a Distance and have read 29 now, with many more on my TBR shelves. I have a number of Persephone titles issued by other publishers, however, and often wonder what I am missing not having the lovely Persephone introductions. I really liked Greenery Street and was prompted to read more by Denis Mackail after reading the introduction which described his childhood and relationship with this sister, Angela Thirkell. I search your site all the time for book and author ideas and enjoy reading your reviews after I read a Persephone or other book that you’ve reviewed.
I loved your insightful post on The Lost Children of Persephone. I have also been struck by the contrast in parenting styles as well as historical circumstances which have affected children through the years. I have a number of the titles you mention and plan to read some of them for ACOB this year.
Thank you. I also have a few Persephone titles in other editions, but if I see the Persephone edition somewhere going cheap second hand I’ll probably get it now for the collection. I already have at least three in two editions. #oops. 😀
It’s lovely to have you join in, Ali! I’m not familiar with Malachi Whitaker, so I’m looking forward to hearing more about The Journey Home and Other Stories. I’ve read many of your wonderful Persephone reviews over the past few years (before I had this blog), and will be sure to revisit some of them over the next week. The Perfect Persephones post is especially great!
Thank you Jessie, I do think this readathon is a great idea. Thanks for arranging it. 😀
I’m glad you’re enjoying it! I’m having a lot of hosting it as well!
Thank you for sharing your Persephone pictures and posts Ali! I don’t think I can squeeze a Persephone in, which is a shame – but I *am* enjoying seeing everyone else’s posts! 🙂
Yes so am I, it has certainly brightened up my Twitter timeline.
I’ve never read a Persephone title (I know! It’s something I must remedy immediately!) But I loved this post, and your link to your favorites. That was before I started following you, I think, so thanks for putting that in. I’m not joining in, but this has me searching titles I can purchase! So dangerous!
Gosh! Well you have so many wonderful things to discover. Persephone can be addictive – in a good way of course.
I loved Malachi Whitaker’s The Music Box in The Persephone Book of Short Stories. I look forward to reading your review!
Oh yes, I adored that story, before reading that I hadn’t ever heard of Malachi Whitaker.
I need to read more Persephones. I am half way through Little Boy lost currently. And wow, you have a lovely collection
Ah, Little Boy lost is gorgeous. It’s easier for those of us in the UK to collect Persephone books.
I didn’t manage to fit one in because I was away, but I’m so glad I introduced you to them all those years ago!
Oh, and so am I. 😀