#ReadingMuriel2018 Phase 3 round up

The end of June had rather crept up on me, and I will have two round-up posts back to back again – which might be a bit dull – for some – apologies. Today is my #ReadingMuriel2018 phase 3 round up in which I try to capture a flavour of the what’s gone on over the last two months. Tomorrow or Monday will be my round up of June reading. Then back to reviews.

I try not to miss anyone, but not everyone uses the hashtag quite as liberally as I do, so some things do slip past me.

Phase 3 has been all about the 1970s novels of Muriel Spark, there were six novels to choose from. The Driver’s Seat I read last year, and from the five that were left I chose The Hothouse by the East River and The Takeover. I enjoyed both for different reasons, in both novels Spark shows her versatility, bringing her unique storytelling up to date (for the 70s) writing about death, religion, corruption and money.

Of The Driver’s Seat (1970) Mary said “odd, fun, wonderful language. Love her occasional unusual ordering of adjectives.” It certainly struck a powerful note with me when I read it last year, it has an unforgettable quality. Michael from Librarything – who is reading all the novels of Muriel Spark this year I believe gave The Driver’s Seat 5 stars, saying its absurdism reminded him of Shirley Jackson.

Jennifer read Not To Disturb (1971) calling it “a glorious fever dream of a novel which I suspect like ‘The Driver’s Seat’ will only get better on rereading.” This is certainly one I really want to read, and I may sneak it in to this weekend, I have it on my kindle but have run out of time this phase. Monica from Monica’s Bookish Thoughts reviewed this slight novel saying it packed a mighty punch. Michael also enjoyed this “spoofing of servants, the upper classes and mystery novels” giving it a very good 4-star rating. Edited to add: Isabel also read Not to Disturb calling it quite odd, and with six hours of phase 3 left I have just begun reading it myself.

I haven’t seen many people reading The Hothouse by the East River (1973) Like me, Michael from LT thought this a weird novel – I must say I did really like it and it has stayed with me, although I don’t know if I am any clearer on Spark’s intentions in writing it. Edited to add, Grier read and enjoyed this one too.

Annabel from Annabookbel; read and reviewed The Abbess of Crewe (1974) calling it possibly the most fascinating Spark novel that she has read. Caroline from Book Word also reviewed this novel, saying that “Watergate was not so colourful. But Muriel Spark brings out the farcical, as well as the shocking corruption that comes with reckless pursuit of power.” Another reader, Christine gave The Abbess of Crewe 5 stars on Good reads. Blogger The Dowager Bride has also been reading The Abbess of Crewe – which does seem to have been a popular choice as my bookcrossing friend Sam also chose to read it calling the novel a pithy read packed with political intrigue.

So far mine is the only review of The Takeover (1976) that I have seen – if anyone else has read it let me know. I know LT Michael has read it previously.

Again, I haven’t spotted anyone reading Territorial Rights (1979), so if anyone can give me any thoughts on that late 70s novel I would be grateful.

So on to Phase 4 – which is simply any of the poetry, short stories and essays written by Muriel Spark. I already know I won’t read as much for this phase I am afraid. My summer reading is likely to be a mix of ACOB #WITmonth and All Virago All August – juggling, juggling! I do have the collected short stories which look marvellous, I am a big fan of short stories, but I shall probably only read and write about some. I also have The Golden Fleece book of essays, bought on ebay, when it arrived I was slightly dismayed by the small print – I know I won’t get all these read either. The book is divided up into sections; art and literature, religion, philosophy, autobiography and travel etc some of these appeal to me rather less than others. I certainly hope to read a few essays from the autobiographical section.

Thank you as always to those who have joined in and shared their thoughts with me – a year long reading challenge is gruelling! Let me know if I have missed you – keeping track gets harder I find.

I hope some of you join me for Phase 4 – please let me know what you’ll be reading – I certainly don’t expect anyone to get through entire collections unless of course you want to – as they are all quite large. Happy reading.