September has been a bit of a drag in some ways, the days seem to be long and slow moving, I’ve been very very tired, and not reading as much as I would like. So, while everyone is saying ‘how is it October already’ I’m thinking ‘gosh is it only October?’
I began September reading a 1960s mystery from the British Library. In Surfeit of Suspects by George Bellairs three men are killed in an explosion at a joinery company which has been struggling financially. It is the small town grievances and petty grumbles in this one that are portrayed particularly well.
Something Light by Margery Sharp was the perfect book for my first week back at work after the long break. A delight from start to finish it concerns Louisa who admits to being very fond of men, and who has many male friends. Now she has decided to get married – which leads her into all sorts of muddles.
The Richer, the Poorer by Dorothy West is a wonderful collection of stories and biographical reminiscences. Here Dorothy West shows her brilliance in the shorter form, she illuminates the struggles of ordinary families, the sad, disappointment of childhood, the misunderstandings that exist between the old and young.
The most talked about book for a long time, The Testaments did not disappoint me. It is a triumphant return to Gilead, and answers some of the questions fans of The Handmaid’s Tale have asked over the intervening thirty-four years.
I had meant to re-read The Soul of Kindness for a while, I’m so glad I took the time. Elizabeth Taylor is always a fabulous read, her writing full of astute observations and pitch perfect characterisation. Flora; the soul of kindness of the title, is a brilliant, terrible creation.
Wine of Honour by Barbara Beauchamp set in the early months of peace in 1945, is another winner from Dean Street Press. The novel depicts so well the challenges that peace brought to many people, a sudden return to ‘normal life’ after the unpredictable war years.
The Secret Life of Books by Tom Mole is a book which celebrates the book as an object. The author explores the physical book, and our changing relationship with books, rather than what they contain. It is an interesting way to approach a book about books.
Vanish in an Instant by Margaret Millar was a different kind of mystery for me. I generally prefer British golden age – this American crime novel from the 1950s is entirely different in tone. I still have this to review, but overall, I enjoyed my first Margaret Millar novel.
I’m currently reading Moor Fires by E H Young – a novel I already knew wasn’t typical of her work, certainly it’s different to those later novels I have enjoyed so much. However, Moor Fires is still very enjoyable – and I am promised an unforgettable ending by someone on a FB group. Moor Fires will have to be my first book of October.
As I continue to read quite slowly, I am not making too many reading plans for October. I certainly plan to join in with the 1930 club hosted again by Karen and Simon, and I have two books set aside for that. Lovely Virago sent me two collections of stories which will be perfect for this time of year – so I may dip into those too. As you can see, witches and ghosts – perfect!
My book group will be discussing The Testaments a week on Wednesday, and I am looking forward to hearing what everyone thought.
Quite a short round-up post this month – I’m probably too tired to blather on as much as usual. 😉
What did you read in September? What ever you read during October I hope you love it.
heavenali 
I’m going to be late to the party on The Testaments because I want to re-read THT first and have not yet found the time. But it’s great to see how well received it is. Often these mega-publishing events can turn out to be a damp squib, but not this time it seems.
Well I hope you really enjoy The Testaments, re-reading The Handmaid’s Tale is definitely a good idea.
I’ve got Surfeit of Suspects on my TBR, must get to it. I really like the sound of small town grievances. And I have The Testaments on audio reserved through the library. I’ll be waiting a few months, but sometimes I prefer not to read books when everyone’s talking about them. It makes it harder to know which opinions are my own!
Yes, waiting a while till the fuss has died down is often a good idea. I might have done that if my book group weren’t reading it for our October meeting.
I loved The Testaments and it was my stand-out for September. I managed to read 13 books in September which was a relief again after my weird summer, and I might even make 100 for the year now. Happy October reading!
Ooh 13 is good well done. The Testaments was a high spot for September for me too.
Yes, yes, I probably will get around to reading The Testaments, but am reluctant to depress myself even further at the moment. I know what you mean about being tired – I’ve really struggled this past month.
The Testaments is not too depressing, no spoilers but you might find it more hopeful than you fear.
My 1930 book will be Strong Poison by Dorothy Sayers. Love Gaudy Night. Thanks for the recommendation of The Soul of Kindness. I want to read it after the Backlisted podcast. I just gave up on Taylor’s A Game of Hide and Seem.
Ooh Strong Poison is very good hope you enjoy it. It’s a shame you didn’t get on with A Game of Hide and Seek, it’s my favourite Elizabeth Taylor novel.
I’m in the mood for some short stories this month, too, and am going to read a few from Elizabeth Taylor’s You’ll Enjoy It When You Get There. I’m also starting Anita Brookner’s A Closed Eye today. I hope to read a 1930 book and have a few books on my shelf to choose from.
I really enjoyed A Closed Eye, really hope you do too. Elizabeth Taylor’s short stories are fantastic so I’m sure you will enjoy those.
Isn’t it strange, I was feeling incredibly tired through September too! Elizabeth Taylor and Barbara Beauchamp are two authors that I haven’t read yet but these titles are now on my list, thank you.
Looks like it wasn’t just me feeling tired in September. Glad to hear you’ve added those to your wishlist.
Some nice reads Ali, and I know what you mean about the month dragging – I’m exhausted and amazed it’s only just October. I’ve had a reasonable reading month, but now I need to limber up for 1930 – very much looking forward to it and glad you’ll be joining in! 😀
I’m looking forward to the 1930 club, I always enjoy the club events. I have two quite different books set aside.
I am sorry to hear that September was a slow, tiring month for you Ali. Although you did less reading, it seems like you did some good reading. Halfway through the month, I got my reading mojo back and managed to read four books; three of which were for R.I.P. XIV, so a brilliant start for me! I hope October is a better month for you. 🙂
Thank you, here I am on Thursday still reading that E H Young book, luckily I am really enjoying it. Hope October is good for you too.
Thank you 🙂