I always have loads of UK books that I read--quite a few for the month of January, in fact. But only one UK pick qualifies for the challenge.
Frankenstein is set primarily in Switzerland, so I can include that novel.
I'm currently reading A Small Town in Germany by John Le Carre (fantastic!) and Notes from the House of the Dead by Fyodor Dostoyevsky (Russia).
I have many, many more books by UK authors that I plan to read this year, and this challenge does not change that. But the challenge will prompt me to consider European authors in translation, as a welcome change of pace.
Oh, this is sooo tempting. Karen's list shows that there are some excellent books that span Europe. But I'm already doing too many challenges this year so I'll have to be satisfied by watching everyone else's progress. Good luck and here's to many good European books!!
ReplyDeleteHi Cleo,
DeleteDo I ever know what you mean about "Too many challenges," but for this one the number of books for the maximum is only five books, with 4 and 3 and 2 perfectly acceptable, unless you want to reach for the "Jet Setter," which is a competition really, awarded to the person who reads and reviews the most European books.
I'm just using the challenge as a device to remind me to branch out a bit more.
I'm pleased I inspired you to take part. I really enjoyed this one last year and am sure you too will enjoy searching out some new and different books from various countries. I always have plenty from the UK and France and have trouble deciding which to use for the challenge. I'll be interested to hear about A Small Town in Germany.
ReplyDeleteBeen hearing about your polar vortex situation, stay warm and safe.
I will enjoy this challenge--this challenge and the others will keep me on my toes, book-wise.
DeleteAbout the polar vortex--we've had a number of years in which these polar air masses get displaced. It's why some very dim people in the northern Midwest and the northeast believe that there is no climate change or warming of the planet. Actually, most scientists believe that this cold air is being displaced from the Arctic because the earth is so rapidly warming, especially at the poles.
But back to your point about safety.
I was disappointed I couldn't go snowshoeing in our very deep snow today because Ken was due to be gone from home all day. When he's home in this weather I can say, "If I'm not home in two hours, call the Mounties!" But I had no back up today in this intensely frigid air.
I'm so glad that you're loving A Small Town in Germany. I'm going to read his Looking Glass War soon. Keep warm!
ReplyDeleteKatrina,
DeleteA Small Town in Germany is very, very fine indeed. Oh I'm in love with Le Carre's mind--I really believe he's beyond exceptional. And he's got the Cold War by the nose. I will be writing about it before too long. I'm close to two-thirds through. This is only the second novel I've read of his, though I have listened to parts of his memoir The Pigeon Tunnel. I'm looking forward to reading it fully.
I love this challenge. I enjoyed it last year and am repeating it this year. The problem is I have multiple books for many of the countries that I want to read. Not that that is a bad thing. I forgot about A Small Town in Germany. I haven't read that one yet either, but I have several German books I want to read.
ReplyDeleteOh gosh, Tracy, I seem to have overlooked that you've been involved with this challenge. But that's wonderful. I do enjoy it when fellow bloggers are also involved in these challenges.
DeleteNo worries, Judith. I went to read your post on Frankenstein and I only read the beginning and the end (because I have not read it yet). I am glad to hear you recommend it. It is good to know it can count for Switzerland, although I may have another one for that country.
DeleteI did read your thoughts on the 4th book in the Maisie Dobbs series, maybe I will read that one. I have read the first three.
I'm glad you signed up! Thanks for joining us!
ReplyDeleteThank you for administering the Challenge!
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