I first became aware of Elizabeth Gaskell through television adaptions of her works Cranford and North and South; I then went on to read and enjoy those books. Sylvia’s Lovers is, by my count, the sixth Gaskell book I have read (I think I only have two left after this, ... more >
If I recall correctly, I’ve read just two Edith Wharton books: Ethan Frome and The House of Mirth. I recently reread synopses of the plots of these books to refresh my memory, and confirmed that they were both as depressing as I had recalled. Well written and compelling, but very ... more >
In which experienced West End actress Freddy Carlton takes on an Austen-inspired play, a scandal at a country estate, an enthusiastic search for a passion outside of acting…and the (some people might say icy*) heart of London’s most feared theater critic. *if those people were being nice Freddy Carlton knows ... more >
I was first turned onto Gaskell’s work not in print but by the miniseries version of North and South, which I love. I also watched and adored the PBS adaption of Cranford, a very different kind of story. I eventually read both books and liked them each quite well. Still, ... more >
Since reading Middlemarch in 2010, I have been working my way through George Eliot’s fairly sparse backlist. I had already read Silas Marner in high school (I should reread it, actually) and hadn’t loved it. Middlemarch remains a high point for me (I now consider it one of my favorite ... more >
Two years before the Trojan War, Helios is eight years old and searching for an identity. He doesn’t know that he might be the son of the High King, Priam, and after Troy falls Helios’ quest for love and knowledge offer a new perspective to the aftermath of war. Review ... more >