Comments for His Futile Preoccupations or The Years of Reading Aimlessly.....

Comment on Transit by Anna Seghers by Emma

Emma — Sat, 18 May 2013 16:59:01 +0000

Thanks for the rich introduction on Seghers and the context of the book, it’s really helpful.
I don’t remember reading a book about WWII set in Marseille and describing the nightmare of the people who wanted to emigrate.

PS: I like the cover.

Comment on Transit by Anna Seghers by Guy Savage

Guy Savage — Sat, 18 May 2013 16:34:48 +0000

Oh well what else would you spend your money on? Wait… don’t admit anything.

Comment on The Chalk Circle Man by Fred Vargas by Emma

Emma — Sat, 18 May 2013 16:34:01 +0000

There’s a billet about the Three Evangelists on my blog. It was a great book.

Comment on The Chalk Circle Man by Fred Vargas by Guy Savage

Guy Savage — Sat, 18 May 2013 16:33:48 +0000

Me too. I think you have to grow up on the stuff. I recently talked to someone who travelled to Britain and tried Marmite for the first time and couldn’t believe a) how bad it tasted and b) that I liked it. Marmite soldiers rock!

Comment on The Chalk Circle Man by Fred Vargas by Emma

Emma — Sat, 18 May 2013 16:32:46 +0000

I’m happy you liked her, I thought you would, obviously since it was my choice for a virtual gift.
I agree with you, Adamsberg is special and Vargas creates interesting side characters. She’s a scientist and I wonder how her career path influences her writing.

Comment on The Chalk Circle Man by Fred Vargas by Guy Savage

Guy Savage — Sat, 18 May 2013 16:31:47 +0000

There’s a certain comfort too to be gained in returning to series characters.

Comment on The Chalk Circle Man by Fred Vargas by Guy Savage

Guy Savage — Sat, 18 May 2013 16:31:16 +0000

I have the Three Evangelists here (terrible title) so I have another series to look forward to. There’s certainly no shortage of choice.

Comment on The Chalk Circle Man by Fred Vargas by Caroline

Caroline — Sat, 18 May 2013 14:51:30 +0000

I like her very much but haven’t read any of the Adamsberg novels. I started with the three Evangelists – not sure they have been translated yet but they probably will. Another series and full of quirky characters. I like that she really has her special style.

Comment on The Chalk Circle Man by Fred Vargas by Brian Joseph

Brian Joseph — Sat, 18 May 2013 11:28:35 +0000

Your observation that it is the characters that pull the reader in to try multiple books is very true. A certain amount of mental effort is needed to begin a novel. At least once in a while it is a relief to jump into a pre – established universe.

Like many books that you comment upon I think that my wife would like this and I will recommend it to her.

Comment on Transit by Anna Seghers by Charles Lambert

Charles Lambert — Sat, 18 May 2013 07:58:35 +0000

Bought. You’re leading me to bankruptcy and do you know, I don’t care one jot!