I'm happy to join Kat and fellow Unravelers on this first Unraveled Wednesday of March. I'm still working on my Hydrophily, but because it looks much the same (I've only knit another couple of rows in the penultimate purple yarn in the gradient) I'll spare you another photo. I was going to cast on for these mitts (ravelry link) but a couple of 65-degree days and generally warmer weather made me think they could wait. But every blog post needs at least one photo, so how about one of the yarn for my actual next project?
Vera has inspired me so it will be another Hitch on the Move, except this time I've got enough yarn to make it as large as I would like. I really, really love this yarn so I am anxious to finish up my Hydrophily and get started on this HotM. I'll have to remember how good the anticipation of a new project feels when I get to the "slog" portion of the shawl.
My reading last week was all above average, with each of them worthy of four stars. Mrs. Quinn's Rise to Fame is a sweet story about 77-year-old Jenny Quinn and how she ends up as a contestant on Britain Bakes. (Think Great British Bake-Off but with a few welcome changes). She enjoys baking but is a bit wary about applying to the show so she does this in secret and doesn't tell anyone, not even her husband Bernard. Jenny lacks confidence and worries that she might have been cast as a joke, but that is not the case. The chapters are all named for various things she has baked (a chocolate log, shortbread, cut and come again cake, chocolate and orange battenburg, etc.) and most of these bring up a memory or situation that Mrs. Quinn experienced years earlier. These remembrances all up to a poignant backstory. Even though I found this a sweet and gentle book, Olivia Ford's writing never seemed saccharine to me. I enjoyed the septuagenarian main character, all the baked goods, and the heartfelt story. The only thing that could have made this better was if all the recipes had been included.
Leaving by Roxana Robinson was the kind of book that made me want to simultaneously race through it to see how the story was told but still read slowly to make it last. Roxana Robinson writes about divorced, 60-year-old Sarah who recognizes Warren at the opera one night. They had dated 40 years ago but because of youth and a misunderstanding, Sarah chose to end the relationship. There are possibly some unresolved feelings despite Warren being married for many years because their initially tentative relationship soon blossoms into an affair after they find that their tastes, ideas, and opinions are in perfect synchrony. The book brings up many topics, such as the morality of personal happiness, how much parents owe their children and vice versa, and how our family rights, responsibilities, and obligations fit with our choices.
It was a pleasure to read a novel with beautifully written prose featuring characters of an age similar to my own, and I could understand and empathize with much of what the characters were going through. I also enjoyed that Sarah was an independent woman, and that art was important to both Sarah and Warren in the form of opera and Sarah's volunteer work at a museum. There was one character that I didn't understand, and her actions and the reactions of her family members towards her could have been delved into further. Although the ending was foreshadowed, it was still a gut punch and one I would love to discuss. But these possible drawbacks won't keep me from thinking about Leaving for quite a while.What are you making and reading this week?
These books all sound so good! I think Mrs. Quinn in particular would be a lovely thing to read when I need a break from some heavier reads.
ReplyDeleteI hope that you're getting close to finishing your Hydrophily if you're already getting yarn together for your next shawl!
Your reading does sound exceptional this week, Bonny! (and I have added to my TBR list!) But your plans for a new HotM are brilliant! I love love love that deep, rich blue! And I agree... a HotM needs some landscape... and more landscape is better! Mine is pretty huge and I love it!
ReplyDeleteYou just added three book titles to my list! Thank you! (I wonder if the editor considered adding the recipe to Mrs. Quinn's Rise to Fame. Seems like a no-brainer, doesn't it?)
ReplyDeleteLove those jewel tones. What a teaser for you. (Or motivation, I guess!)
There are three recipes included in a PDF in Mrs. Quinn but there are many more (and better) recipes in the book that I wish were also there. I've still got quite a bit to knit on my Hydrophily but now I have a bit more incentive to finish.
DeleteThat pile of yarn makes me very happy! We're sitting in a gray fog right now so it's a much appreciated sight on this dreary, wet morning.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to the Hydrophily finish/reveal (next week?) & very much looking forward to the start of your Hitch On The Move -- that yarn looks amazing!!
ReplyDeleteYour new yarn for a new (and larger) Hitch on the Move is GORGEOUS Bonny! What rich jewel tones. I can't wait to see it come to life (and, of course, to see your finished Hydrophily). And thanks to your book reviews, my TBR list has increased by 3!!
ReplyDeleteAnonymous is me - Vera...not sure why I am showing as Anonymous???
ReplyDeleteSounds like you had a really great reading week! And those colors for your Hitch on the Move are so vibrant!
ReplyDeleteThe stack of new yarn is just beautiful. I love that deep saturated blue. I predict a very pretty Hitch on the Move shawl. I'm glad to read your review of Mrs. Quinn. I read about recently and wondered if it would be too much like a Hallmark movie. A sweet story about an older woman may be just what I need this Spring. Leaving is popping up in all kinds of places too. I'm pondering my sweater and knitting on Sophie.
ReplyDeleteThat is absolutely gorgeous yarn! I can't wait to see it knit up. Your review made me request Mrs Quinn's Rise to Fame. It sounds like such a fun book.
ReplyDeleteOh, that yarn is going to be such a great incentive for you to finish up your current shawl. Those are lovely colors for a new Hitch on the Move. (I love that pattern. It was so fun to knit -- and I like to wear mine, too.) Your recent books sound great, Bonny.
ReplyDeletewhoa, Bonny, that YARN!!! I did read the rest of what you wrote, but my mind and my heart were still distracted ;-)
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