Thursday 9 September 2010

September Reading

I've recently finished The Angel Who Pawned Her Harp by Charles Terrot -

"On a certain Monday in May, business was very slack in Mr. Webman's second-hand store. Just before closing time, however, there came into the shop the most beautiful girl Len Burrows, the assistant had ever seen. Beside her stood a full-sized harp. Was she an angel? She looked like one and behaved like one, but here she was in Mr. Webman.s East End shop apparently trying to raise a loan, and on her harp of all things! Nor did she seem too scrupulous about how she came by the money. yet it was curious, as time went on, the effect she had on people, the way ahe brought out the best in them, the way in which, in the end, she showed them the way in which their happiness lay."

and I was completely and utterly charmed by it. I've since found out that there is a 1950's film of the book starring Diane Cilento which of course I'm now quite keen to see.


Next on my reading list for September is going to be a 1957 copy of The Oakhill Guide Company by Felicity Keith it's a vintage children's book published by Blackie. I love children's books don't you?
Anyway this one sounds like quite an adventure -

"Amid great excitement, and even some misgiving, Pamela went to Oakhill School. Oakhill is a happy place where one has many kinds of games, pleasant excursions and a care-free life. But above all, Oakhill has a guide company. Pamela becomes one of the Cornflowers.
Then comes trouble. The patrol Shield goes missing, and its disapearance almost coincides with the time of a burglary at Oakhill, when sundry valued trophies are stolen. These hapenings naturally arouse the dective instincts of Pamela and her chum, Margaret, and a mysterious cupboard takes on a new importance. When Pam and Margaret have gone only half-way through their investigations they realize how important the cupboard really is."

A mysterious cupboard, sounds marvellous doesn't it?
I can't wait to get started on this one.


But first I've simply got to, got to read the latest Matthew Shardlake adventure by C.J. Sansom, Heartstone. Set in Tudor times these are my all time favourite historical, murder mystery, thrillers. I've been a huge fan since the first Revelation and can't recommend them enough, if you like that sort of thing.



And lastly, I'm hoping to get some time to dip into Miss Read, I just love Miss Read's Fairacre stories. Actually she is an authour only recently discovered by me, to think I used to pass her books by thinking they were for old ladies! But they are not, they are just wonderful and I can't get enough of them.

Anyway that's my reading list for September, what if anything are you reading? Do share.

11 comments:

  1. Fascinating choices - the children's book sounds just like the ones I read as a child - I think I drifred into books that were already 'vintage' at an early age. I suppose you know Dodie Smith's 'I Capture the Castle' perfectly well? I admit I only discovered it through blogging, although I'd adored her children's books.

    At the moment I'm reading Jane Eyre but feeling a bit depressed by the mistreatment of children, so I think I may pick up something light to go alongside it! Murder mysteries are my light entertainment -I shall have to look out for your Tudor author.

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  2. Thank you for popping into my blog. It is a while since I have posted as things here get very hectic during the summer. However I have just put that right and done a new post.
    I, myself am not really a reader of fiction books, though I do have my moments. The last book I read was by Maeve Binchy. It needs to hook me on the first page really and this one did.I am really into craft books.
    Any way it is nice that you have taken the plunge and become a blogger.

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  3. CJ Sansom has written another book!!!! I didn't know and love this series set in Tudor times. Its rare I read 'whodunnit' type novels but these are brilliant.
    I love vintage children/young adult books too. They have an innocence and sense of fun and mystery thats lacking in modern books - plus its the nostalga factor kicking in.

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  4. My sister recommended the Shardlake books to me, and tbh, I wasn't quite sure what she was talking about! I'll definitely look these up now. I love the Guide book (as an ex-Guide myself) I bet it's really good.

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  5. Hi carol, nice of you to pop by. I love books and am always interested in what others read.

    Amanda x

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  6. Carol, I love to read, too! It's one of my favorite past-times, just ahead of sewing and knitting. I'll have to look into those books. Thanks for sharing!

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  7. How tempting are they! I think I might have to purchase a Miss Read now!
    Thanks for popping by!
    Emx

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  8. I wonder if the books are going to be as amazing as the covers they are just wonderful....what a lovely stop!!

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  9. Thankyou for visiting my blog :-)
    What interesting reads!! The Oakhill Guide Company cover is gorge, I love vintage children's books, they always have such lovely illustrations!! Look forward to seeing more on your blog, Laura xx

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  10. Hi, I've just discovered your blog via BizzyDays. I love vintage children's books and I've had so many recommendations for Miss Read books that I must try one from the library. I love the cover from The Angel Who Pawned Her Harp.

    At the moment I'm reading the wonderfully gothic The Angel's Game by Carlos Ruiz Zafon.

    I look forward to reading more of your blog.
    Donna x

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