Earlier today I finished "Dust and Shadows" by Lyndsay Faye, an excellent Sherlock Holmes pastiche. It is a story of Holmes and Watson chasing down Jack the Ripper. This is a very credible tale about the Ripper and who he could have been, as well as being an excellent story about Holmes, true to Conan Doyle's characters. I enjoyed it very much and recommend it to you if, like me, you are a bit of a Sherlockian, as well as have a morbid interest in old Jack.
We were having a very lazy Sunday, my dear husband watching television, lying in bed, and occasionally dozing, me in my chair reading my Nook (for a change from my Kindle) finishing Dust and Shadows. When I did finish, I browsed through some non-fiction that has my attention at this time, stitched a bit, and drank too much coffee for my belly's comfort. I went off and took a nap, contemplating what novel next to read.
Upon arising from my nap, feeling a bit worse for it, I browsed through my Nook and stumbled upon "The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society" by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows, a story about a writer who receives a letter from a member of said society just after World War II, about a book he has, formerly hers, and its author. During the war, Guernsey was occupied by the Nazis, which I never knew. It is told, so far, as I haven't finished it, in a series of letters. I know this novel was published in 2009, but I just never got around to reading it. I vaguely recall my mother recommending it to me. I must have thought about it because it has been there, in my Nook, for some time, but I did not look at it until today. And I must say, I am enchanted by it!!!
I am ambling through it, savoring all the stories the various characters have to tell, and becoming rather attached to them, well most. The letters are wonderful to read, the stories interesting, delightful, and sad. I am trying to go slowly, but of course I want to know what happens.
There are a few dishes in the sink, my empty and aromatic coffee cup sitting beside me tempting me despite my tummy, and my needlework hanging off the sofa, while I continue to read. As a side note, I am rather cold and will have to wrap myself up in an afghan while I sit here. The temperature has dropped in South Florida - tonight heading to the 40s!!! For those in the more northern climes, I am sure you are snickering, but my blood is thin from the constant heat. Even at this time of my life, perpetual hormonal summer, this is too cold. I did not venture out into the cold today and will remain, with my needlework and books, hidden in my lair, tomorrow as well!
Tangled in threads and words,
Mrs. K.
