It’s The Overhaul! The latest in a series where I look back on previous book shopping trips and see what I’ve read, what I’ve got rid of, and what is embarrassing me by the length of time it’s been on my shelves.
The Overhaul #6
The original haul is here – it was just before I did Project 24 in 2010 (only buying 24 books throughout the year), and I went out on a high!
Date of haul: December 2009
Location: The Bookbarn, Somerset
Number of books bought: 17
More Women Than Men by Ivy Compton-Burnett
The Last and the First by Ivy Compton-Burnett
Elders and Betters by Ivy Compton-Burnett
Men and Wives by Ivy Compton-Burnett
This was around the time I was buying up lots of ICB novels, as you can see. And the difficulty with ICB’s identikit titles is that I’m never quite sure which I’ve read. Well, I’ve definitely read Elders and Betters and More Women Than Men, and I’m pretty sure I’ve read Men and Wives. This might be the best start of an overhaul ever! Will it keep going?? I wouldn’t have thought so.
A Wreath of Roses by Elizabeth Taylor
I read this a few years ago when I was speaking at a literary conference on a panel with someone who was discussing this novel – and it’s such a good one. I don’t remember many details, but I think it had quite a gothic influence – along with Taylor’s beautiful sentences and profound insights, of course.
An Autumn Sowing by E.F. Benson
I have read a lot of EFB (and bought a lot of EFB) since 2009, but I have not read this one.
The Match Maker by Stella Gibbons
Another author overflowing on my shelves even though I’ve not actually read all that many. And I haven’t read this one.
A Child in the Theatre by Rachel Ferguson
I was so excited to find this book! And you can imagine that I read it super quickly after finding it. Erm, wait… *checks notes*… I have still not read it. This got off to such a good start?
Anne Severn and the Fieldings by May Sinclair
I have not read this. I didn’t even remember it existed until I saw this – but I do still have it.
Mary Olivier: A Life by May Sinclair
I have also not read this. How did neither of these become candidates for Project Names last year?
Staying With Relations by Rose Macaulay
I have read this! Sadly it is the worst Macaulay I’ve read – all about archaeology and being abroad and nothing much to grab in the narrative, I’m afraid.
Grand Hotel by Vicki Baum
I bought this after seeing the film, which is wonderful. I have not read it, and I haven’t seen it for a while… I think I must have given it away, possibly because I realised I was unlikely to read a book that long.
High Table by Joanna Cannan
I thought about reading this earlier this year, and that’s got to count for something.
Guard Your Daughters by Diana Tutton
Ha, you BETCHA I’ve read this! Several times, in fact, and I’m delighted to say it’s back in print with Persephone now.
Red Pottage by Mary Cholmondeley
I have now read this late Victorian novel and it is BONKERS and brilliant – sensationalist and over-the-top, but also pensive and New Womany.
The Stone Angel by Margaret Laurence
I’d already read this one when I bought it. Cheat!
The Silent Traveller in Oxford by Chiang Yee
Someone who worked at the Bookbarn was very keen to press this on me when he heard I lived in Oxford. I have not read it yet…
Total bought: 17
Total still unread: 8
Total no longer owned: 1