January has been a month of mixed reading for me as a book blogger. I read nine books, seven real books, two kindle books, and I’m finishing the last one later today. I managed to read two books for the Japanese reading challenge and one book for the year of William Trevor.
The books I read this month included Heaven by Mieko Kawakami (2009) (translated by Sam Bett and David Boyd), The Old Boys by William Trevor (1964), Woman Running in the Mountains by Yūko Tsushima (1980) (translated by Geraldine Harcourt), Of Women and Salt by Gabriela Garcia (2021), The Charioteer by Mary Renault (1953), Frangipani House by Beryl Gilroy (1986), Death of an Author by E C R Lorac (1935), Tomorrow by Elisabeth Russell Taylor (1991), and Night and Silence Who is Here? by Pamela Hansford Johnson (1963).
My thoughts on these books ranged from brilliant to average. I found The Charioteer to be a bold unapologetic portrayal of homosexuality, and Woman Running in the Mountains to be a beautifully written novel full of atmosphere. Of Women and Salt, however, fell flat for me, and I found the writing to be average.
Looking ahead to February, I have several indie books to choose from and more winging their way to me. I’m looking forward to seeing what I’ll be reading next!
