What a fantastic final at Roland Garros in France yesterday. Amazing tennis, two finalists, Spain versus Italy, both born this century - frightening thought - and as the commentators said we could be watching them in finals for another 10 years or even more. Both fluent in English as all young people in Europe seem to be now and they both seem nicer than moany Djokovic. I was pleased to see Andre Agassi there presenting the cup - a favourite of mine from the 90's and early 2,000s.
( The Tour of France Cycling is only on Channel 4 for this year and then that's also lost to Discovery+ & TNT)
Last week I read two books from my shelves while waiting for my library books to travel to Stowmarket.
'The Habit of Widowhood' by Robert Barnard is a book of short crime stories published in 1996 by this prolific writer (1936 - 2013). I've read many of his crime novels written all through the 70's, 80's and 90s.
These 17 short stories are all murders or crimes involving husbands, wives or lovers, who find a way to murder and all really well written.
'The Far Country' by Nevil Shute (1899- 1961) was written in 1952. This was really a re-read, if it's counted as that, considering I read it 50+ years ago!
He wrote many books between the 1920's and 1960's and they were well known and popular at that time and for many years and are still reprinted occasionally . Nevil Shute settled in Australia after the war and many of his books are set, or partially set there.
In Australia the Dorman family have just received their best ever cheque for the years wool production. Jane Dorman had moved away from England several years previously when she met her Australian husband during the war. Jane writes regularly to her Aunt in England, the only person who had supported her marriage and emigration. When she realises her Aunt seems to be very poor she sends money. The money arrives too late for Aunt Ethel- who has been too proud to ask for help but she manages to pass the money onto her Granddaughter Jennifer so that she can visit Australia. The differences between dull, drab post war London and new bright Australia are well described and a good look at that period of history.
The new book was one of the library books. Susie Dent ' Guilty by Definition' . This is such a clever and well written story set in the offices of the Clarendon English Dictionary offices in Oxford, ( No doubt based on her work at the Oxford English Dictionary).
(For anyone who doesn't know, Susie Dent is well known as a Lexicographer in this country she has been on the daily words and number quiz programme Countdown for 30 years. She has written many non fiction books about language.)
In this book, her first novel, a cryptic anonymous coded letter arrives at the offices and seems to have a connection to Dictionary compiler Martha's sister Charlie who disappeared from Oxford 10 years earlier. More letters and postcards arrive sent to anyone who knew Charlie and even some who didn't. The team use their knowledge of the history of words to decipher the letters.
The book mentions all sorts of unusual and unknown words and their origins and makes for a really good story.
Her second novel in the 'Linguistic Mystery' series will be published in 2026.
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I hope to read the Susie Dent book soon. Her word knowledge is phenomenal
ReplyDeleteThe book was very clever - lots of new and old words to hear about
DeleteDeep into books as always Sue, because I patchwork and knit prefer to listen to stories on audible.
ReplyDeleteStill lots of good reading to keep me going
DeleteI will look out for Susie Dent book, it sounds my type of book. It was strange not seeing Rafa playing, the final was exciting tennis, and we will see them play each other so many more times. Sadly Djokovic is going to keep going trying to make his record unbeatable, I have never enjoyed watching him play tennis, or listening to him afterwards.
ReplyDeleteI went off Djokovic many years ago when he seemed to be unwell and moaned and then suddenly played much better
DeleteThe tennis final was unbelievable. I wanted Alcaraz but truly thought Sinner would beat him, especially after the lost match points. I was very happy at the result, but devastated for Yannik who amazingly held himself together in the aftermath. As a Nadal fan, I have been wondering who would take over that position. It appears to be Carlos. It was interesting to listen to the commentators planning out the next ten year rivalry. Will there be a third “great”, like the Nadal, Federer, Djokovic do you think? And who will it be? Roll on Queens and Wimbledon 🤩🤩🤩
ReplyDeleteSuch a tough match - and both played so well. I'm hoping the third will be Jack Draper, although he needs to improve more to reach that level.
DeleteForgot to sign my tennis comment above. Regards Ann T
ReplyDeleteWhat a match it was and the number of momentum changes in it…
ReplyDeleteIt’s like two different sports - best of 3 and best of 5
Anyway, back to gardening and releasing the carrot seedlings from the chickweed. Oh hold on - there’s Queens on BBC2 at 1, ah well! J’nan
And the Susie Dent book sounds good, must order it from the lubrary
DeleteI'm glad I got the subscription - would have been sad not to have seen such a good match
Deletenot as exciting as Roland Garros, at least Queen's is on Freeview starting this afternoon.
ReplyDeleteI'm not a massive fan of the Womens matches this week but I'm glad they have got the chance to play at Queens instead of packing them off to Eastbourne and several British girls playing. Mens next week will be better
DeleteI must look for the Susie Dent book as it sounds just my kind of thing. Catriona
ReplyDeleteA very good story and good writing
DeleteWhat delightful book reviews, Sue. I mourn things that move to the various "plus" television subscriptions. We have cable tv but I refuse to buy the additions. I miss the old-fashioned broadcast television actually. ~Andrea xoxo
ReplyDeleteIt gets expensive for people who want to watch their favourite sports that are no longer on terrestial TV
DeleteIt really does appear that, as the saying goes, 'everyone has a book in them'. It seems that celebrities from all walks of life are publishing books these days. It sounds as though this one is a good one, but there have been so many really bad ones, that can be found lined up next to each other in the bargain bins of bookshops and the shelves of charity shops. I do like the sound of Susie's though, clever word play and learning new words and their meanings always brightens my day.
ReplyDeleteI always think of Susie Dent as Reluctantly Famous! Hope she has more than one good book in her as I didn't get on well with second crime fiction books by some other celebs
DeleteThat Susie Dent book sounds good and my library has it on order, so I put a hold on for when it comes in. Something to look forward to! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI hope the waiting list isn't too long for you
DeleteTennis and cycling always make good viewing. I am looking forward to Wimbledon.
ReplyDeleteIt will be expensive to view Tour of France next year. I might not bother.
DeleteI've recently read the Susie Dent book and thoroughly enjoyed it - it was better than I thought it was going to be and I'll certainly read her second one. Louise
ReplyDeleteShe's a talented author and Knows her words!
DeleteI like Nevil Shute's books. We did Pied Piper at school in English and that led me on to his other books. I have The Far Country and Pied Piper on my shelves.
ReplyDeleteI read them all in the early 70s - now the library have very few in stock
DeleteI loved Neville Shute - Trustee of the Toolroom was an absolute favourite. Thanks for the heads up on the Susie Dent book.
ReplyDeleteI'll look out for more second hand - the library only have a couple
DeleteI always enjoy your book reviews - frequently followed by frustration that my library here in Virginia doesn't have an author you mention! And Neville Shute - "Trustee from the Toolroom" is an all time favorite of mine too, referred to me by my brother who re-reads it periodically. Thanks for the nostalgia.
ReplyDeleteCeci
Just looked again and the library have more than I thought so I've requested that one
DeleteI have always liked Neville Shute and your last book by Susie Dent looks very interesting.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
She's a word expert and well known here
DeleteHave you seen that Andre is now competing in Pickleball? He looks happier than when playing tennis! But I always loved him too.
ReplyDeleteI fear that Europeans will be de-emphasizing the importance of learning English now that American is being so cruddy to the world :-(
English is the second language for many Europeans - I don't think they would think about America at all!
DeleteI like Nevil Shute, and I think I've read all of his books, but I have to be in a certain mood to be able to really appreciate them. They often make me feel blue but hopeful.
ReplyDeleteYes, when I wrote about finding this one at the charity book-sale several people said the same
DeleteI am so glad you enjoyed the Susie Dent book. I loved it.
ReplyDeleteWasn't the tennis fabulous? It is great to have 2 new champions who play with such sportsmanship. I didn't mind who won. I'm hoping never to see Djokovic, with all his injury feigning, in a final again 🤞
Can't say I'm a tennis fan, but it sounds as though you really enjoy it! I'm hoping to do quite a bit of reading while we're camping next week. I always seem to feel a little bit guilty if I'm reading at home in the afternoon!
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed the French Open final and the Nevil Shute! It was heartbreaking that the grandmother was starving herself and her family didn't know, but probably not that unusual. I wasn't sure Jennifer and Carl would have clicked if they hadn't dealt with the medical emergency together - and I suppose they would never have met if her cousin hadn't decided to visit the lumber camp that very day - but of course that is how real life and fiction begin!
ReplyDeleteI am a terrible tennis player but an avid spectator. The club we belonged to growing up hosted a big tournament and all the best players came. I enjoyed chatting with Andre Agassi once. I had hoped to queue for Wimbledon three years ago when I was studying in London but there were so many rail strikes that month that our schedule kept getting changed and I wasn't free. Another time, I hope!