As I have seemed unable to write a review (or indeed read a book) in the last week, I thought I would spread the word of Muriel Spark Reading Week whilst I try and get my mojo back. The delightful duo of Simon Stuck in a Book and Harriet Devine will be hosting this Spark fest on their blogs from the 23 – 29th of April this year, it seems a long way away but I bet it’s here before we all know it.
Thomas of My Porch has done them the wonderful badge which I hope I will see popping up here and there over the blogosphere as everyone signs up. I am much more resistant of challenges and read-a-longs this year but this one I can’t resist as though myself and Spark don’t always get along as I would hope, you can see our relationship here, she is an author who intrigues me as much as a person as she does with her work.
I am not going to pre-empt which of her novels I will read for the occasion, as I am on a diet of whim reading (even though I seem in funk at the moment) this year. It might be one of her out of print novels maybe, or it could be the one I have always stored for last as I feel I might like it the most. Who else is up for some Spark based shenanigans in April? Which might you read? What have you read already and what did you think?
I’m in, because I’ve never read Muriel Spark. *hangs head in shame*
Well, I think I read Miss Jean Brodie as a teen, but I don’t remember much except I liked it. I think I’ll read one of her 5 books published as Virago Modern Classics, either A Far Cry From Kensington or Loitering with Intent. It gives me an excuse to add to my collection.
Don’t hang your head in shame for two reasons Laura. First, we can’t read every author can we? Secondly think of all the joys you have to come.
I’m really looking forward to this! I’ve only read a handful of Spark’s novels (having had very different reactions to each) but I’m excited to try more.
It’s going to be great isn’t it Claire. I am thrilled Simon and Harriet are doing it.
Interesting you mention having very different reactions to all her work. I found that too. It has only intrigued me more with her.
As writers and readers, sometimes our mojo just takes a break.
Enjoy it.
I just gave in to it, and then some Ian McEwan stories stopped it, hoorah.
Thanks so much for spreading the word, Simon, that’s really nice of you! I do feel a little of a fraud co-hosting it, since there are so many I haven’t read – but I intend to rectify that! Haven’t decided exactly which I’ll read, but I’d definitely like her autobiography to be one of them. I love that all her novels are so short, so I can get through four or five in the time it would take for one long novel!
A pleasure Simon. There are lots of challenges that pop up but this one really sang out to me because I am so intrigued (and overall impressed) with Sparks writing. Plus is nice to support other bloggers ventures and all that jazz.
They are short but not easy read though dont you find?
Oooh, I want to join! I think I’ll read The Mandelbaum Gate as it is one of the only Spark novels that my library owns.
Now that’s a title of hers I haven’t eeven heard of. Can you read that please for my benefit
This little snippet may kick-start your mojo again… Remember I mentioned to you ages ago about a very popular Melburnian author, Kate Greenwood and her 1920′s based ‘detective’ Phryne Fisher? Well, the series is finally being televised and airs this Friday here in Oz. I think you may really enjoy Phryne…
Oooh yes, I need to look those up. Though I would want to read the book before the adaptation. Mind you the length of time it takes Australian tv to come here means I could probably read a few. If of course it comes at all. Kim has mentioned ‘Librarians’ why has that not come to the UK, why oh why… or ‘Laid’.
Here’s the FaceBook link to the adaptaion – http://www.facebook.com/phrynefisher?sk=wall
Thanks for the link too
I’ve read three of her novels (Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, Girls of Slender Means, The Ballad of Peckham Rye). Of those I liked the Girls of Slender Means the best, though growing up in Edinburgh there was a lot in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie that I felt affection for. I re-read it fairly recently for the Cornflower Book Group and I wasn’t as taken with it the second time around.
I have a strange relationship with Spark, I admire all her books, I have only loved two of them to bits. The others I have liked but been a little bemused by.
‘Girls of Slender Means’ is my favourite, and I do actually admire most of her novels for her excellent command of language and of nuances. But I would agree with the other comments here that some books have left me strangely cold.
I think sometimes, and I can only speak for me I am not applying this to anyone else, I find her books almost too clever, short but almost saying or hinting at too much. Maybe that is just me though?
I was sitting here reading this post thinking “I’ve never read Muriel Spark.” But I have! I read, and enjoyed, The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie many years ago. I just may jump in a join you all since this event is post TBR Double Dare.
Oh I hope you do CB and well done with the TBR Double Dare, I would have joined in but I just think I would fail and be furious with myself. Plus I have been shifting around and had it not been for some library loot, purchases and publisher proofs I would have ended up with nothing to read – long story.
I’m a little late to this Muriel party, but I will definitely be taking part in April!
I got as far as taking ‘The prime of Miss Jean Brodie’ out of the library at Christmas, but didn’t manage to read it as there was so much going on. I’ve just emailed this to my book group so I might have accidentally hi-jacked whoever’s turn it was to look after April. Oops.
Oh do join in, the more the merrier and Simon and Harriet will be wonderful hosts. I am really looking forward to it.
Ooooooh! How exciting. I will definitely have to join in on this one.
Yes you will Polly, you got me into her after all, not that I am hosting but you know what I mean.