Wednesday - reading, other stuff

[clachnaben]

Currently Reading:

The Countess Conspiracy - Courtney Milan
Started this, realised I didn't love the ~~we are trapped in this secret~~ plot and put it down, now I'm back at it. Obviously it's good and I'm quite engaged, but for some reason the character melodramatics are a bit wearing. Both characters being like THE OTHER PERSON HATES ME COMPLETELY AND UTTERLY starts to strain my suspension of disbelief and also my nerves after a little while. Very much hoping they get over it soon. I like romance novels where they like each other! Basically it's pining but not very well done imo.

The Odyssey - Emily Wilson
Her editorial notes were great, and I think are a really good intro to thinking about the classical world. She also gives some really great insights into her translation thought process, which is cool. I'm only reading a couple pages of this every evening, because reading blank verse for hours is soul-destroying, but I'm enjoying it!

Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell - Susanna Clarke
This is fun, but GOD why is it so goddamn long?? It does not need to be so long, and honestly would be a funner novel if it was about half the size. I am also reading one chapter a night (the chapters are short) because if I do any more I get bored. I do want to finish it though, because the magic is cool, and I like the world-building, and the regency novel style is fun, but god it's just depressing picking it up.

Currently Listening To:
the Badass Women playlist on spotify, which is guitar tracks with female voices. Some really great tunes on this.

Currently Watching

I caught up on Killing Eve on Tuesday, and am desperately waiting to watch the finale. I love it so much, the costuming, Villanelle playing characters, the cat and mouse game, Sandra Oh and Jodie Comer. There's some storylines I wish they'd wrap up, or like, make something happen, because a lot of the show is waiting for something to happen, and then it diverting course to keep you on your toes, which is obviously great but very FRUSTRATING. Anyway I want Villanelle and Eve to team up and solve crimes.

additionally, if one more man tells me I have to watch Fleabag I'll explode.

Comments

[seascribble]

Dr Strange and Mr Norrell is that long, I can only assume, for the sake of being a doorstopper. It's the principle of the thing.

I have not read any Courtney Milan. Is it gay?

[clachnaben]

Yeah, it just wants to be long, it doesn't care how.

Courney Milan is good! Her Duchess/Brothers Sinister books are straight, but apparently she has written some gay books, I just haven't read them yet.

[chestnut_pod]

Reading blank verse for hours IS soul-destroying, and I'm glad someone else recognizes it!

I do love the Wilson translation, though, especially Hermes. I love how individually she manages to translate all the voices.