This was a second time around read for me, and while I enjoyed and devoured this food memoir the first time I read it, this time it was just okay. TheThis was a second time around read for me, and while I enjoyed and devoured this food memoir the first time I read it, this time it was just okay. There are already lots of food memoirs out there, this one differs in that it's also a book about negotiating life as a queer woman, and in that Marusya offers up her favorite recipes at the end of each chapter. ...more
Once I got used to the author's unusual form, I liked this book very much. But I have to admit that it took me a while to settle in to the lists, horoOnce I got used to the author's unusual form, I liked this book very much. But I have to admit that it took me a while to settle in to the lists, horoscopes, point forms, he said-she said construction of this novel (which incidentally reminded me a bit of Jeanette Winterson, another favorite writer of mine). I could identify with the obsessive love affair gone wrong, really is there anyone alive over the age of 40 who hasn't been played the fool for love? I wondered several times how much of this novel was autobiographical, but then that's the hallmark of good fiction, letting us believe that this truly could have happened. ...more
Re-read this in November of 2016. It was as lovely, interesting and comforting as the first time around. If you're pondering how a feminist text, detaRe-read this in November of 2016. It was as lovely, interesting and comforting as the first time around. If you're pondering how a feminist text, detailing the domesticity of oppressed women could possibly be comforting, let me assure you, it is. Despite systemic silencing by the patriarchy, women throughout centuries have found ways, however quietly and unobtrusively, to leave a written record of their presence. Reading their diary excerpts is like finding a secret sorority in an all male club. Not a sorority for Bluestockings mind you. Washer women, midwives and mothers by day, the women profiled here, carved out tiny spaces of time to tell us about weather, work, babies born and old folks passing. You won't find any deep emotional confessions here. The journal entries are frequently full of mundane details, but rich in subtext. The fact that we need to read between the lines to crack the code of imposed silence, renders them only more precious. Wylie gently sets the stage for us to observe ordinary moments in their authors' seemingly forgotten lives. Reading the chapters is like attending a riveting play. After all, family drama has given us some of our most beloved stories and characters. And frankly, I can't think of anything more comforting, than watching women breaking their silence in whatever way they can. ...more
Did not like this at all, and gave up. Too bad, because I normally really like P D James, but this just was too unconvincing for me Read it again. LikeDid not like this at all, and gave up. Too bad, because I normally really like P D James, but this just was too unconvincing for me Read it again. Liked it a lot better this time around. Maybe I just wasn't in the right space for it the first time. This time I was looking for cozy village mystery and it delivered. ...more
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