Friday, November 16, 2012

Virago, you say?

"Yes, we'll have to put a stop to this bookworming.  No future in that."

Every once in a while I stumble across a treasure: a book written in fairly recent years that holds all the style and charm of a book written long ago.  This happened recently when I inadvertently came across Good Behaviour by Molly Keane (a Virago Modern Classic) while shopping at Book Depository.

It was short, sweet, and brilliant in many ways.  Published in 1981, but set in the decaying aristocracy of an Anglo-Irish family in the 1920s[ish], this book had that perfect combination of melancholy and wit that I've come to appreciate in Irish literature.

It was a wonderfully vivid story.  Plus, the cover art is terrific, am I right?  Our main character, Aroon St. Charles, doesn't know half of what you, as the reader, will catch on to, which is both terribly intriguing and terribly sad.  You see, Aroon isn't the most attractive or astute character you'll meet, though through her you will discover a vivid, distinguished world that she wishes she belongs in...and there is humor to boot (what more could I ask for?)

So, you veterans of Virago, tell me:
  • what you love about Virago
  • why I should read more
  • whether this book is characteristic of what I can hope to expect
  • where I go next!

4 comments:

  1. I do love the cover! I've never heard of Virago, so let us know what you learn.

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  2. I'm trying to figure out which to choose next...this was such a great read for me (started pulling me out of my reading funk) that I'm eager for more. It's been strange how my reading mojo got so derailed this autumn, but I'm working on getting back into it. :)

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  3. I don't have much to say as I'm more of an aspiring fan, as I've read only a few Viragos. Unfortunately in the US, they're harder to find. I don't come across many Viragos randomly but there are a ton of VMCs on my to-read list.

    I'm surprised you haven't received more comments from the Virago fans. Here are a few bloggers who have posted on VMCs in great detail. Hope you find your next read! :)

    Verity's Virago Venture
    Fleur Fisher
    A Work in Progress
    The Captive Reader"
    Iris on Books
    A Few of My Favorite Books (this blogger also co-hosted the Virago Reading Week in 2011 (other host was Book Snob)

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    Replies
    1. I knew there were some Virago fans out there--thanks for linking them, I'll check them out!

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I'd love to hear what you have to say, leave a comment!