Ava Gardner in The Killers (1946)It's time again for another edition of bookshelf, where I round-up the books that I've recently read (confession: one of these is a picture book but it is a book). I will confess to a bit too much television watching of late but I still managed to finish some good reads.
Louise Brooks was the inspiration for one of the characters
in this strange and intriguing novella. A fugitive hiding out on a deserted
island is soon joined by a group of vacationers who come and go, often repeating
their actions and never acknowledging his presence. He finds himself falling in
love with one of the women and decides that he will do anything to be with her. If
you like magic realism, you’ll love this work.
Lady Diana Wynham, a great Scottish beauty, is almost
destitute when she discovers some Russian holdings of her late husband’s that
could save her. She enlists the help of her secretary, the French-born Prince
Gerard Seliman, to secure her fortune and from there it’s a rollicking ride
filled with spies and danger. One of the best-selling novels of the 1920s, it’s
a wonderfully fun read with witty phrasing and great characters.
After Marian "Clover" Hooper married historian
Henry Adams in 1872, she became a popular confidant and hostess in Washington, DC. She also took up photography, taking portraits (including those of her dogs) and keeping meticulous notes about her art. Reproductions of some
of her surviving images are included, which the author uses to analyse why Adams committed suicide by drinking potassium cyanide, which was used to develop film.
Talented artist Lady Kiera Darby is back and once again trouble
follows in her path. When she discovers that her deceased childhood art tutor is actually alive and accused of murder, it’s up to her
to prove his innocence. Joined by Sebastian Gage, the private
inquiry agent with whom she shares a mutual attraction, Lady Kiera must delve into the effects
of war on soldiers and the treatment of the mentally ill to save her friend.
One of my favourite new historical mystery series.
Ginger Rogers tells the story of
her rise from little Virginia Katherine McMath to movie star Ginger Rogers.
She recalls her childhood (which involved a kidnapping by her estranged
father), her films and co-stars (she is insistent that she and Fred Astaire
liked each other), five husbands, beloved mother, and her political and
religious beliefs. It’s a bit too long and Rogers can come off as preachy and
naïve in certain passages but the parts about Hollywood are worth
reading.
This time round Wegman merges his famed photos with his paintings with delightful results. Featuring two of Wegman’s beloved Weimaraners, this is the tale of an older sister and little brother who don’t always
get along but try to make an effort. I recently went to a book signing for Flo & Wendell and got to meet Wegman and Topper, the model for Wendell. Needless to say,
Topper stole the show.
