The Gamal

This was a fence-rider for me. I think it is literary brilliance; it has all the hallmarks of a great post-modern novel: an unreliable narrator, lots of profanity, stream of consciousness, and a strong cultural milieu. I read about 120 pages before I decided to give up.

What was the problem? Ciaran Collins made me work too hard. I might be able to come back to this novel sometime in the summer after my teacher-brain has had a chance to crash and reboot. Until then it was asking a bit much for me to translate Gaelic phrases and piece together the ramblings of a mentally ill protagonist, who also happened to be quite a disruptive student. (You can imagine my guttural reaction to that facet of the Gamal, which means "fool" in Irish.)

If you have time to fool around with this book, you should certainly read it, especially if the thought of a Catcher in the Rye written by James Joyce sounds appealing to you. As for me, we'll have to see.

In The Downton Abbey Doldrums?

For my first official post, I have a double feature for you. If you've been sitting around, scoffing at Mr. Selfridge, and praying for a new bloody episode of Downton Abbey, I have the perfect recommended reads for you. 

First, Cavendon Hall by Barbara Taylor Bradford. This novel has the upstairs intrigue and the downstairs gossip of the Abbey all set perfectly in Edwardian England. I'm not saying it's as amazing as watching Lady Mary being swarmed by suitors, but it is the next best thing. It is well written and easily passed the fifty page test. The characters are engaging and the writing style is clear and easy to digest. Reading this will get you through your DA withdrawals. I promise. 

Second, is a character based novel set in modern day Atlanta. Where's the Downton Abbey connection? Well, it's called While We Were Watching Downton Abbey. It's author is Wendy Wax, who evidently has written several well-beloved chick lit novels, though this is the first of hers I've read. The story moves around three women who become unlikely friends as they watch Downton Abbey together. It passed the fifty page test with flying colors (I didn't even think about it until at least page 59). The book also served as a great Downton pacifier because it allowed me to think back on the first two seasons and includes memorable quotes from the show. If you liked The Jane Austen Book Club, you'll enjoy While We Were Watching Downton Abbey. 

So if you're sitting around, pining away, wondering what will happen to Lady Edith or wondering if Lady Mary's pigs will actually survive, get your hands on one of these delightful reads;  you won't regret it.