Alice Hunt's and Sarah Leith's books sound particularly tempting. And so true, your comment about the "relevance" of kids' books. That notion irked me as a youngster when teachers and librarians were starting to bang on about it. Who can decide what's "relevant" to another reader? I was also wary of "suitability", i.e. nothing you're not supposed to know about.
Nowadays, I suspect "relevance" has more to do with how our brains are wired. Some writers write close to their own personal experience, and some readers enjoy their writing. Others, both writers and readers, like to push their personal boundaries as far as they can. For the latter, the pleasure is all in the leap of connection.
That leap of connection is all, isn't it? I think the 'write what you know' school of advice is greatly over-rated, to be honest. Sam's book has had some great reviews. I haven't got my hands on a copy yet, but it's high on the list. Definitely to read Alice's book too. It's a period I have been fascinated with since I was a student - if not before!
So many interesting books! I shall look out for Saints, Kingmaker and The Bible. Although I have read both of Jeffs' previous books and although engaging I think I was expecting a bit more depth, so I'm hoping the scholarship is not worn too lightly.
Alice Hunt's and Sarah Leith's books sound particularly tempting. And so true, your comment about the "relevance" of kids' books. That notion irked me as a youngster when teachers and librarians were starting to bang on about it. Who can decide what's "relevant" to another reader? I was also wary of "suitability", i.e. nothing you're not supposed to know about.
Nowadays, I suspect "relevance" has more to do with how our brains are wired. Some writers write close to their own personal experience, and some readers enjoy their writing. Others, both writers and readers, like to push their personal boundaries as far as they can. For the latter, the pleasure is all in the leap of connection.
That leap of connection is all, isn't it? I think the 'write what you know' school of advice is greatly over-rated, to be honest. Sam's book has had some great reviews. I haven't got my hands on a copy yet, but it's high on the list. Definitely to read Alice's book too. It's a period I have been fascinated with since I was a student - if not before!
The relevance-utility axis is pretty much a disaster. Interesting selection.
Look forward to Bruce Gordon’s book on the Bible: he was my tutor at university. Lovely man of extraordinary erudition.
So many interesting books! I shall look out for Saints, Kingmaker and The Bible. Although I have read both of Jeffs' previous books and although engaging I think I was expecting a bit more depth, so I'm hoping the scholarship is not worn too lightly.
I’ll share my review of Saints in due course. I know what you mean about the non-fiction elements.
I just ordered four of those from our local independent this morning. They were very happy!
Oh wow. I bet they were! Let me know what you think as and when.
A great selection, Mathew. I do like the sound of the Victorian women detectives (Yale UP is on a roll) and Sam Leith’s book sounds excellent.
Thank you! Agree entirely about Yale. They have published some wonderful things over the last few years, and their list is always full of interest and surprise. There was a terrific review of Sam's book by Laura Freeman in The Times the other day. https://www.thetimes.com/culture/books/article/haunted-wood-history-childhood-reading-sam-leith-review-m6lg7llvl
Let me know what you think!