#bookerprizeshortlist

[bahhumpug]

It has arrived. I'll be attempting to climb this mountain over the weekend. * #funaekreads #funaekbooks #instabooks #instareads #tbr #bookerprizeshortlist #pugsandbooks https://www.instagram.com/p/B2ST_7YgSdk/?igshid=1fs9vk63rhwqs

[bibliobethblog]

Swimming Home was my first novel from Deborah Levy who has been on my “want to read,” list for a ridiculous length of time. Buddy reading this with the gorgeous @sandladysbooks served to give me even more appreciation of the author’s work.⁣ ⁣ This novella (which can easily be read in one sitting if you’ve got the time), takes place within and around a villa in Nice where tourists are staying and enjoying a break. Famous poet Jozef Jacobs, his wife Isabel and their teenage daughter Nina are there along with another couple, Laura and Mitchell. ⁣ ⁣ One day, Kitty Finch (whom the caretaker of the villa, Jurgen becomes slightly obsessed by), appears swimming in the villa pool completely naked and is invited to stay in the spare room after she states she has a poem she wants Joe to read. ⁣ ⁣ Watched over by an octogenarian retired doctor Madeleine, we learn that Kitty is quite mentally unwell and as the summer unfolds, the residents of the villa all learn much more than they could ever expect about each other and their relationships with each other. The story ends with an incredible climax that lingers on long after you close the book. ⁣ ⁣ Swimming Home was such a welcome story to read whilst I was in a little bit of a reading rut. It’s written with such beauty and style and even though it might not seem like it on first impression, there are far deeper moments bubbling below the surface. ⁣ ⁣ I’m not sure what I was expecting from Levy but I ended up quite entranced. She has such a confidence and assured nature in her writing that makes you instantly comfortable, intrigued and hungry for more. It was shortlisted for the Booker prize in 2012 and I can totally see why. It’s intense, unpredictable and quietly brilliant. It’s stories like these that make me so happy to be a reader. ⁣ ⁣ Four solid stars 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 ⁣ ⁣ #bookstagram #bookstagramuk #buddyreads #buddyreadswithcath #swimminghome #deborahlevy #authornewtome #bookerprizeshortlist #literaryfiction #readingmybacklist #bookworm #readingonmykindle #booksarelife #authorsivediscovered2022 #readmorebooks https://www.instagram.com/p/CaX7aPbLMZr/?utm_medium=tumblr

[eating-their-words]

"Ayoola is wearing dungarees—she is the only person I know who can still pull those off—and she is licking ice cream, probably from the parlor around the corner. She paused the licking, not because she is moved by Peju's words, but because she is aware that it is proper to pause whatever is one is doing when in the presence of someone who is grieving. I spent three hours explaining that particular etiquette to her one Sunday afternoon." ~ (The Booker Prize shortlist was announced this morning and My Sister the Serial Killer didn't make the cut, though I'm more bummed out about Lanny not making it. A shoutout to @prettiletti for lending me this book, buying me this ice cream, and taking this photo for me 🍦📸) ~ #mysistertheserialkiller #oyinkanbraithwaite #icecream #bookerprize2019 #bookerprizelonglist #bookerprizeshortlist https://www.instagram.com/p/B18tqKTAdqY/?igshid=1pbinjeeztktl