So, I have read and finished several books, and read and not finished several more. I thought I would just heap them all into one review and see what happens. Ready? Okay.
Wives and Daughters by Elizabeth Gaskell: Wives and Daughters is a classic novel that sounded right up my alley. And I loved the BBC version of it. (You can see the review here.) I started this book and get along very well. It is rather long, but I was already on chapter 17 and it had only been a couple of days! But then school started and I found myself not really reading that anymore. It was not because it was bad, in fact, I remember thinking that this was a lovely story and I loved when Molly was at the Miss Browning's. I have lately gotten into the bad habit of just letting books go. But I hope to pick it up again one of these days. I wish I had not watched the mini series first, as now I am rather impatient for Certain Proposals. (If that is even included in the work, as I know Gaskell died before the completion of this novel. Most unsatisfying, I know.)
Forty Acres and No Mule by Janice Holt Giles: This was one of my grandma's favorite authors, so I thought I would give her a try. It turned out that I had picked her autobiography of her beginnings at her and her husband's farm in the Kentucky mountains. I was a little worried, but it was not dull and factual, so I proceeded on my way. It was unlike anything I have ever read. The village is behind the times, even for just after WWII. They were a biblical society, living by God's rules, and not so much a governments. Most of them were hardworking farmers without electricity or even indoor plumbing! (that is where I draw the line) Yet Jan and her husband Henry were not happy with city life and so decided to move back to Henry's boyhood hometown. And after a little adjusting they had a marvelous time. It stressed simplicity, hard work, and yet calm. Jan seemed very happy and by the end said she wouldn't want to live anywhere else. I think all of us could use some of this happy simplicity, but as a lifestyle? I, for one, wouldn't really want to take that challenge.... I will count this as a finished read, because I read it word for word diligently and by the last 50 pages skimmed and scanned so I could get the happily ever after and on to a new book I was eyeing....
The Princess and the Sage by Anneliese Blakeney: I found Anne-girl's blog a couple of months ago, and enjoyed reading about her literary pursuits. Then I found that a delightful Lewis Carol-ish story that she'd been posting snippets of was actually out for people to buy! So I hurried to Amazon and ordered myself one. It is a quick and light read, but very funny and nonsensical. It is the author's first novel to be published and I enjoyed it muchly.
I reread At Home in Mitford by Jan Karonbefore my mom came home with a stack of library books that I shall read after exam week. (Although they are so tempting. This reminds me that scene in Anne of Green Gables when Anne is studying the dreaded geometry so Gilbert doesn't get ahead, and she tells Matthew he should lock up that "thrilling" book her school chum gave her until she is finished studying, as it is such a temptation! I should do that...)
I may post reviews of the library books later, but for now I am ending this post, as that is all I have read thus far, and I have some science to study....
Okay, so I originally got this idea from Miss Dashwood. She said in her blogpost this was past the date, and it must have been, because when I went on the notebook sisters blog to find the post about this, it was not even one of the first few posts there! But I shall not pay attention. I will fill it out anyway, because it looked like lots of fun to do! So, without further ado, here are the end of the year book questions:
1. What was your overall favourite book this year? (Yes. Pick one.) This is so hard! Must I pick just one? *Madd Rose pouts* Fine. I think I liked the Last Sin Eater the best. (And as a series I liked Miss Marple the best. Soary, as Gilbert would say; I had to throw that in there.) 2. Favourite debut(s)? (Author must have been first published in 2013.) Uh.... I don't really read many modern books, so I don't think I have even read an author that has just been published this year. Bummer.. WAIT! I think Wish You Were Eyre by: Heather Vogel Frederick came out this year! So there it is, problem solved. 3. Which books did you reread this year? Tons and tons! Alright, fine I will try to name them all: Anne of the Island b: L.M. Montgomery Anne of Windy Poplars by: L.M. Montgomery Anne's House of Dreams by L.M. Montgomery Rilla of Ingleside by: L.M. Montgomery Emily Climbs by L.M. Montgomery The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by: Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows A Rose in Bloom by: Louisa May Alcott An Old Fashioned Girl by: Louisa May Alcott Little Women by: Louisa May Alcott Heavens to Betsy by: Maud Hart Lovelace Betsy in Spite of Herself by: Maud Hart Lovelace Betsy was a Junior by: Maud Hart Lovelace Betsy and Joe by: Maud Hart Lovelace Betsy and the Great World by: Maud Hart Lovelace Betsy's Wedding by; Maud Hart Lovelace Emily of Deep Valley by: Maud Hart Lovelace Emma by: Jane Austen Pride and Prejudice by: Jane Austen Sense and Sensibility by: Jane Austen Daddy Long Legs by: Jean Webster ....and that's all I can think of, but I think there were others. 4. Favourite cover(s) this year!
Note: not necessarily my favorite books, but I liked the covers
5. Worst cover(s)? Um... I don't like to read or buy books with covers I don't like. I will say I dislike when publishers put the movie as the cover of the books. 6. What self-published books did you read this year?
I've read Only a Novel by Miss Dashwood and I greatly enjoyed myself while doing so. :)
7. Which book(s) gave you a massive hangover? The Last Sin Eater: because this book is just full of so many ideas and concepts and it is really good. the Mitford series: because I loved this series to itty bitty pieces and when I finished the last book I just didn't know what to do with myself. I'd been "living" in Mitford for months, you know? Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society: even though this was a reread, I was so happy when it ended and then very sad because there is no sequel. And cannot be, as the author, Mary Ann Shaffer, has since passed away. :'( 8. Best standalone you read? This is hard, as I read several good stand alones this year. Um... the Last Sin Eater, I suppose. 9. Biggest book(s) you've read this year? I think it might be Wives & Daughters. I started several big books this year, but I didn't finish them. (I know, I am very bad about that sometimes.) 10. Book(s) you followed the hype for and then loved! the Help by: Katherine Stockett... I think that might be it, I really don't follow "hype" or "trends." 11. Most disappointing book(s) you read this year? the Postmistress looked promising but turned out to be rather bad. There are others, but that is the most recent one I can think of. (And yes, I know Miss Dashwood also did that but sometimes I am not an original thinker...) 12. Favourite leading-female character? This year? Miss Marple 13. Favourite leading-male character? And... Father Tim 14. Best romance(s)? Juliet andDawsey from the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society (is that how you spell his name? Eh... I am too lazy to look it up, so if it is wrong, be a dear and please excuse. Thanks.) Father Tim and Cynthia from the Mitford series (And Dooley and Lace) Sally McBride and Dr.Robin "Sandy" McRae from Dear Enemy Rose and Mac from A Rose in Bloom Polly Milton and Tom Shaw from an Old Fashioned Girl Emily Webster and Jed Wakeman from Emily of Deep Valley Betsy Ray and Joe Willard Emma Woodhouse and Mr. Knightley Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy ANNE AND GILBERT from Anne of Green Gables I think I covered most of them, but if I didn't, please excuse 15. What book(s) hit the DNF list? (Did not finish.) Sadly, a lot. I won't even list them all, readers, because I am a tad embarrassed about how many there would be. More and more this year I found it difficult to get through books. And not always because they are bad. Just because I lose interest. I sort of worries me as I haven't really had long lapses like that before. 16. What book(s) did you read out of your comfort-zone? the Last Sin Eater (I don't usually read Christian fiction, because it usually turns out to be some silly romance) and Agatha Christie's novels (because I didn't think I would like murder mysteries. I still don't like many murder mysteries, but Christie's special) 17. Which author did you read the most from? Probably Agatha Christie. I read all the Miss Marple mysteries and several of Poirot and some stand alone novels of hers. 18. Top 5 books you'd recommend from all the books you've read this year? Can this include series? Well I shall make it include series (this is my blog you know; )) In no particular order 1) Miss Marple mysteries 2) the Mitford series 3) the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society 4) Miss Pym Disposes by: Josephine Tey 5) Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm by: Kate Douglas Wiggin (and if you want something similar, the Anne books by L.M. Montgomery) 5 1/2) I know I am such a cheater. Oh well... the Betsy Tacy series 19. How many books did you read this year all up? I didn't keep a list... but quite a bit! You know what? That shall be one of my new years resolutions. I will keep a list of books I have read in 2014.
20. What's a book you're hugely excited for coming out in 2014?! I wish I were hugely excited about one, but I am not. I am excited about the next Penderwick book, but I think that actually comes out in 2015 or later.
1. What period dramas have you watched in April?
I only did a review on Wives & Daughters, but I also saw an old Miss Marple that I think counts as period drama, but I am not positive. 2. Have you ever watched a period drama where the characters time traveled between eras (i.e. Somewhere In Time, Lost In Austen, From Time To Time)?
No, not that I can remember, actually. 3. What historical era is your favorite and why?
My favorite historical era is... Edwardian times. I simply adore them! (With Regency coming in a close second..) I love them because of the dresses, the big hats, the shoes, the culture, the simplicity, Road to Avonlea... need I say more? 4. How many William Shakespeare film adaptations have you seen?
Only two..... sadly. I have seen the Leonardo DiCaprio version of Romeo and Juliet (against my will) and the older version with Olivia Huessey. (I think that's how you spell it... this one was the better version, in my opinion.) 5. If a new biographical film based on the life of your favorite classic author were made would you rejoice or be the first to sign a "do not make this film" petition? I would REJOICE! There is no film that I know of on dear L.M. Montgomery! (ONE of my favorites.... I have a couple) ;)
I was first introduced to Elizabeth Gaskell and Wives and Daughters by fellow Blogger, Amy Dashwood from Yet Another Period Drama Blog here. I must admit a very shameful thing: I didn't finish the book. It was Christmas time, school exams were looming their ugly head and Miss Dashwood also was very busy, so everything got put off. I hope to pick it up again soon and finishing it. Because it was good. I have, however seen the delightful Wives and Daughters mini-series. For those of you who don't know what Wives and Daughters in, I'll give you a quick synopsis:
Molly Gibson, a young doctors daughter, suddenly must deal with many changes. Her dear father and her have lived all alone, ever since molly's mother died when Molly was very young. Molly and her father were very close. She was his dear "Goosey." Then her father announces that he is to be married to a Ms. Kirkpatrick, who Molly hardly knows. Molly was perfectly happy and thought her father had been too... So, Ms. Kirkpatrick turns into Mrs. Gibson. Molly tries patiently to adjust and please the new Mrs. Gibson.... but it just doesn't seem to be working. Then, Mrs. Gibson's daughter, young, pretty Miss Cynthia Kirkpatrick comes to stay. Molly and Cynthia are fast friends. Soon though, things get more complicated when Cynthia starts keeping secrets, the townspeople start gossiping, and the young man Molly likes starts falling for Cynthia!
This is all I will tell you; if you'd like to know more, I shall be aggravating and insist you either watch the movie or read the book. ;) I will now start on my view of the interesting characters:
Molly Gibson
I personally love Molly. She is young, naive, strong, feminine, and mature. All in one. Molly starts out as a young girl, anywhere from eight to ten, I would guess. She is at the annual... for lack of a better word, tour, of the "grand house" of the village. Molly gets tired and falls asleep, the governess, Claire Kirkpatrick finds her and takes her to her room and eats the food provided for Molly. She then promptly forgets about Molly and let's the tour leave without her. This is Molly's first impression of her-soon-to-be-stepmother. Molly is then picked up by her father, and you get to see their close relationship. Molly then is shown as a lovely seventeen. She is reading, in one of the nicest pictures, here, I'll post it for you.
She has her own r.h.y.m as Miss Dashwood pointed out. This Emily of New Moon reference amused me greatly. So, I shall put it in too. Emily is very kind to both young men who are training with her father. She has no idea that that r.h.y.m. is being a very silly coxcomb over her. When her father intercepts a letter by him meant for Molly, he decides Molly should take an extended visit to his friends,the Hamley's. Mrs. Hamley is lovely and Mr. Hamley is a hoot. My favorite line of his is, "I'm not saying she was very silly, but one of us was being silly, and it wasn't me." :) Molly is a very nice house guest and everyone comes to love her. She is very good friends with them all, especially their sons, Roger and Osborne. Roger helps her through the shocking news of her father's upcoming nuptials. Molly shows her sweetness and perseverance when the exasperating Mrs. Gibson arrives to change everything Molly holds dear. Molly also shows a lovely sisterly bond with Cynthia Kirkpatrick, her new stepsister. She could be envious and sulky, as everyone seems to view Cynthia as a "belle" rather overshadowing poor Molly. (Personally, I think Molly's prettier, but that's just my opinion. Or maybe I'm just being biased, I don't know.) Instead, Molly delights in Cynthia's popularity and beauty, and thinks Cynthia is wonderful. She is rather wonderful in some ways, but not in others... more on her later.
Doctor Gibson
I just love this picture. It shows Dr. Gibson and Molly's lovely relationship. :) Anyway, I was surprised to find that many people don't seem to like Dr. Gibson. They seem to feel he can be "creepy" or that it seems he doesn't seem to love Molly all that much. I think this stems from his way of showing affection. He is not a man to hug all the time and say "I love you." He has other ways of showing affection. He teases and calls Molly "Goosey." He really tries to do the best for Molly. I think some people blame him for not thinking of her when he remarries. I disagree with this entirety. Believe it or not, most of his reason for marrying Ms. Kirkpatrick was for Molly's sake. After the Mr. Cox fiasco, he decided Molly needed a "mother." I cannot excuse his pick of Ms. Kirkpatrick, but sometimes men can be so very dense. ;) Anyway, she wasn't the worst person he could choose. (She was pretty bad, but there are worse people! For some reason though, all the good examples left my head and all I can think of is Cinderella's stepmother...) Dr. Gibson is sometimes awkward, rough, and short tempered, but overall, he has a good heart and loves Molly dearly.
Hyacinth Gibson nee Kirkpatrick
Here she is in all her glory. Hyacinth Kirkpatrick Gibson is vain, silly, and rather thoughtless. I wouldn't say she is cruel. At least, not often. Most things are just.... thoughtless, like I said. Like the time she had Molly's room redone because she was making over Cynthia's new room. She meant it kindly, but Molly liked her room and didn't want it changed. She also was rather a social climber and bothered me with her haughtiness. Like when dear Mr. Hamley comes and talks of having Molly visit poor Mrs. Hamley. Mrs. Gibson cuts in with her "an engagement is an engagement." ("did I say an engagement was an elephant?!" Sorry, couldn't help myself there.) And her meddling! When she finds out Osborne is *SPOILER* deathly ill, all the sudden Roger is welcome to come by, because he is set to inherit!*END OF SPOILER* So, in my opinion Ms. Gibson is no good. She's not bad, per se, but she is NOT good, if that makes sense. That is all.
Cynthia Kirkpatrick
Ah, now to Cynthia. What to say about Cynthia.... I like her but I don't love her. She can be very nice, funny, and the way she deals with her mother is rather laughable. On the other hand, she uses men very badly, she is flippant, and doesn't seem capable of deep affection in many cases. She plays havoc with several young man's hearts, keeps secrets from Molly, and is sometimes vain and silly. And not the good silly. But I do like her, I do. She is a wonderful sister to Molly and really seems to care about Dr. Gibson. So yeah, I guess that's it.
Roger Hamley
Ah, dear Roger. I liked him from the very beginning. I always love the underdog, and everyone seemed to like Osborne best, so I decided to like Roger. My feelings were justified when Roger came and helped dear Molly through her pain and confusion about her father remarrying. He was like a brother figure, caring for Molly. Which was wonderful... and bothersome. He treated Molly like a young child, when she was seventeen! Other than that though, he was lovely. Also, he and his father had a wonderful relationship. I also love how much he likes science and his job. It's always wonderful to see someone enjoying themselves so much. That's all I can say about Roger without giving too much away.
Osborne Hamley
So we are to Mr. Collins Osborne. That is literally how I thought of him throughout the movie. The idea of Osborne being the handsomest of the brothers, and the smartest, and a poet? No. Still, he did a good job. I liked him, but disliked his choices in life. A wife, with no prospects, no way to take care of her? Especially a wife with child? Bad idea. His love of her though was wonderful. When he spoke of her to Molly, my heart melted. And the way his mother doted on him was sweet. and you could tell how much he loved her. He always seemed to upstage poor Roger though, which made me mad. I was still very sad when *SPOILER* he died*END OF SPOILER* I was also sympathetic to his plight. Not too sympathetic though, because he made those decisions himself.
Mr. and Mrs. Hamley
Mr. and Mrs. Hamley are an unusual couple, but very much in love, which is lovely to see. Mr. Hamley cracks me up. I've mentioned him several times already, and I love his brash, funny, loving manner. Mrs. Hamley is very ill, but she is almost always happy and she is so loving. She is like a mother figure and when she died, it just broke my heart.
There are other minor characters, but there are so many it would take a while to go into them, and this post is already rather long.
This movie was a BBC adaptation, and was done well, as always. Trust BBC for accurate, entertaining adaptations of classic literature. There was a wonderful movie soundtrack, and the houses and costumes were lovely. The hairstyles were elaborate, to say the least. Overall, I highly recommend Wives and Daughters. Now, I will leave you with this lovely clip from the series!
