It’s rapidly approaching my most reading-ful time of year . . . the time-off I take around Christmas! This year, it is only going to be one week—I am saving up PTO for some thing splendid—but I intend to read a fair bit anyways.
First off, and hopefully before break even starts, I shall finish The Unwomanly Face of War and Dune Book I (of the first novel). The former will officially kick off my War & Pacifism reading project, and the latter will bring me (plot-wise) to the end of the 2021 film. Both have been excellent reads so far, though in different ways. I think Alexievich’s book is profoundly important, potentially a new Axe for me, and I don’t say that lightly. As for Dune, while the writing style leaves a great deal to be desired (being as spoiled by great prose as I am), the political-ecological detail you find in the novel is very satisfying compared to the movie. I understand why the movie is as simplified as it is—it makes for better cinema—but I am glad the reading experience is offering more depth.
I am also interested in finishing Anita Brookner’s Look at Me. I started this a year ago (literally, December 19), flew through the first third, then set it aside because it was drearily relatable. However, after a gut punch of a year that made the book seem lighthearted by comparison, I have returned to it now, eager to complete it. I’m heartily enjoying Brookner’s style and psychology—she reminds me so much of Charlotte Brontë, sans Christian themes. I’d never heard of her before, but in the 80s Brookner was a prolific and prestigious British author. This was one of those random library ebooks that caught my eye, showing that once in a blue moon, you can judge a book by its cover. (Well . . . I must not speak too soon. Let’s hope it ends satisfactorily.)
I haven’t started The Unconsoled yet. It is a bit of a chunkster. Nonetheless, I have a mental image of reading it over the course of 1-2 days nonstop. In the past, my favorite Ishiguro novels have been utter page-turners. I shall know quickly if it is a hit or a miss.
I read chapter 1 of Daniel Deronda recently and really enjoyed it. It is so different from Middlemarch, at least so far. The writing flows and pulls you in. I am very doubtful of having time to really get into it, so this may have to be deferred.
Also on the horizon: Book III of Kristin Lavransdatter and The Woman in White (reread). I’m very stoked to finish Kristin, which is Norway for Reading the World. It’s been quite a while since I read the first two novels (The Wreath in autumn 2020 and The Wife in spring 2021). I’m somewhat of a changed person since I read those two, and I’m curious what effect that will have upon my reading of Book III (The Cross), if any. There is also something nice about returning to a familiar setting and cast of characters.
Classics Considered 
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