It’s time for #6degrees. Start at the same place as other wonderful readers, add six books, and see where you end up.
This month we begin with Peter Carey’s True History of the Kelly Gang. A dozen possible links came to mind but I’m going with something a little tenuous. A couple weeks ago, I stayed at the W Hotel. On the bed, was the strangest bit of decor – I described it to a friend as, “…a really odd fur and leather Ned Kelly helmet thing that I think is in place of a cushion??”. Since my stay, an article appeared about the ‘helmet’, but the point is that whilst reclining on the bed with the helmet next to me, I was reading Olga by Bernhard Schlink.
The last section of Olga is epistolary. Another novel I’ve read that is loosely epistolary is Ocean Vuong’s On Earth We’re All Briefly Gorgeous.
Vuong’s novel explores the relationship between a son and his mother, told using various narrative motifs. Same but different is Michelle Zauner’s memoir, Crying in H Mart.
Zauner describes her (Korean) mother’s meticulous skincare regime, which links to France Cha’s If I Had Your Face.
If I Had Your Face is about a group of young women living together and working in a beauty salon. Come in Spinner by Dymphna Cusack and Florence James has the same situation but in a very different setting (Sydney, not Seoul).
I obtained my copy of Come in Spinner when I was in Year 12. Another book I read that year by an Australian female author, and set in a similar time period, was Amy’s Children by Olga Masters. The novel holds a special place in my reading history.
I didn’t expect my chain would start with a cushion… where will other chains go? Link up below or post your link in the comments section.
Next month (June 4, 2022), we’ll start with a book by an Australian author shortlisted for the 2022 Women’s Prize for Fiction – Sorrow and Bliss by Meg Mason.
What a fun chain!! And, I LOVE epistolary novels. Mine will be up late tonight.
Must admit I don’t seek out epistolary novels, but when done well I enjoy the structure.
They’re a favorite of mine.
Oh, I hear that Sorrow and bliss is great. I introduced my son’s partner to Meg Mason, via her earlier book, and she loves her.
Anyhow I enjoyed your fusion start and loved the Aussie women authors you included. I love that you read Amy’s children in Year 12.
Anyhow, here is my chain: https://whisperinggums.com/2022/05/07/six-degrees-of-separation-from-true-history-of-the-kelly-gang-to/
Sorrow & Bliss was my favourite book for 2020. So pleased it made the shortlist. I haven’t read any of her other books, but have one in the TBR stack.
I thought of several ways to start this chain, but yours is so original!
And somewhat flimsy!
An intriguing chain! Not read any Olga Masters before … need to put this one on my wishlist.
Snap it up if you come across a copy.
I haven’t done mine because I haven’t read True Story.
And I’m going to, starting today, so my #6Degrees will be late, late late…
That’s true dedication!
Page 58 so far, but it’s date night tonight and The Spouse has just arrived with a martini so I may not get much further this evening…
That is dedicated! I have it on my bookshelf and still haven’t read it – will have to now!
Pingback: Six Degrees of Separation: True History of the Kelly Gang to Geek Love | Bookish Beck
Love a tenuous link!
Pingback: #6Degrees of Separation: May 2022 – findingtimetowrite
The cushion story sounds interesting. I had never heard of it but what an idea!
Your chain reminded me of mine, as well. I went mainly with stories like the first book and ended up with The Glass Castle.
Thanks again for that beautiful challenge. I am looking forward to seeing what others came up with.
Pingback: Six Degrees of Separation: from True Story of the Kelly Gang to My Grandmother Sends her Regards and Apologises | Treefall Writing
So many good books on your list, which now need to be added to my TBR pile. I’m especially curious about Come in Spinner, as I remember watching the TV series of this in the early 1990s. Does either the book or the show stand the test of time, I wonder.
I also had a book in my chain that I want to re-read to know whether it’s stood the test of time:
https://www.melindatognini.com.au/six-degrees-of-separation-from-true-story-of-the-kelly-gang-to-my-grandmother-sends-her-regards-and-apologises/
I am unfamiliar with Kate’s choices but they are intriguing! I will be on a plane on June 4 so my preparations will probably keep me from trying any of these (at least short term) but I always like judiciously adding to my TBR. Here is my offering: https://perfectretort.blogspot.com/2022/05/six-degrees-of-separation-from-true.html If any of you do the WWW meme, it is kind of funny that blogger has been trying to read True History for about a year. She has a new baby so that is certainly a distraction!
Constance
Had to read the article. I thought it was meant to be a chair.Fascinators in the UK are worn on the head , they are hats.
Pingback: Six Degrees of Separation: From True History of the Kelly Gang to The Talented Mr Ripley – What I Think About When I Think About Reading
Similar but different, my starting point is also Ned Kelly’s helmet (which I feel honour bound to say is not a euphemism), but I’ve stuck to a bandit theme.
https://thinkaboutreading.wordpress.com/2022/05/07/six-degrees-of-separation-from-true-history-of-the-kelly-gang-to-the-talented-mr-ripley/
I haven’t read any of these, but I like your whimsy links.
https://wordsandpeace.com/2022/05/07/six-degrees-of-separation-from-an-australian-gang-to-a-brit-who-never-told-a-lie/
What an interesting way to start a chain. The only one of those I’ve read is the Carey one, which I really enjoyed. Here’s my link https://booksaremyfavouriteandbest.com/2022/05/07/six-degrees-of-separation-from-true-history/
What an unusual starting point for a chain! I had to laugh! Would you recommend Olga by Schlink? I’ve only ever read The Reader. I’ve linked my chain – and for once I managed to do it at the weekend rather than days later!
Oh, Sorrow and Bliss looks so good. I often don’t feel compelled to read the month’s starting book, but this sounds like one I do need to read. Thanks again for hosting, Kate. My entry for this month is here: https://www.notesinthemargin.org/2022/05/07/6-degrees-whats-in-a-name/
Your first link is the best kind – inspired, not tenuous at all. 😀
Better late than never! https://anzlitlovers.com/2022/05/10/six-degrees-of-separation-from-true-history-of-the-kelly-gang-to/
I haven’t read any, but I like how you connected them
Pingback: Six Degrees of Separation: From Sorrow and Bliss to How the One-Armed Sister Sweeps Her House – What I Think About When I Think About Reading