Things That Are Making Me Happy This Week

01. An absolutely superb exhibition at RMIT Gallery – For Holding by Claire Garwoli, Davin Ivatts and Zosia Slifirski Duckett. Bronze objects that you’re invited to hold. Beautifully tactile and designed to fit snugly in your hand, each with a tiny inscription on the underside. I loved it so much. Continue reading →

German Literature Month XVI

Guten Abend!

Yes, we’re only halfway through October but I’m fairly sure that other readers are doing what I’m doing… that is, making November reading plans. We have to be strategic given that it’s German Literature Month, Novella November and Nonfiction November. Continue reading →

German Literature Month XV

Guten Abend!

Yes, the calendar has just flipped into October but I’m fairly sure that other readers are doing what I’m doing… that is, making November reading plans. We have to be strategic given that it’s German Literature Month, Novella November and Nonfiction November! Continue reading →

Kairos by Jenny Erpenbeck

Two things about Kairos by Jenny Erpenbeck before I get into the nitty-gritty:

1. Didn’t love the ending – the last third of the novel flagged in terms of energy.
2. …but that said, I thought a lot about this book after I finished it. A lot.

The story is set in (East) Berlin in 1986 and focuses on nineteen-year-old student, Katharina, who meets Hans on a bus. There’s an immediate connection, forged over a shared interest in music, and their bus trip turns into dinner, which turns into an intense love affair. Notably, Hans in 53-years-old and married.

It is clear from the outset that Hans is firmly in control. He speaks of previous infidelities, as well as a future with Katharina.

Without his marriage, there wouldn’t be the danger, the secrecy, the circumstances that give rise to yearning. Continue reading →

Six Degrees of Separation – from Butter to Empire of Pain

It’s time for #6degrees. Start at the same place as other wonderful readers, add six books, and see where you end up. Continue reading →

20 Books of Summer (except that it’s Winter)

Cathy at 746 Books is hosting the 20 Books of Summer reading challenge again this year. As Cathy explains, it’s the most relaxed reading challenge you’ll participate in (swap books out, change your target, do whatever). The challenge is straightforward – read the books between June 1st and September 1st. Continue reading →