Small Things Like These was one of my favorite books that I read this past year. I found it incredibly moving. I think it makes a perfect Christmas book.
Hi Ben 👋 New to your channel so going back through some of your older vids. About 10 seconds into the first one I said to my partner 'he MUST be into theatre and dramatics'. The voices and facial expressions are right up my street 😂 Hope the play went well! I was in London this week to see a Little Life on stage 🙌
Good luck with the play and completing your Proust odyssey! Over Xmas I'm hoping to finish reading Miriam Margolyes' biography. She really is one of a kind.
Fab wrap up. You’ve intrigued me with The Foghorn Echoes. Seven Moons I loved but I definitely think it’s a book you have to be in the mood for. I sadly didn’t love Small Things Like These and feel like someone who really wants to be in the party of those that did. I’m hoping to come and see Buff!!!
I have thoroughly enjoyed your Proust updates, not sure if I'll take the plunge myself but could possibly be persuaded to read the first one to test the waters. Congrats on the play, break a leg etc. "The play's the thing".
Yeah I'd say def have a go at Swanns Way, it does have a different vibe to the others but you'll certainly know whether you want to continue. Thank you!
I agree with you on Midnight's Children. I almost wished that he removed the magical powers bit and just kept it as him being 'india' and then going through all those adventures in Pakistan and Bangladesh etc. But yeah, very tough read even as an Indian who understood all the political nuances and references. I used the audiobook to help me go through it. I wouldnt have been able to finish it without. He is brilliant but maybe too brilliant? Lol
just finishing seven moons as well and also not particularly loving it tbh (and wont be rereading it haha) i really liked smal things as well :-) i hope all is well Ben
Some lighter reading recommendations for you Ben. I just read the first two in a new SciFi/fantasy/m&mromance Oceans Echo Winters Orbit by Everine Maxwell.
Totally agree about Proust Vol 6 being a slog. The whole relationship was awful and toxic, then Marcel’s reaction was narcissistic. Thank god for Vol 7!
Ben, how much of a problem was the actual translation in the Salamon Rushdies book? Was it written in English and then translated ? That can make it a 'slog' also. I am not sure I have the energy to read it. Great to see you again ! Happy Holidays
Hey! I'm pretty sure it was originally written in English but mainly it was just how dense with history it is as well as the narrative style that made it a slflg at times for me. But have a go at some point, it's definitely worth reading :)
I don't know about Satanic Verses...not great, just naughty. I'd give it a miss. Far better are: The Moor's Last Sigh and The Ground Beneath Her Feet. Am currently reading The Enchantress of Florence, but Midnight's Children will always be my fav. Sadly not back in London for a wee while yet, but would love to see your play. May there be breakings of leg!
I love watching booktube, and your videos always relax me and put me in a good mood. Thank you for your continued efforts. 💖
Aw thank you! ☺️
If you ever want to chat, even to a total stranger, I'm here. Hope you're ok, you seemed a bit distant in this video, maybe I'm reading into things
Congratulations on the play. Wish I lived in London. I'm going to check out *Small Things Like These* that sounds great.
Thank you! Yeah, Small Things is really good!
Small Things Like These was one of my favorite books that I read this past year. I found it incredibly moving. I think it makes a perfect Christmas book.
Me too, really loved it!
Hi Ben 👋 New to your channel so going back through some of your older vids. About 10 seconds into the first one I said to my partner 'he MUST be into theatre and dramatics'. The voices and facial expressions are right up my street 😂
Hope the play went well! I was in London this week to see a Little Life on stage 🙌
Congrats on the play, I love the vault festival!! If only I was still in London…. Sure it’ll be great
Thank you! I'm excited :p
I've just finished Foster by Claire Keegan. Oh my, a tiny little book that was just beautiful. I will definitely try more by her! Heart video!
Ooo will check that out too! Thanks!
4:57 - my heart is restored as if by Magic Realism
It IS a masterpiece!
Yep. Sometimes we just need a little "palate cleanser" between similar genres. 😉
Right?! 😄
Congrats on your play!!!!!!!! Wonderful! 😊
Thank you! ☺️
Always enjoy your thoughts on things! For once I read most of the stuff you talked about! One day I will begin Proust… it’s so intimidating…
Thanks Fraser! Proust has been very rewarding even though at times it's pretty dense
Utterly brilliant, loved everything about this video, thank you ! (Also, you look, peaceful and great) 🎉
Aww thank you! ☺️☺️
Thanks for another great book chat.
I also read Midnight's Children recently and found it hard work, I completely agree with your thoughts about it.
That's good to know I'm not the only one ha!
3:47 - is the moment my heart actually broke
😄🥺
Good luck with the play and completing your Proust odyssey! Over Xmas I'm hoping to finish reading Miriam Margolyes' biography. She really is one of a kind.
I LOOOVE her!!
Fab wrap up. You’ve intrigued me with The Foghorn Echoes. Seven Moons I loved but I definitely think it’s a book you have to be in the mood for. I sadly didn’t love Small Things Like These and feel like someone who really wants to be in the party of those that did. I’m hoping to come and see Buff!!!
Oooo I'll have to seek out what you say about small things that would be interesting to hear. And thanks would be fabulous to see you there!! X
I have thoroughly enjoyed your Proust updates, not sure if I'll take the plunge myself but could possibly be persuaded to read the first one to test the waters. Congrats on the play, break a leg etc. "The play's the thing".
Yeah I'd say def have a go at Swanns Way, it does have a different vibe to the others but you'll certainly know whether you want to continue. Thank you!
Was this video like MADE for me ❤❤❤❤❤
🥰🥰 (hides when you hear what I actually say)
PROUST update! 😄
😁
Dunno why the lighting keeps fluctuating throughout... Apologies if that is distracting!
I agree with you on Midnight's Children. I almost wished that he removed the magical powers bit and just kept it as him being 'india' and then going through all those adventures in Pakistan and Bangladesh etc. But yeah, very tough read even as an Indian who understood all the political nuances and references. I used the audiobook to help me go through it. I wouldnt have been able to finish it without. He is brilliant but maybe too brilliant? Lol
I'm glad to have read it and I'm really interested in reading some of his other stuff. It's a masterful work just a bit much for me at times ha
I'm on the last Proust book too. I found myself trying to postpone finishing it... I will miss having them to read.
It's gonna be so strange getting to the end!
just finishing seven moons as well and also not particularly loving it tbh (and wont be rereading it haha)
i really liked smal things as well :-) i hope all is well Ben
LARRRRYYY 😍
Small things was gorgeous, would love to read her short story book.
Some lighter reading recommendations for you Ben. I just read the first two in a new SciFi/fantasy/m&mromance
Oceans Echo
Winters Orbit
by Everine Maxwell.
Thank you! I need it haha 😄
Totally agree about Proust Vol 6 being a slog. The whole relationship was awful and toxic, then Marcel’s reaction was narcissistic. Thank god for Vol 7!
I'm so excited/bewildered I'm at the end haha
Next month when you finish Proust can you tell us more ignorant viewers the point of all the volumes and was it worth it??
I hope I can haha 😅
Ben, how much of a problem was the actual translation in the Salamon Rushdies book? Was it written in English and then translated ? That can make it a 'slog' also. I am not sure I have the energy to read it. Great to see you again ! Happy Holidays
Hey! I'm pretty sure it was originally written in English but mainly it was just how dense with history it is as well as the narrative style that made it a slflg at times for me. But have a go at some point, it's definitely worth reading :)
Oh goodness that was a messy sentence!!!! I will need to read it in English (does that help?)
I don't know about Satanic Verses...not great, just naughty. I'd give it a miss. Far better are: The Moor's Last Sigh and The Ground Beneath Her Feet. Am currently reading The Enchantress of Florence, but Midnight's Children will always be my fav. Sadly not back in London for a wee while yet, but would love to see your play. May there be breakings of leg!
Thats interesting to know, thanks. I definitely want to read more of his work!
I feel the same about all the rushide that I have read. Is it very good? Yes. Did I enjoy it? Not really
I'm glad someone understands haha