Recent Acquisitions

Posted on | February 17, 2010 | 17 Comments

A few books have dropped through the letter-box of Paperback Reader abode over the last week and, at the time of going to press, I have read one of them with a review forthcoming.

I spotted Plan for Chaos by John Wyndham in a bookshop recently and was instantly intrigued as it was a title of his that I had not yet heard about; I was even more intrigued when I saw the description, “The newly discovered companion novel to The Day of the Triffids” across the bottom of the front cover. I read The Day of the Triffids recently and this book was written at the same time, overshadowed by the former’s success, and remained unpublished until last year, forty years after Wyndham’s death. Described in its blurb as “Part detective noir, part dystopic thriller”, the synopsis for A Plan for Chaos mentions missing identical women; clones; Nazi master race… and I’m hooked by the back cover alone.

Precious by Sapphire has been receiving some press lately as its big-screen adaptation has been nominated for a number of Oscars. Simon of Savidge Reads raved about this one and my interest was piqued; the big issues of social deprivation, race and child abuse need recognition in Hollywood and sometimes a distressing read is required. Vintage Books kindly sent me a copy of this upon request.

A Single Man by Christopher Isherwood is also an Oscar contender (best actor nod for Mr Darcy Colin Firth) and was also sent to me by Vintage. The novella was set in 1962 California with an English, gay, University professor, Charles, as its protagonist; Charles is grieving the death of his partner and coming to terms with this loss and subsequent loneliness.

Woman: an Intimate Geography by Natalie Angier is a scientific book about women and all that the sex entails. Eva of A Striped Armchair wrote about this book and I instantly requested it from my library; I read the first chapter earlier this month and knew from that I had to own my own copy, savour it, reread it and pass it on to every woman I know.

July’s People by Nadine Gordimer is the latest book group choice of the Riverside Readers. I have been wanting to read Gordimer for a while, either her Man Booker winning novel or her inclusions on the Virago Modern Classics list, but this title -her prediction of the ending of apartheid published before it ended with a subsequent ban in South Africa- sounds like something that I will love.

The Pregnant Widow by Martin Amis is the latest novel by a marmite author, an author who courts controversy, an author who has written one of my favourite books; his latest novel is about the feminist revolution and I wanted to read it for that alone. Jonathan Cape sent me a copy of this to review.

Have you read any of these or are any of them on your radar?

Comments

17 Responses to “Recent Acquisitions”

Verity
February 17th, 2010 @ 9:45 am

Lucky you! I’ll be interested to hear about the Martin Amis – I haven’t really enjoyed any of his books but the premise of this one soundsi nteresting. I’m hoping to see A single man at the weekend; I haven’t read the book but I enjoyed Isherwood’s Goodbye to Berlin.
The Book Shelf
February 17th, 2010 @ 10:35 am

Great acquisitions! I would really like to read Precious before I see the film. As for A Single Man, I would have loved to squeeze it in… off to the cinema to see it tonight so I’ll let you know what I thought…

the words, 90 minute Gucci ad have been bandied around…
Mrs.B
February 17th, 2010 @ 10:38 am

Interesting books! I’ve never heard of that Wyndham book…I’m intrigued. Reading the Chrysalids now and I’m so riveted. I’m curious…which is your favourite Amis novel?
Paperback Reader
February 17th, 2010 @ 12:10 pm

Verity, the premise of The Pregnant Widow does sound interesting. Looking forward to hearing what you think of the film; Goodbye to Berlin is on my wish-list.

The Book Shelf, I will definitely be reading Precious before seeing the film. Enjoy A Single Man; I really must see it soon, despite the description!

Astrid, the Wyndham is only a very recent publication and I am delighted that I happened across it; Penguin have also reissued Chocky. I aim to read The Chrysalids in a couple of months after a small break; part of me wants to read all of his work immediately and the other wants me to ration them out!

I adore Time’s Arrow by Martin Amis, which is a backwards retelling of the life of a Holocaust doctor; it is very disorientating, non-passive read and exceptionally clever.
Jackie (Farm Lane Books)
February 17th, 2010 @ 12:17 pm

Great selection – I’d love to read all of them!
Jenny
February 17th, 2010 @ 1:57 pm

I want to read A Single Man, except I feel guilty to be reading my first Christopher Isherwood book on account of there being a movie of it with sexy Colin Firth. I am afraid my Serious Reader Card will be revoked. So I may read a different Isherwood book first, to confuse my brain and make it think I just happen to be interested in Isherwood while there’s a film out of another of his books.
Jennifer @ Mrs. Q: Book Addict
February 17th, 2010 @ 5:10 pm

I recently read Precious (Push) and it was a very emotional read. I reviewed it last week as well. Enjoy your new books!
Simon (Savidge Reads)
February 17th, 2010 @ 10:36 pm

Lovely picture Claire. I have just finished A Single Man, I have the other cover though, the non Mr Darcy, sorry Colin Firth one lol.

I now do feel awful as I swore I would lend you Precious but now you have your very own hoorah!
anothercookiecrumbles
February 17th, 2010 @ 11:10 pm

Not read or heard of any of them. Not read anything by any of the authors either, although would like to dip my feet in the world of Wyndham soon.

Hope you enjoy them.
Samantha
February 18th, 2010 @ 6:33 am

I would definitely love to read Precious before I see the film.

I have yet to see Disgrace after reading the book last year! I am way behind in my movie watching!
The Book Shelf
February 18th, 2010 @ 9:49 am

morning all..
Went to see A Single Man last night and I would thoroughly recommend it. It’s beautifully shot, a real visual feast, and Colin firth really IS as good as it’s been touted. Julianne Moore is also fabulous as Charley. Won’t say anymore but I will definitely be picking up the book if I see it.
Paperback Reader
February 18th, 2010 @ 11:53 am

Jackie, it’s not often that you are interested in all the books in a stack I post so I obviously have a good pile here!

Jenny, your comment makes me laugh
I confused my brain with the lovely Colin Firth on the cover so that the brain thinks I am just crushing whilst tricking it into allowing me to read a writer that I have always meant to… My brain is confused.

Jennifer, I have been very bad at reading blogs recently but will check out your review of Precious once I’ve read it. I may hold off on the emotional read for a few days.

Thanks, Simon. I love the other cover; I personally would have preferred it but I don’t mind some film tie-in covers, especially when they have the lovely Mr Firth on them!

Don’t feel guilty about Precious; I was desperate to read it and it doesn’t take up too much room…

anothercookie, it is a fairly niche pile; some of the authors are well-known but the titles less so. I’m quite excited by them all!

Samantha, I still have Disgrace lined up to watch too! I am very behind in my watching but plan on catching up soon and posting about some.

The Book Shelf, great to hear a positive review. A couple of movie-buff friends told me I’d love it and I am hoping to see it this weekend. Thanks for the update!
Annabel (gaskella)
February 18th, 2010 @ 1:43 pm

I must get the John Wyndham! Martin Amis I can live without though…
Paperback Reader
February 19th, 2010 @ 9:41 pm

Annabel, as I said… Amis is most definitely a Marmite author! The Wyndham sounds so intriguing.
Jeane
February 20th, 2010 @ 4:12 pm

I just saw the movie Precious; what a gut-wrenching story. It made both me and my husband cry.
Frances
February 20th, 2010 @ 4:56 pm

Envying you that Amis! Love his writing, and am constantly amused by his controversial stances. And Amis taking on feminist issues? I am laughing just thinking about the possibilities. Think of how many people he could piss off with this one.
Paperback Reader
February 20th, 2010 @ 5:28 pm

Jeane, I feel fully prepared now … I’ve been a little bit on edge this week so haven’t read it yet as knew it would be devastating.

Frances, I can’t wait to see what controversial stance he takes with this book; Amis tackling feminism has the potential for many headlines (I saw a number in the lead up to publication and I’m already amused). I adore writers who push buttons and speak their minds, no matter how obnoxious they may come across. Glad to find another fan!