Very few authors mentioned here elicit such an enthused response as Barbara Comyns. Usually posts attract comments in the 48 hours after they’re posted, and that’s that – but posts about Comyns continue to get fans popping up for months and years afterwards, waving the flag for Bidford-on-Avon’s finest.
I’ve read five novels by Comyns now, and have a few waiting – on Saturday, both Polly and Claire got hold of copies of The Vet’s Daughter (Polly got it in the book exchange, from me!) and we thought it would be fun to do a read-along. Quite short notice, but we’ll be kicking off at the beginning of June. If you can get yourself a copy before then, do join us. It’s nice and short, and I’ve yet to read a dud Comyns! Start posting reviews around the second week of June, although it’s all quite relaxed.
There should be quite a few copies around, both sides of the Atlantic. It was a Virago back in the 1980s, and has recently been reprinted in a beautiful NYRB Classics edition – which is the one I’ll be reading. Do let us know if you’re planning on reading along…
Thank you for highlighting books and authors unknown to me upto now.
You have inspired me! I've ordered the first five of her works.
I'm intrigued. I've heard of Comyns of course because she's a Virago author but I've never read her. I have a vague feeling I saw an NYRB edition of The Vet's Daughter at a bookstore here in Manila. If I find one, I'm definitely in.
Great, have ordered on ebay a VMC edition.
Exciting! I've read it already for my Virago venture but I look forward to reaidng other people's thoughts – maybe you could pop a link up to my review!
Can I read a different Comyns? I have The Skin Chairs which I've been meaning to read for ages…
Hee, I love Book Snob's comment! I'm hoping this will give me a kickstart into reading the other three Comyns books that I have on my Virago shelf. I enjoyed Our Spoons Came From Woolworths when I read it (around the time of the demise of Woolworths, of course). I'll be posting a link to this tomorrow, I think.
Just checked with 2 bookshops here and they don't have it! I'll just have to read all the posts and order it one day. Have fun reading!
Oh! and I was determined not to buy another book. Oh well, Amazon has it and so I'm in for June. Thanks for what I'm sure will be another great read. Ginny
Great idea Simon – i look forward to reading all of your reviews!
Hannah
Oh, so fun! I won't be able to participate, but I DO love NYRB Classics :-) I don't think you are participating in the Spotlight Series on them next week, but they publish AMAZING books!
Oh this does sound like fun! I will see if i can pinch Pols and just be slightly behind!
I've been looking for an excuse to dip into Barbara Comyns; June is looking exceptionally busy, but I'd like to try to chime in.
Thanks for joining in, everyone, I'm looking forward to it! Especially impressed by sunt lacrimae rerum – ordering five of them!