I can’t remember if I’ve ever previously joined in with a Top Ten Tuesday, run by That Artsy Reader Girl. It’s been going since 2010, so it’s about time – when better to join than with the 592nd topic?
I actually saw it at What Cathy Read Next, and the topic of ‘authors I haven’t read, but want to’ really interested me. Because I’ve been slowly chipping away at that list in my head – and there aren’t really that many on my bucket list. Obviously there are an awful lot of authors I’ve not read, and many that others would think vital, but not that many that feel quintessentially Simon. A while ago, Beverley Nichols and Georgette Heyer would have been on that list, and obvi I now love them.
I’ve gone for authors who are already on my shelves for this list (because it’s clear that I DO want to read them if they’re waiting there.) These are in no particular order, but do let me know which I should race to!
1. Marcel Proust
I have the first couple volumes of Remembrance of Lost Time waiting for me, but have been a bit more reluctant to start them since I learned that they might not be the best translation. I think the book is either going to become a touchstone of my reading life, or something that I don’t get at all. I have read three books *about* reading Proust, and particularly recommend Phyllis Rose’s.
2. Leo Tolstoy
I’m starting with all the classics. I’m pretty poorly read with all the Russians, and the only reason some of them aren’t here is that I have read slender, minor works. But I haven’t read a word of Tolstoy, and I really ought to try Anna Karenina and see what all the fuss is about.
3. Ethel Mannin
From a classic author to one who isn’t super well-known today – but she’s on the list because she turns up all over the place if you research interwar women’s writing. I have Cactus, Proud Heaven, and Rolling in the Dew on my shelves.
4. Vera Brittain
Somehow I haven’t read Testament of Youth, which is bizarre because obviously I’d love it. I also haven’t read anything else by her, of course.
5. Sinclair Lewis
My ex-housemate often mocks me for buying a book because of the sound it makes when it closes – and then getting home and finding out I already had a copy. That book was Babbitt by Sinclair Lewis, and I still haven’t actually read it – or Free Air, the other book I have by him.
6. Enid Bagnold
I even have a signed book by Bagnold (her autobiography) and I still haven’t read anything by her. I don’t even really have an understanding of what her writing is like. The other Bagnolds I have on the shelf are The Loved and Envied and Serena Blandish.
7. J.R. Ackerley
I think I started buying Ackerley’s books because I’ll always pick up an NYRB Classic to see what it’s like. And that snowballed into me having four of his books without reading a word of any of them. My Father and Myself, My Dog Tulip, We Think The World of You, and Hindoo Holiday. Would love any advice on where to start.
8. Elizabeth Goudge
Maybe the most cherished author on this list? I know so many people love her, and I don’t doubt I’d be among that number. At the moment, the options I have for starting my Goudge journey are Scent of Water, The Bird in the Tree, or The Runaways.
ETA: I’ve now remembered that I did read The Middle Window, and really enjoyed it! I’ll leave her on the list – but, for the sake of completeness, please consider George Gissing as a substitute.
9. Elizabeth Jolley
I think Kim of Reading Matters was the person who first alerted me to Jolley, and she sounded great. I have Foxybaby, Mr Scobie’s Riddle, and Woman in a Lampshade waiting to go.
10. Elizabeth Hardwick
Possibly the author I know least about on this list – but I’ve bought a few, following the theory that anybody liked by Virago and NYRB has to be good. I have some books to choose from (of course) – Sleepless Nights, Simple Truth, and Ghostly Lover are on my shelves.
I’d love to know your tips for where to start with any of these authors – from the books I already have, of course. Please don’t suggest I start by buying more books!