It’s taken five weeks, but I’ve bought my first book of 2017! In case you’ve missed this project, I’m only buying 24 books throughout the year. It wouldn’t be a challenge for everybody, but I’m sure quite a few of you appreciate what a big deal this is for a bibliophile who loves browsing and buying almost as much as reading.
And the first book which persuaded me to use up one of my allocated spaces? I found it in an Oxfam shop in Thame, having not heard about it before: Dearest Andrew: Letters From Vita Sackville-West to Andrew Reiber 1951-1962.
It’s not particularly rare or anything – copies are available online for less than a pound – but it felt exciting to find a book about an author I love that I never knew existed. I love collections of letters, particularly a correspondence between two people (though, in this instance, only the letters from VSW survive) – and, to be frank, it was getting to the point where I really needed to buy something. I’m still ahead of myself – 1.5 books in hand!
The only review I’ve found of this collection is quite negative, I have subsequently discovered, but… well, I’ll make up my own mind one day before too long! I do know that the more I read by Vita Sackville-West, the more interesting a writer I find her.
Well done. I am not even going to calculate how many books I’ve bought in those five weeks. It’s more than I’ve managed to read for sure!
Interesting choice! Well found, Simon. Next time you go to Thame, might I suggest the Shaw Trust charity shop at the west end of the town? Paperbacks are 3 for a £1.
I would have bought that one too! I may even have a copy – I can’t remember….
I really admire Vita SW’s fiction. Very engaging. Loved All Passion Spent. I make a beeline for the Thame Oxfam when visiting Oxford, have found some real treasures there.
I see the Tove Jansson in the background.. Must get to that one day. Her adult writing, can’t call it fiction really, is superb and very affecting.
Yes, I’d have bought that, too. I have bought three books so far this year, but acquired far more …