Happy weekend! I haven’t shared my most exciting new news yet, have I? Well, I have on my podcast and on all sorts of social media, but I might as well go whole hog for those who read this – I’ve got a cat! Hargreaves has lived with me for a week now. He’s very affectionate, and follows me around everywhere. He used to be a stray cat, so he’s probably enjoying a bit of love and warmth – the rescue centre guess he’s about six, and he’s lovely. And he’s sat on my legs as I type this.
In case you were wondering – yes, ‘Hargreaves’ is in honour of Miss Hargreaves, but also Roger Hargreaves, author of the Mr Men. And even the joy of having a cat won’t stop me sharing a book, a link, and a blog post…
1.) The link – is a fun article about Barbara Comyns by Nathan Scott McNamara. Be wary of spoilers, particularly about The Juniper Tree, But the article wins my love from the outset by connecting Comyns with one of my favourite films, Junebug.
2.) The blog post – is Jane’s Birthday Book of Underappreciated Lady Authors. Head on over there and she’ll explain.
3.) The book – is Berlin Alexanderplatz by Alfred Döblin, which is about to be a Penguin Classic, in a new translation by Michael Hofmann. Apparently Döblin is a widely-revered German author, though I have to confess I hadn’t heard of him. It was originally published in 1929, which is totally my jam – I’m not sure when I’ll get to it (and it is LONG) but I thought I’d spread the word.
Congratulations on being a proud cat parent. It has completely transformed my life and that of my children. Really recommend Berlin Alexanderplatz, it’s a fresco of time and place.
Congratulations again! My cats have usually been rescue kitties, and I do think they are the best. Though my most recent loves to get behind books on the shelves and push them off – I can’t cure her of it. But she was hand-fed by my vet’s office, who rescued her with her young mother, and they told me that bottle-fed cats are brats :)
Congratulations on your new friend! However surely the name of choice would be Saha, no?
He’s a beauty – but I hope he’s not as bossy as his namesake!
He’s a cute and a lucky cat. And already on your lap. It took one of mine over a year. Congratulations and I’m sure you’ll enjoy each other’s company very much.
Congratulations on Hargreaves! Your adorable cat photos make me question my convictions as dog-only person.
Ok, Hargreaves *is* beautiful (and I speak as a dog lover!) I hope you’ll be very happy together! :))))
As for Berlin Alexanderplatz, I have a battered old copy somewhere that I keep meaning to get round to reading (story of my life…)
What a distinguished looking fellow: I love the variegated shading in his visage (‘face’ doesn’t seem sophistcated enough for him). May you bring each other great contentment!
Barbara Comyns is my favourite writer so I welcome any little morsels I can get about her. Thank you.
I was hoping you would get a cat in your new apartment! He is ADORABLE. And the name: Hargreaves! So perfect for you.