Welcome to another Bookish Friday, in which I share excerpts from books…and connect with other bloggers, who do the same.
Let’s begin the celebration by sharing Book Beginnings, hosted by Rose City Reader; and let’s showcase The Friday 56 with Freda’s Voice.
To join in, just grab a book and share the opening lines…along with any thoughts you wish to give us; then turn to page 56 and excerpt anything on the page.
Then give us the title of the book, so others can add it to their lists!
What a great way to spend a Friday!
Today’s feature is a recent acquisition: Late in the Day, by Tessa Hadley, explores the complex webs at the center of our most intimate relationships, to expose how, beneath the seemingly dependable arrangements we make for our lives, lie infinite alternate configurations.
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Beginning: They were listening to music when the telephone rang. It was a summer’s evening, nine o’clock. They had finished supper and Christine was listening with intensity, sitting with her feet tucked under her in the armchair; she recognized the music although she didn’t know what it was. Alex had chosen it, he hadn’t consulted her and now she stubbornly wouldn’t ask—he took too much pleasure in knowing what she didn’t know.
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56: Alex’s withdrawn silences, when he was with his friends, didn’t do any harm to the reputation he had as the rarest, most talented among them; and then when he did talk he was original, forceful and funny.
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Synopsis: The lives of two close-knit couples are irrevocably changed by an untimely death in the latest from Tessa Hadley, the acclaimed novelist and short story master who “recruits admirers with each book” (Hilary Mantel).
Alexandr and Christine and Zachary and Lydia have been friends since they first met in their twenties. Thirty years later, Alex and Christine are spending a leisurely summer’s evening at home when they receive a call from a distraught Lydia: she is at the hospital. Zach is dead.
In the wake of this profound loss, the three friends find themselves unmoored; all agree that Zach, with his generous, grounded spirit, was the irreplaceable one they couldn’t afford to lose. Inconsolable, Lydia moves in with Alex and Christine. But instead of loss bringing them closer, the three of them find over the following months that it warps their relationships, as old entanglements and grievances rise from the past, and love and sorrow give way to anger and bitterness.
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Would you keep reading? I am curious about this one, and hope to enjoy it.
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I haven’t read anything by Tessa Hadley, but Late in the Day sounds like a good book.
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Thanks, Breana, I’ve only read one of her books, but have another one unread. This book will determine its fate, too.
Enjoy your weekend
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The relationship dynamics sound interesting.
So much so you prompted me to participate: https://jhohadli.wordpress.com/2019/01/25/bookish-fridays
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Yes, I think so, too, Joanne. Enjoy your pick.
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I saw something about this book and read the synopsis. It sounded interesting, but I’m still on the fence about it. I’ll watch for your thoughts.
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Thanks, Kay, I’m on the fence, too, although I did buy it. LOL. Enjoy your pick.
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You have me curious for more. It sounds good! Happy weekend!
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Thanks, Freda, I do like books that pique my curiosity. Enjoy yours.
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I’m not sure I would – this seems a little emotionally dark for my tastes. A bit ‘close to the bone’.
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Thanks for stopping by, Annette; the darkness might be troubling. I hope to find it interesting enough to overcome that aspect.
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I’m glad you are enjoying the book. It isn’t one for me. This week I am spotlighting Whispers Under Ground by Ben Aaronovitch as I try to finish a series I just discovered. Happy reading!
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Thanks for stopping by, Kathy, and enjoy your pick. Have a great weekend.
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I don’t know this author, but I like the sound of this book.
Thanks for sharing, Laurel.
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Thanks, Elizabeth, I have only read one book from this author, and while I didn’t love it, I enjoyed it enough to try another, since I’ve heard good things about this one.
Enjoy your weekend.
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The book sounds like it good be a good read, just not exactly my type of book. If you are curious about what type of books I prefer then here is my book beginnings on Fridays post https://journeyinbookland.wordpress.com/2019/01/25/first-lines-fridays-book-beginnings-on-fridays-january-25-2019/
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Thanks for stopping by, Inga, and enjoy your reading.
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I’m intrigued . . I can’t figure out if Alex is a complex character, or just moody.
Thanks for visiting my blog.
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Thanks, Catherine, I’m curious about Alex, too. Enjoy your weekend.
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An interesting premise, although in the first snippet it seems like the characters are distant. Perhaps that is just to set up the conflict. Hope you have a good weekend and thank you for stopping by my blog.
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Thanks, Roberta, I hope to enjoy it. Have a great weekend.
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I don’t think I’d like Alex very much. He sounds like one of those who is convinced enough of his own genius for everyone else and then some. This sounds like it could be quite the emotional read.
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Yes, I think it will be emotional, and Alex has some traits that make him unlikable. Thanks for visiting, Katherine.
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Is the point of the opening the music unknown or the phone call. I’m intrigued. My Friday Quotes from The Great Alone
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Thanks, Anne, I’m curious about that, too.
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Sound like there are a lot of messy relationships in this one. Hope it holds your attention. Happy reading!
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Thanks, Alicia, I hope so, too.
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Sounds interesting, but I’m not sure it’s one I’d automatically reach for.
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Thanks, Nicki, enjoy your pick.
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Alex sounds like too much work for me. 😉 I really like the sound of this one. And such a great cover! I’d love for you and your readers to check out mine. https://tinyurl.com/LisaKsBookReviews12419
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Thanks, Lisa, I agree!
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