Yesterday evening we had friends to the house for dinner. Relaxed simple family time. They brought me a book as a gift and today, being a rainy, cold, grey, november sort of day, I lit a fire , sat on cushions on the floor right here and read the book.
Have you read this one? You should.
I'll let you do your own research about its contents but what I really wanted to share is how much I adore a story that is told through letters. No narrative text, everything that happens and all the characters are understood through the contents of the letters flying back and forth. Here are a couple of examples that I love, but I'm sure you have more.
So to my question .... I am sort of working on a book idea, can't tell you much more than that for the moment, but I need to explore other examples of narratives written uniquely via letters. I know that you read a great deal and I'd be really grateful to receive any suggestions. I promise to reply to all your comments, many many thanks for your help.
Bonne semaine!
Posts
This one may be too obvious, but:
ReplyDeletehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daddy-Long-Legs_(novel)
It was my favorite growing up.
I loved the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society but I didn't think I would because it was letters! After I started reading it though, and became better acquainted with the characters I really loved it! A book...what a lovely hostess gift idea.
ReplyDeleteA rake, pine needles in my hair and the cold, that's how I spent my day so I'm totally jealous of you if you sat around reading in the warmth! My brain cells are frozen so I'll get back to you!
ReplyDeleteThe book looks fascinating...I'll keep my eyes open for it!
ReplyDeleteXO,
Jane
Your caption sounds like the perfect way to spend the day! And what a thoughtful hostess gift! But now of course, I am drawing a complete blank on books written in that manner. I will have to think on this one ...
ReplyDeleteLove your mantel and fireplace
ReplyDeleteI just started Mantel Monday
to see how everyone is decorating their mantels for the holidays
I hope you will join in the fun your fireplace is A*M*A*Z*I*N*G
Blessings
Pam
Love that picture above the fireplace, simply gorgeous! Theresa xoxo
ReplyDeleteOh, how I would love to sit in front of the fire and read YOUR book! Books that come to mind that are epistolary are:The Perks of Being a Wallflower; Dangerous Liasons; The Colour Purple; Griffin and Sebine. Happy writing an happy reading.xoxo
ReplyDeleteMust have been a cosy day next to the fire....Thanks for the book tips, I've read the first one...great
ReplyDeleteHugs
Erna
I have loved Nick Bantock's Griffin and Sabine series, there are some 6 or 7 very small volumes, continuing their otherworldly written relationship over time, with the added delights of exotic art [possibly computer-generated, you could do better], actual envelopes mounted to the page, reader must pull the letter from the envelope to read, beautifully rendered stamps on the envelopes and so forth.
ReplyDeletePS, thank you SO much for sharing the detailed steps taken to produce your brunch invitations, I'm just enchanted by what you've done up. F.
Sharon, this sounds very exciting....I read so many books, I will have to ponder which ones I really loved...I'll let you know!!! Love your fireplace!!!
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Margaret B
can i just say sharon...that i would NEVER leave that room...truly for the entire length of winter!
ReplyDeletewhen we first arrived in the UK almost 2 1/2 yrs ago now...we took a incredible gorgeous summer holiday in Guernsey...we stayed with parents of some friends of ours from sydney...
they lived in a beautiful big old stone french inspired house...it was totally stunning...
they suggested i read this book then...i must ask for it for christmas....
i'm intrigued by the letters being the text of the book....
melissa xx
Sharon I will have to give thought to this.
ReplyDeleteI know there are several I have read in this form and cannot recall at this moment. I So admire writers!
xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
hi try to find this blog its wonderful sniffy look at other peoples letter
ReplyDeleteLetters of Note is an attempt to gather and sort fascinating letters, postcards, telegrams, faxes, and memos. Scans/photos where possible. Fakes will be sneered at. Updated every weekday. Edited by Shaun Usher.
Hi Sharon
ReplyDeleteThe only book I can think of is Dear Mr Bigelow by Frances Woodiford it is a real social history book, It is post war and the letters are almost diary like and contain everything about normal life then, very good read. Hope this helps.
Jillxx
I loved the Guernsey and Potato Peel Society. One of the best books I read in 2010. Can't think of anything better than reading by the fire on a gray afternoon!
ReplyDeleteOh Sharon,
ReplyDeleteis that your living room?
It is so beautiful!
thanks for book recomendation I like to download and listen to books while I garden or do the housework although I think curling up next to a fireplace like yours while reading a book would be so relaxing
ReplyDeleteThe Guernsey book was one of my all time favorites!
ReplyDeleteIt's great, getting recommendations from bloggers...wonderful way to know just what is worth reading!
I bought the I loved the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society at a 3 x 2 sale and because two ladies nearby mentioned it was a lovely little book. When I opened it I was quite disappointed because it was in the form of letters. However, two letters in I was completely hooked up with the characters, the plot and the whole story. It's a keepsake and a read again soon book!
ReplyDeleteIAMSNWFLK http://dondehogar.blogspot.com/