There are a number of books that have been with me most of my adult life. They are books that have touched me in different ways and hold many memories. They number, perhaps, 20, and these are 10 of them in no particular order. Most of them are in paperback -- for easy transporting.
E stato cosi, by Natalia Ginzburg
The Moviegoer, by Walker Percy
Wide Sargasso Sea, by Jean Rhys
Le Spleen de Paris, by Charles Baudelaire
Zazie dans le métro, by Raymond Queneau
Afternoon Men, by Anthony Powell
The Viceroy of Ouidah, by Bruce Chatwin
L'Exile et le Royaume, by Albert Camus
The Beastly Beatitudes of Balthazar B, by J.P. Donleavy
A Confederacy of Dunces, by John Kennedy Toole
One of these books brought back memories of my university days and a student from Trinity College Cambridge (sister college to Trinity College Dublin), David Gwyn Rhys, who introduced me to tea on the lawn and Evelyn Waugh. Here we are in the grounds of Trinity College Dublin, David in his bow tie and me in my ... penny loafers (I favored Bass Weejuns).
Wow - what a great collection of books, and I had Bass Weejuns also! Loved those shoes! Thanks for sharing your wide range of reading, although I have to adimit that mine would include several mysteries!
ReplyDeleteElise
Wow, that's quite a picture and I bet many fond memories go with it. How nice and perfect everything seemed then. Those books will always be with you, not just physically but spiritually. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteIt's so lovely when you share your memories with us. And it's wonderful to see someone else who enjoyed "A Confederacy of Dunces" - one of my all-time favorite books, as well.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes from Wisconsin,
Angela
I love the old photo Colette, there is something so charming about your nostalgic scene and memories
ReplyDeletedon't Even get me started on the books I Love!! soooo many..I just love books, period.
ReplyDeleteand I Love that photo of you sitting on the lawn, having a spot of tea!! xxoo
...........and did you speak of absurdities?.....that's what I'd like to know!
ReplyDeleteThere is something very appealing about a black and white snapshot......and taking tea in a china cup!.... I think you should frame that one.
Hope your stint at the bookstore is not taking it's toll on you.
Anon the Elder......OXOXO
I have some catching up to do! My list is different, but it is a list, nonetheless. And some of the books have been on that list since childhood.
ReplyDeleteTea on the lawn! What wonderful memories in this picture. It could be the beginning of a book....of your own =)
ReplyDelete