Cashelmara by Susan Howatch My rating: 2 of 5 stars Own. I cannot recommend it.  It is set in the early 1800s and plot points are based on the reigns of Edward I, II, and III, but I hope not very closely.  While the writing is superb, it was dark and disturbing … and sordid. …

Penmarric by Susan Howatch My rating: 5 of 5 stars Own. I enjoyed reading this a lot.  The writing is really excellent and draws the reader through the story.  The motivations of the characters, the relationships between the characters, the voices of the characters are all so well done.  Her characters, too, do not remain…

Ten Ways to Destroy the Imagination of Your Child by Anthony Esolen My rating: 4 of 5 stars Own. Miracle of miracles.  I finally finished this book – it has taken more than a year.  It’s very good, well written, but perhaps a little too smart for me.  Plus, it was a book-club book.  I’m…

I always thought I started blogging here at ladydusk on May 20.  I meant to say something this year, but, as usual, I’m belated.  I went to the archives this morning and see that I was off by a month! I started blogging April 20.  [sigh] No head for dates, you’d never guess I like…

Mansfield Park by Jane Austen My rating: 5 of 5 stars Own. I love Mansfield Park.  It is my favorite Austen, which I know makes me an anomaly with those who cry at Fanny’s “dullness” and “prudish perfections.”   Yet, I think Austen makes it clear that while Fanny has excellencies of character and mind, her…

Half Broke Horses by Jeannette Walls My rating: 4 of 5 stars Library. This was our May book club selection, and while I won’t be able to attend the discussion I still wanted to read the book.  I enjoyed it quite a bit, as Lily Casey Smith reminds me quite a bit of my grandmother…