Did you ever see that episode of Friends, where Monica moves into Chandlers apartment and nearly kill's herself trying to make it scrumptiously hospitable, then invites the gang over to enjoy her efforts, while she curl's into a ball and fall's fast asleep? That's me today... I'm Monica... eager for you to have a lovely time in the all new, singing and dancing version of BrocanteHome, but a wee bit too tired to enjoy it myself...
But please don't feel guilty. While it has been a major task re-creating BrocanteHome on Blogger (and heaven knows there are still tasks to be completed and links to be made), it isn't that which has me aching to pull a blanket over my head and fall asleep... ah mais non... rather it is a book that for the first time in many a year, I stayed up last night to read from cover to cover...
There are books in this world I get all uppity about and refuse to read on point of principle, because, and do Darlings, do forgive my outrageous snobbishness, they have been commandeered by those who have never read a book in their entire lives! The Da Vinci Code is a case in point. The Harry Potter series another. A Short History of Tractors In the Ukraine a third. And if I'm honest when I saw every other women on the train reading The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society, this wonderful book nearly fell victim to my rather ridiculous methods of literary de-selection.
But oh how grateful I am that it didn't, because I really cannot recommend it highly enough. I was lost in it. Utterly lost in the lives of characters whose astonishing personality's and experiences crept under my skin within a few short paragraphs of a series of beautifully written letters, that are part love story, part history book, and ultimately all heart.
Describing in terms that pull no punches, the occupation of Guernsey during the second world war, this isn't a frilly domestic book of the kind I usually recommend, but neither is it drowning in so much historical detail to make the lovely gentle plot superflous. Rather it does a wonderful job of showing us facts while letting us lose ourselves in lovely fiction and at the end leaves us quietly wanting more and indeed all the better for what will be for you too, I am quite sure, something of an experience.
Beg, borrow or steal it: I cannot offer you a more enjoyable literary excursion than this...
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21 comments:
Alison, I see you have indeed been working hard and do deserve a rest. Although I loved the design of your old site, I like this one too. It's always nice to change things up.
I agree with you on "The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society". I just finished it last week. It ranks as one of my all time favorites. I will not pass that book on to anyone. It stays in my collection to enjoy again later.
Carol M
It looks wonderful, Alison! I'm sooooo looking forward to a few hours to check it all out thoroughly. Perhaps I'm assuming, but I'm off to change my blogroll right now.
Best wishes with this new venture!
It's beautiful Alison. All old Brocante, and yet FRESH at the same time. Good for you. I will be just as thrilled to visit you here as I was at your old home. When a friend moves she is still your friend after all, isn't she? Just with all new rooms to poke around in...
Congratulations sweetie, I love it!
Lauren
The new site looks wonderful. Well done!
I have been counting the days! I am so happy to see you're back! You have a lovely new look.
I have had a lot of unpleasant business and a headache to match for days, and have spent a goodly amount of time looking for beauty to fill the free minutes. So happy to see you, thank you for the lovliness on a dark and stormy day!Oh Alison, if you will see me, I am also AvecPanache on Twitter. ~Debbi
Hi, just wanted to stop by and let you know that I love the new site :)
I have a question though, I want to add you to my Google Reader but can't find a feed?
Tis' all wonderful Alison! very chic and very Brocantehome,thank you for working so hard for us,Oh and yes I fear Amazon is calling me to order that book!
I love the new look, nice to see you over here at blogger and I'm looking forward to reading more...
Alison, I love your new look!! Beautiful!
Debi
Alison, the new site is gorgeous! Love it... it feels like home already.
I love the change, it is so refreshing for the new year.
Love the look of the new site Alison! Bookmarked with glee! I'll update the link on my blog too!
Ali @ A Cosy Life
LOVE the new look Alison, well done.
Alison, when I clicked on your new site, it took my breath away! I am also in the process of designing a new web site and none that I have seen have given me the same welcoming warm fuzzies like the new brocante home does. I love it!
Love it! Just love it! Welcome home :)
It's sooooo pretty. I love it.
Alsion, the new site looks gorgeous! Well done you.
Am going to have a good look around and see how beautiful it really is :)
Love the new look...so fresh and lovely! I'm looking forward to exploring the new site!
Amy
So pretty...just what we need for the New Year, a breath of fresh air!
I like your new site. It is indeed purty. You deserve a rest after that :)
Oh how true! I've never read those books either, but you've convinced me to try this one... At the moment I'm reading "Loving Frank" by Nancy Horan about the scandal surrounding Frank Lloyd Wright and his lover in the early 20th c. Brilliantly written - I'm loving it.
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