My reading over the past year has involved many discoveries: books I might not have come across had they not arrived here, unsolicited, or been recommended so strongly by people whose opinions I trust.
One of the reasons for instigating a book group based around this site and its visitors is to continue that pattern of finding new things, and our third title is by yet another writer I haven't read before. William Maxwell (1908-2000) was a "New Yorker" editor and the author of a distinguished body of work, and it's his short novel They Came Like Swallows which has been picked out of the hat to be read next.
The title comes from these lines of W. B. Yeats's: "They came like swallows and like swallows went, And yet a woman's powerful character Could keep a swallow to its first intent; And half a dozen in formation there, That seem to whirl upon a compass-point, Found certainty upon the dreaming air..."
The book's cover says this: "....Maxwell creates a portrait of an American family and the woman who is its emotional pillar. Deftly rendering the civilities and constraints of a vanished era, [the book] measures the unvoiced currents of love and need that run through all our lives. This novel...confirms William Maxwell's reputation as one of the twentieth century's finest novelists", while the "New York Herald Tribune" says "Rare...exquisite...a cameo-like perfection".
So, what do you think? It sounds very promising to me. It should be readily available and is under 200 pages long, so let's reconvene to discuss it on Saturday, 16th. February.
I always have to nerve myself up for William Maxwell because his writing is often piercing -- at least to me. It sounds like a great choice. Of course, I am woefully behind. I had to order "Alias Grace" and then went away. It arrived. I was slow to get the book. Then I started reading something else ("Discovering France", which I can recommend) so I remain in catch-up mode.
Posted by: Avice | 20 January 2008 at 05:24 PM
I too didn't get Alias Grace in time to participate in January's discussion, but I have the book and plan on reading it. I'm determined to get this one in time to read it for the discussion in February! It sounds really good. I've never read anything by Maxwell.
Posted by: Lisa | 20 January 2008 at 07:55 PM
Hurray! I'm thrilled, because I adore William Maxwell and suggested this book. It is also, you'll all be delighted to know VERY SHORT INDEED....a bit of a break after the Atwood. Can't wait to re read...
Posted by: adele geras | 20 January 2008 at 10:50 PM
Oo, very intrigued. And I have a soft spot for titles which are quotations... quite irrational, but there you are!
Posted by: Simon | 21 January 2008 at 12:24 AM
Oh, the wonderful feeling of being in the right place at the right time! I am being dragged into the 21st century by my family especially in relation to using the internet. To that end I started a "Wish List" on Amazon and put this book on it. (I chose it after reading your December 1, 2007 blog entry.) Santa Claus and Parcel Force delivered in its special cardboard book-package in time for Christmas so that's me all set!
Posted by: Barbara MacLeod | 21 January 2008 at 08:58 AM
I've never read any Maxwell, and this is not usually my sort of thing, so all the more reason to sign up! I've ordered a copy...
Posted by: Equiano | 21 January 2008 at 10:28 AM
I very much look forward to reading this one. I have never read Maxwell before... past time to do so. Great choice.
Posted by: Becca | 21 January 2008 at 08:11 PM
This sounds wonderful. I too have never read any William Maxwell and am much looking forward.
Posted by: Angela Young | 22 January 2008 at 09:42 AM
I've been meaning to get round to this since I first read a review. Copy duly ordered.
Posted by: GeraniumCat | 23 January 2008 at 03:01 PM