Spring is (kind of) in the air, and I at least am starting to long for the warmer weather, no need for a big coat, sun shining down… and what better way to embrace the new (slightly) warmer weather with an appropriate book?
Yes, it has the wrong season in the title, but Summer Crossing is perfect for pretty much any season. An early, imperfect novel of Capote’s, it is full of youth and desperation, love, and the hope for a better life. Having read it twice now I can vouch for the beauty and compassion underneath the shallow characters and the now-typical setting. It is flawed, but brilliant.
Another summery book that will get you in the mood for Spring is Tigers in Red Weather. This was a bit of a sensation when it was published in 2012, and author Liza Klausmann is set to be back in the spotlight this year with the publication of her second novel, Villa America. Tigers is a very impressive debut, both atmospheric, psychological, and vividly real. And look at the amazing cover!
I read The Garden Party and Other Stories by Katherine Mansfield at university, for a course about modernism and the concept of time, and the title story in particular has stuck with me. It is a beautiful haze of family, food, and summer – it captures perfectly how the smallest things can change a mood or set a scene. And it is of course about the fluidity of time and the strangeness of life. The other stories in this volume are just as beautiful.
The Fever Tree by Jennifer McVeigh has an air of the romantic epic about it, with heroine Frances travelling to South Africa and dealing with a volatile love triangle. But it is also the story of her daily struggles and adaptation to a new life in a new country. McVeigh’s writing is vivid and real, and the book is pure escapism. I loved it.
The recent film adaptation of Wild by Cheryl Strayed has reminded me how excellent the book is. It is a perfect combination of memoir and travelogue, with Strayed being unaware of delve into her past, while celebrating the present and the future. I also loved hearing about the Pacific Crest Trail and what it was like to do it (it even made me wish I could). I haven’t seen the film yet, and would urge you to read the book first!
What will you be reading for Spring?
These Little Words 
Oooh, Katherine Mansfield – time for a revisit! I am mostly reading Russians and review books at the moment – fortunately all are good!
LikeLike
I wish I could read all these again… but there are some Mansfield stories I haven’t read, so I’ll definitely be digging them out!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Agree, absolutely, about Tigers in Red Weather. Much hyped but it lived up to it, and that’s such a wonderful jacket. Let’s hope Villa America is as good.
LikeLike
I love Wild! And it’s definitely a great read for when spring makes you restless.
LikeLike
Love the blog and the reviews. Thanks for the great suggestions. If you’re ever interested in some other great reviews and musings, be sure to follow! Thanks!
LikeLike
hello and thank you!
LikeLike
I was introduced to Katherine Mansfield’s work at uni too (also in a module on the concept of time!). I enjoyed all of the stories in the volume you mention – I must try and read more of her work, so thank you for reminding me!
LikeLike
The title threw me a bit at first… it’s not spring I thought… but of course it is for you! I haven’t read Tigers in Red Leather, but it is an awesome cover. Have you reviewed it at all as I’m curious as to whether I’d like it or not. Thanks 🙂
LikeLike
Hi Laura, yes, I’ve reviewed it here: https://theselittlewords.com/2012/07/18/tigers-in-red-weather-by-liza-klaussmann/ and I interviewed the author here: https://theselittlewords.com/2012/08/07/interview-with-liza-klaussmann/
LikeLike
Thanks… Think I’ll add these to my tbr list too 🙂
LikeLike
I’m with Kaggsy – I have a collection of Mansfield’s stories sitting on my Kindle, so your post is a good reminder.
LikeLike
Cider with Rosie by Laurie Lee is my ultimately warm, hazy weather book 🙂
LikeLike