I should not add any more books to my TBR, but when they are free it is difficult to resist. The sound came out here in the afternoon, and since I had to pick up a parcel at the post office, I took my bike and headed to the village. Took a little bit of an extra tour and happened to pass by the The Little Black Library , a street library not so far from me. There were not that many books there today, but I managed to find three books which sounded interesting. One favourite author Donna Leon, and two authors which I have not heard of before. Through a Glass Darkly by Donna Leon Donna Leon does not need any further introduction. This book is for my challenge to read all of her books, and I was lucky enough, not to have read this one. Shooting Butterflies by Marika Cobbold Looking up the author I see to my surprise that she is Swedish. When she was 19 years old she moved to Great Britain and lives in London. "By the time Grace is eighteen, she has been orphaned, moved countries and lost touch with her only brother. Talented, awkward and a little fierce, she can't help thinking that she's managed to lose anything she's ever loved. So she decides to revisit her past in America, and she's brought her camera - she's going to catch these memories." Goodreads Sounds intriguing enough for me to grab the book. Lyckliga människor läser och dricker kaffe by Agnès Martin-Lugand Martin-Lugand is a French author who gained fame with this book; Les gens heureux lisent et boivent du café (Happy People Read and Drink Coffee). "Diane seems to have the perfect life. She is a wife, a mother, and the owner of Happy People Read and Drink Coffee, a cozy literary cafe in Paris. But when she suddenly loses her beloved husband and daughter in a tragic car accident, the world as she knows it instantly vanishes. Trapped and haunted by her memories, Diane retreats from friends and family, unable and unwilling to move forward. But one year later, Diane shocks her loved ones and makes the surprising decision to move to a small town on the Irish coast, finally determined to heal and rebuild her life alone—until she meets Edward, the attractive yet taciturn Irish photographer who lives next door. At first abrasive and unwelcoming, Edward initially resents Diane’s intrusion into his life of solitude . . . until he can no longer keep her at arm’s length, and they fall into a surprising and tumultuous romance. But will it last when Diane leaves Ireland, and Edward, for the home she once ran away from in Paris? At once heartbreaking and uplifting, Diane’s story is deeply felt, reminding us that love remembered is love enduring." Goodreads Three new exciting books it seems. Have you read any of them? Or any of the authors? Please let me know what you think.

We are entering into week 2 (4-8/11) of the Nonfiction November challenge. Hosting this week is Frances at Volatile Rune . This week's theme is about how we choose the nonfiction we want to read. What are you looking for when you pick up a nonfiction book? I am looking for something to learn. Reading nonfiction is a little bit like studying something, but more relaxing. You don't need to do a test at the end of the session. Do you have a particular topic you’re attracted to? I mostly read about history which is one of my biggest interests. However, I would also find books on literature, biographies, memoirs, cook books (although to be careful not to read them while you are hungry), travel books and books about your mental, inner health. Do you have a particular writing style that works best? I love when they are written like a fiction book. They should not be too academic, although, of course, be based on such studies. When you look at a nonfiction book, does the title or cover influence you? If so, share a title or cover which you find striking. Mostly I look for the title, or in principal, what the book is about. The topic would be what makes me choose a specific book. I am currently reading Seneca's On the Shortness of Life: Life is Long if You Know How to Use , in Swedish and it happens to have a striking cover. These are my thoughs about reading nonfiction. I mostly read about history, but think I should widen my horizon a little bit. I therefore added a few other topics for this year's nonfiction challenge. Of course a few history books as well. Evolution Bojs, Karin  - Min europeiska familj, De senaste 54000 åren (My European family, the last 54000 years) Desmond/Moore, Adrian/James  - Darwin's Sacred Cause, Race, Slavery and the quest for Human Origins Biography Coote, Stephen - John Keats - A Life Lee, Hermione - Edith Wharton History Banning, Tim  - The Pursuit of Glory - The Five Revolutions that made Modern Europe 1648-1815 Wesseling, Henk , Imperiernas tid 1815-1919 (Europa's koloniale eeuw. De koloniale rijken in de negentiende eeuw, 1815-1919) Time of Empires Diverse Radden Keefe, Patrick - Empire of Pain Strindberg, August - En dåres försvarstal (Le Plaidoyer d'un fou/the Defence of a Fool) a sort of memoir Walker, Matthew - Why we sleep - unlocking the power of sleep and dreams - I hope this one will make me sleep better.

We have reached week 3 of Nonfiction November. This week is hosted by Liz at Adventures in reading, running and working from home and this week is all about pairing a nonfiction book with a fiction book. Week 3 (11/11-11/15) Book Pairings: This week, pair up a nonfiction book with a fiction title. Maybe it's a historical novel and the real history in a nonfiction version, or a memoir and a novel, or a fiction book you’ve read and you would like recommendations for background reading. Or (because I’m doing this) two books on two different areas have chimed and have a link. You can be as creative as you like! I always find this exercise rather difficult so let's see what I can come up with based on nonfiction books I have read this year. One of the best nonfiction I read this year is Une été avec Homère by Sylvain Tesson. This is really not a difficult pairing because I will go with The Illiad by Homer. Rivieran inom räckhåll, Med tåg till de bästa upplevelserna i södra Frankrike by Kristina Svensson och Maria Unde Westerberg/May. This is a practical book on how to go by train in Europe. This destination is the Riviera. Going by train being the theme, I came to think of Paul Theroux's excellent Riding the Iron Rooster about a train trip in China. Another Swedish nonfiction about two of our famous authors Moa and Harry Martinsson. They had a relationship for some years and then became estranged. Vi drabbade samman med våra ödens hela bredd : författarparet Moa och Harry Martinson by Ebba Witt-Brattström. I pair it with one book for each of them. Mor gifter sig (My Mother Gets Married) by Moa Martinsson and Flowering Nettle by Harry Martinsson. I leave it there, and I realised it was not that difficult at all.

Novellas in November is hosted by 746 books  and Bookish Beck . Head over to their websites for more information. My first novella in November is Seneca's On the Shortness of Life: Life is Long if You Know How to Use . This is a novella you have to read in small doses. Seneca gives us to many things to think of more in detail. By chance, I discovered that one of the books I took with me for my weekend trip was a novella. A book I found last week at a street library. It is Happy People Read and Drink Coffee (Les gens heureux lisent et boivent du café) by Agnès Martin-Lugand. The books was printed in France in 2013. A lovely little novella about sorrow and how to overcome it. Diane seems to have the perfect life. She is a wife, a mother, and the owner of Happy People Read and Drink Coffee, a cozy literary cafe in Paris. But when she suddenly loses her beloved husband and daughter in a tragic car accident, the world as she knows it instantly vanishes. Trapped and haunted by her memories, Diane retreats from friends and family, unable and unwilling to move forward. But one year later, Diane shocks her loved ones and makes the surprising decision to move to a small town on the Irish coast, finally determined to heal and rebuild her life alone—until she meets Edward, the attractive yet taciturn Irish photographer who lives next door. At first abrasive and unwelcoming, Edward initially resents Diane’s intrusion into his life of solitude . . . until he can no longer keep her at arm’s length, and they fall into a surprising and tumultuous romance. But will it last when Diane leaves Ireland, and Edward, for the home she once ran away from in Paris? At once heartbreaking and uplifting, Diane’s story is deeply felt, reminding us that love remembered is love enduring. (From Goodreads) It is a story of love, friendship and loss. How are we able to overcome a loss like Diane's? Time heals all wounds, as they say, but it is a long and windling road to get there. Agnès Martin-Lugand writes beautifully (if you can say that about such sad circumstances) about it. We understand fully how Diane is feeling. Her relations with her parents are estranged and her only friend is Felix who is trying to help her out of her apathy. The healing process during Diane's visit in Ireland is sensitively described. You might think you know the ending by reading the summary, but it is more complicated than that. On her healing journey Diane makes new friends, gets to know country side life versus the life she has led in Paris. Country folks behaviour in comparison to city behaviour. Diane learns a lot about life during her stay in Ireland. I really liked this novella, although its sad theme. Very suitable to read during halloween, when we remember the loved ones no longer with us. I could easily take to the Irish countryside and the sea for healing purposes as presented by Martin-Lugand. I am a pisces and love water. Water has such a healing quality. Just to sit on a beach looking out over the sea, and listening to the waves, is soothing.

We have entered into Week 4 of Nonfiction November. It is hosted by Rebekah at She Seeks Nonfiction and we are talking about Mind Openers. One of the greatest things about reading nonfiction is the way it can open your eyes to the world around you–no plane ticket required. What nonfiction book or books have impacted the way you see the world in a powerful way? Is there one book that made you rethink everything? Is there a book that, if everyone read it, you think the world would be a better place? I don't think there is only one book that will change the way we think. It will most likely be many books, as well as life experience that will make you see the world in a different light. Evolution I have just read My European Family - The First 54000 Years by Karin Bojs. The story of Europe and its peoples, told through its genetic legacy and woven together using the latest archaeological findings, will fascinate anyone interested in genealogy. Karin Bojs grew up in a small, broken family, and at her mother's funeral she felt this more acutely than ever. As part of the healing process, she decided to use DNA research to learn more about herself, her family, and the interconnectedness of society. She went deep in search of her genealogy, having her DNA sequenced and tested, and effectively becoming an experimental subject. Remarkably, she was able to trace the path of her ancestors through recorded history and into prehistory. Through the course of her research, she met dozens of scientists working in genetic research. The narrative travels the length and breadth of Europe, from the Neanderthals of central Germany to the Cro-Magnon in France. Bojs visited the ancient caves, realizing that her direct ancestors must have been living in the area when the cave art was painted. A second DNA analysis later revealed she has Sami (i.e. Lapp) genetic material in her genome, and there were further revelations about her hunter-gatherer, Bronze-Age, and Iron-Age relatives, including the Vikings. This fresh, first-person exploration of genes and genetics goes well beyond personal genealogy and reveals much about the shared history of European peoples. (from Goodreads) The book and the story was a sort of eye opener for me. Going back so many years to man's origins and how it is possible to trace our ancestors. To follow the development and movement of people; from hunters to farmers to the modern people of today. We have much more in common than we can imagine. The Stoics I have lately read a few books by and about the Stoics. I find that many, but not all, of their thoughts and actions are relevant today. Their way of thinking can be a comfort when facing various aspects of our lives, whether we are happy or sad. I very much liked Lessons in Stoicism by John Sellars . I have recently finished Seneca's On the Shortness of Life: Life is Long if You Know How to Use It. I have on my shelves the most famous book of them all, Marcus Aurelius' Meditations , which I have not yet read. Here some quotes from Seneca. "Some have no goal at all toward which to steer their course, but death takes them by surprise as they gape and yawn. I cannot therefore doubt the truth of that seemingly oracular utterance of the greatest of poets: " Scant is the part of life in which we live." All the rest of existence is not living but merely time." "What, then, is the reason for this? Your sort live as if you're going to live forever, your own human frailty never enters your head, you don't keep an eye on how much time has passed already. You waste time as if it comes from a source full to overflowing, when all the while that very day which is given over to someone or something may be your last." ""Half-free," Cicero said of himself. But needless to say, the sage will never resort to such an abject term. He will never be half-free but will always enjoy complete and unalloyed liberty. Not subject to any constraints, he will be his own master and tower above all others. For what can there be above the man who rises above fortune?" History I read a lot of nonfiction history. The German philosopher Georg Hegel said, “ The only thing that we learn from history is that we learn nothing from history .” That is, unfortunately, true. Imagine if politicians looked at historical events, tried not to repeat mistakes made in the past, learn from what went wrong last time, and try to follow another path. If we look around us today, we see that is not the case. One historical nonfiction that made a lot of impact on me, and made me realise that politics is a dangerous business, is The Sleepwalkers - How Europe Went to War in 1914 by Christopher Clark. ’ the war was a result of rigid planning, train schedules and treaty commitments. That is, it was the final stop in a chain of events that could not stop the train, once it started ’ (British historian A.J.P Taylor and American historian Barbara Tuchman).

Novellas in November is hosted by 746 books  and Bookish Beck . Head over to their websites for more information. I have finished three novellas so far, and am reading another two. I have already in my last post mentioned and reviewed Happy People Read and Drink Coffee. On the Shortness of Life: Life is Long if You Know How to Use It by Seneca I have lately read a few books by and about the Stoics. I find that many, but not all, of their thoughts and actions are relevant today. Their way of thinking can be a comfort when facing various aspects of our lives, whether we are happy or sad. I very much liked Lessons in Stoicism by John Sellars . Here some quotes from Seneca. " Some have no goal at all toward which to steer their course, but death takes them by surprise as they gape and yawn. I cannot therefore doubt the truth of that seemingly oracular utterance of the greatest of poets: " Scant is the part of life in which we live." All the rest of existence is not living but merely time." "What, then, is the reason for this? Your sort live as if you're going to live forever, your own human frailty never enters your head, you don't keep an eye on how much time has passed already. You waste time as if it comes from a source full to overflowing, when all the while that very day which is given over to someone or something may be your last." ""Half-free," Cicero said of himself. But needless to say, the sage will never resort to such an abject term. He will never be half-free but will always enjoy complete and unalloyed liberty. Not subject to any constraints, he will be his own master and tower above all others. For what can there be above the man who rises above fortune?" The Prisoner of Zenda by Anthony Hope I am sure most of you have heard about this film, if not the book. A traditional adventure story with bold men and beautiful women. It was quite funny to read, and the story was so "visual" that although I read, it was like seeing a film. "Anthony Hope's swashbuckling romance transports his English gentleman hero, Rudolf Rassendyll, from a comfortable life in London to fast-moving adventures in Ruritania, a mythical land steeped in political intrigue. Rassendyll bears a striking resemblance to Rudolf Elphberg who is about to be crowned King of Ruritania. When the rival to the throne, Black Michael of Strelsau, attempts to seize power by imprisoning Elphberg in the Castle of Zenda, Rassendyll is obliged to impersonate the King to uphold the rightful sovereignty and ensure political stability. Rassendyll endures a trial of strength in his encounters with the notorious Rupert of Hentzau, and a test of a different sort as he grows to love the Princess Flavia." While looking at Goodreads, I realise that this is the second book in a trilogy. Who knows, maybe I will run into the other two one day.

Week 5 - New To My TBR - This week’s theme, hosted by Deb @ Readerbuzz , focuses on the latest additions to our TBR lists. Which books, recommended by fellow bloggers and nonfiction fans, caught your attention? Share the titles you’re excited to read and don’t forget to link back to the original blogger who inspired you! Here are some of the books that I am especially interested in. November has been a very busy month for me, and I did not have time to read the books I wanted to. I did read many of your reviews, and commented on some. There are a lot of interesting nonfiction books around. I also get inspired by all the subjects your read, that I don't read. As usual, I am bad with the notes, so here just a couple of books that interested me, of which I made a note. Hopewells library of life Precipice: A Novel by Robert Harris . UK Prime Minister H.H. Asquith’s affair with his daughter’s friend, Venetia Stanley (historical fiction) Margot at War: Love and Betrayal in Downing Street, 1912–1916 by Anne de Courcy. From the view of Mrs Asquith. Munich Wolf by Rory Clements - includes real-life Unity Mitford in the story. The Sisters: The Saga of the Mitford Family by Mary S. Lovell - according to Hopewell the best book on the Mitford family. I have the book on my shelves. I am a big fan of Lovell and have several of her biographies. In the Garden of Beasts by Erik Larson - on my list to read. Stephanie @ Bookfever "I don’t mention any specific book because most of the ones Stephanie recommends—or has read on history—are also my favorites. Whether the topic is ancient times, lost civilisations, women in history, the Roman Empire, or any other fascinating historical time, I’m always eager to jump on board." What I read this month I take the opportunity for a small recap of my nonfiction month: Karl XII i Lund by Bengt Liljegren - history about Charles XII's stay in Lund (interesting since it is local history, and Lund, one of the oldest cities in Sweden, is only 25 km from where I live). On the Shortness of Life: Life is Long if You Know How to Use It by Seneca - short review under week 4 (also for Novellas in November) My European Family - The Last 54000 Years by Karin Bojs - short review under week 4 Prinsen av Vasa - Den siste gustavianen by Harald Hultman - The Prince of Vasa, son to the last Vasa king of Sweden (who was replaced by Jean Baptiste Bernadotte). The Prince of Vasa spent his life on the continent. I did not know anything about his life, and this book turned out to be very interesting. A second hand find. Skånes historia I by Gunnar Wetterberg - Wetterberg is a well-known historian. This is the history of Skåne (Scania, the southern province of Sweden). A huge book that I have read on and off for several years. Now I have the other two parts. They cover the history of this area from 11500 B.C. - 2017. It reads like a thrilling novel. Frauen, die lesen, sind gefährlich und klug by Stefan Bollmann - Women Who Read Are Dangerous and Smart - a funny little book where the author highlights paintings where women read. To each painting is a reflection on the women who read, what they are reading, the social context in which they are reading and so on. Quite an interesting little book, and a review will come. (Also for Novellas in November and German Literary Month). Well, I managed six books to my own surprise. I was a little bit slow in the beginning. It is just a fraction of what I would have liked to read. Luckily, the books remain with me and can be read in the future. Thank you to all the hosts of this wonderful reading challenge. I have enjoyed your posts and the variety that is presented during this month.

It is the first of Advent and we are slowly going towards Christmas. As a child I always had an Advent Calendar and was so excited to open one box every day. I used to buy one for my son as well. In Sweden there is also an Advent Calendar story on television, shown early in the morning, so children can watch it before going to school. Each year is a different story. It helps us all to get into the Christmas mood. I remember having done a bookish Advent Calendar one year, thinking it was just a few years ago. It was in 2017, which shows that time flies. Definitely time for another one, so I will add a short post for each of the days leading up to December 24. December 1, 2024 Advent marks the arrival of a notable person or event, and is also the first season of the Christian liturgical year, leading up to Christmas. In Christian traditions, Advent is a four-week period of reflection and celebrating, focusing on the arrival of Jesus on Earth. Today, however, the traditional reflections coexist with more commercial aspects. This morning I lit the first candle of my Advent candle holder. One for each Sunday. It is especially comforting here in the northern hemisphere where even the days are dark. Although, this morning the sun was shining. Bookish thoughts We are heading into December, leaving a very busy November behind. For me, it seemed that everything was happening in November; theatres, conserts, excersises, errands, appointments and I don't know what. On top of it all, a busy, interesting, reading month with many challenges, of which I participated in three: Nonfiction November, Novellas in November and German Literature Month. I did read a few books, and managed to combine a couple of the challenges, but, would have liked to read more. December will also be a busy month for me, so probably I will not have much time to read. Should I try to choose a few books to read? Everytime I do that, I tend to read other books, but why not. Maybe put the books that I have already started on the list? Seems like a good choice. Darwin's Sacred Cause - Race, Slavery and the Quest for Human Origins by Adrian Desmond and James Moore - a left over from Nonfiction November. It has been on my TBR for many years. I wanted to read it as a complimentary to Karin Bojs My European Family - The First 54000 Years on the evolution of man. The Lost Café Schindler by Meriel Schindler - A family saga of the Schindler family, and their Café Schindler in Innsbruck. The building is still there, hosting a restaurant and bar, with a special atmosphere. Meriel Schindler is looking into her family's past, making this a story of 20th century Europe. 12 Rules for Life - An Antidote to Chaos by Jordan B. Peterson - I think it does not need further introduction. It was getting my attention by my son who had watch video interviews with Peterson. I want to know what it is all about. Also Sprach Zarathustra by Friedrich Nietzsche - a book for German Literature Month which I had no time to read. Another book to read, to find out what it is all about. And a classic too. Min bokvärld (My World of Books my transl.) by Kerstin Ekman - In 24 chapters Ekman looks into the books that has made an everlasting impression on her, and which she loves. Kerstin Ekman is a former member of the Academy, and a fantastic author. I am curious to see which books have influenced her life and her writing. Vad hände på vägen till Jerusalem? En gåta i historiens utmarker by Lena Einhorn - Lena Einhorn has had a varied career, from being educated to a doctor specialising in tumor viruses, to medical editor for Lifetime Television, and making medical documentaries, into an author of nonfiction books. I have read several of her books, and they are all mesmerising. Before this book, she wrote, The Jesus Mystery in 2007, and A Shift in Time in 2016 on "hypothesising an alternative understanding of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus". This book, "What happened on the road to Jerusalem? An enigma in the outback of history" she is following in the foot steps of the bible. Looking for archeological and historical proofs of the stories. De fenomenala fruntimren på Grand Hotel by Ruth Kvarnström-Jones - an easygoing, feelgood novel of the fenomal women who saved the Grand Hotel in Stockholm at the beginning of the 20th century. It has got raving reviews in Sweden and I have big hopes of a fun and relaxing read. Have you read any of the books? Or any book on the subjects? What are your reading plans for December? Happy First Advent!

Franz Kafka: The Master of Alienation Few literary figures have captured our imagination like Kafka. He was born in 1883 in Prague, where he also died in 1924, after a time of illness. One hundred years after his death, he is still considered one of the most famous, and important authors in the world. His books have become classics. Most of us probably have an idea of him as a person, and of his writing. If you are asked for one word to describe the name Kafka, what would it be? Please leave a comment below. For me, it would probably be 'depressing', and 'anxiety', if I may add another word. Kafka's works show a portrayal of alienation, bureaucratic absurdity, and the human condition. His stories lingers between reality and nightmare (Metamorphosis?) and our questions are not always answered. A Life Kafka came from a middle-class Jewish family in what was then part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. He worked as a legal clerk and wrote in his spare time. Very little of his works were published during his life time, and, on his death bed, Kafka asked his friend Max Brod to burn his manuscripts. Luckily, Brod ignored Kafka’s wish and the manuscripts survived. Major Works and Themes The Metamorphosis (1915)
 Kafka's most famous work tells the story of Gregor Samsa, who wakes up one morning transformed into a giant insect. Through Gregor's dehumanising transformation, Kafka explores themes of family obligation, isolation, and the loss of identity. 
I read this novel in November last year. My reflections: 
- for someone like me who does not like insects it was a rather terrifying read. What does Kafka want to say with the novel? Alienation: people who are different are looked down upon? Work - the employer takes out everything they can from you? Family - he worries about the family which he supports. Once the family realises he cannot work anymore, they take their act together and start working themselves, and manage very well. Using other people for their own means? The Trial (1925)
 In The Trial, Josef K. is arrested and prosecuted by a faceless bureaucracy for a crime that is never revealed to him. Its surreal logic and dark humour highlight the individual’s powerlessness when facing the legal systems. 
I read this many years ago, and can still feel the anxiety of Josef K. when the legal system navigates around him, not giving him any power to face, or oppose it. The Castle (1926) 
This unfinished novel follows a man named K. who struggles to gain access to a mysterious castle. The story reflects Kafka’s obsession with unattainable goals and the human desire for meaning in a confusing world. Is Kafka relevant today? I think most people would say, yes. His name has even entered into the cultural sphere with the word: Kafkaesque - meaning situations that are absurdly complex, illogical, and oppressive. We have probably all been facing authorities where we have been trapped by the system, making us think that Kafka is not so far away. His stories remain relevant in our modern world. We are also confronted with legal systems, not to talk about digital systems, probably giving us anxiety, misunderstanding and fear, from time to time. Could reading Kafka give us hope? Although obstacles are arising for his protagonists, they are still fighting, despite of the absurdity around them. Does Kafka want to say that there is hope, in spite everything? I am also following a German-Austrian TV-series on Kafka, which I hope will give me an insight into his life. I will re-read The Trial and then go on to read The Castle . I want to know what Kafka can tell me today. Have you read anything by him? Please leave a comment with your thoughts.

Philip Larkin (1922-1985) English poet, novelist and librarian His poetry often explored themes of mortality, loss, and the passage of time. Although a celebrated author, he kept his work as a librairan all his life. From 1955 until his death, he held the position as librarian at the University of Hull. He preferred a quiet, provincial life which also shaped his poetry. He often deals with themes of "time, death, and the unfulfilled promises of life". Although a controversial person due to some of his private views, he is highly regarded and considered one of the greatest British poets of the 20th century. The Whitsun Weddings collection has a place on my poetry shelves. I choose to recite one of his most famous poems, as well as my favourite. An Arundel Tomb Side by side, their faces blurred, The earl and countess lie in stone, Their proper habits vaguely shown As jointed armour, stiffened pleat, And that faint hint of the absurd— The little dogs under their feet. Such plainness of the pre-baroque Hardly involves the eye, until It meets his left-hand gauntlet, still Clasped empty in the other; and One sees, with a sharp tender shock, His hand withdrawn, holding her hand. They would not think to lie so long. Such faithfulness in effigy Was just a detail friends would see: A sculptor’s sweet commissioned grace Thrown off in helping to prolong The Latin names around the base. They would not guess how early in Their supine stationary voyage The air would change to soundless damage, Turn the old tenantry away; How soon succeeding eyes begin To look, not read. Rigidly they Persisted, linked, through lengths and breadths Of time. Snow fell, undated. Light Each summer thronged the glass. A bright Litter of birdcalls strewed the same Bone-riddled ground. And up the paths The endless altered people came, Washing at their identity. Now, helpless in the hollow of An unarmorial age, a trough Of smoke in slow suspended skeins Above their scrap of history, Only an attitude remains: Time has transfigured them into Untruth. The stone fidelity They hardly meant has come to be Their final blazon, and to prove Our almost-instinct almost true: What will survive of us is love. If you want to visit the tomb it is situated in Chichester Cathedral. It is now widely, though not quite certainly, identified as that of Richard FitzAlan, 10th Earl of Arundel (d. 1376) and his second wife, Eleanor of Lancaster (d. 1372). In the Wikipedia article An Arundel Tomb there are a few interesting notes on what Larkin himself thought of the poem and the background to it.

I went for a walk with a friend this morning. It was fresh, and rather cold, so we went to a café for a coffee. On the way home, I passed by the Little Black Library , a street library where you can give and take a book. It was decorated for Christmas. I found this wonderful little book. Carina Burman (born 1960) is a Swedish novelist and literature scholar. Her research has been focused on Swedish 18th and 19th century literature. Burman's novels have historical motifs, often taking the form of a pastiche. Maybe you wonder what a pastiche is? I did. "A pastiche is a work of visual art, literature, theatre, music, or architecture that imitates the style or character of the work of one or more other artists. Unlike parody, pastiche pays homage to the work it imitates, rather than mocking it." I have read several of her books, and love them. I have another one, unread, on my shelves, about Carl Michael Bellman, a famous Swedish troubadour in the 18th century. That books is 637 pages long, with the appendixes over 100 pages. Islandet - The Ice Country - takes place during the 19th century. "During a grand Christmas celebration in the three days of 1799 at the Ransäter manor in Värmland's Bergslagen, the reader meets a broad-shouldered young man with one blue eye and one brown eye, who will soon marry a girl from his hometown who can make rye dough and pour candles. But Fate intervenes: pain, joy and strong emotions await. It is the budding poet, historian and composer Erik Gustaf Geijer who has the one leading role in the romantic adventure which, much later, is depicted in an exchange of letters between a German baroness and a young Swedish writer. Time for a change of scene. Uppsala, the city of learning and youth, spring 1816. This is where everything happens. It is here that Geijer meets the famously beautiful and witty Amalia von Helvig. Academic lectures and literary salons where famous contemporary figures appear: Malla Silfverstolpe and Atterbom among others. Ice removal and cheerful outings in the surroundings. And a stormy swearing, but also great sadness. Iceland is Amalia's story, told by her sister. It is a novel about memories and dreams, about Värmland and Uppsala, about how cold Sweden meets Europe." (Google translation from Swedish). In the afternoon, I went to the nearby shopping mall for some errands and enjoyed their beautiful Christmas tree. You can't really see the wonderful colours of the tree, so I add another photo that I took some years ago. Slowly getting into the Christmas mood.

Martin Cruz Smith Today is December 6, and that is also the title of a thriller by Martin Cruz Smith (In England it was published under the name Tokyo Station). Martin Cruz Smith is, for me, forever connected to the exciting thriller Gorky Park , of which was made an excellent movie with William Hurt. I still, sometimes, think of the fantastic ice skating scene with the powerful music from Tchaikovsky’s The Swan Lake . A plot summary from Wikipedia: "In late 1941, Harry Niles owns a bar for American and European expatriates, journalists, and diplomats, in Tokyo's entertainment district, called the "Happy Paris". With only 24 hours until Japanese fighters and bombers attack Pearl Harbor, Niles has to consult with the local US ambassador, break up with a desperate lover, evade the police, escape the vengeance of an aggrieved samurai officer and leave the island, the exit points from which are all closed. Having grown up in Tokyo, Niles is fluent in the Japanese language and culture, and is highly streetwise." I am thinking it could be a good thriller to read on a cold, December night. Have you read it?