August has come to an end, and as the days grow shorter, it's the perfect time to reflect on the books I read in August. Whether you spent your days lounging by the pool, enjoying the breeze in a hammock, or simply curling up on the couch with a good book, I hope August was a good reading month filled with literary adventures.
I had a few adventures myself while travelling in Austria in August. If you are interested what I have been up to, you can check out my newsletter The Content Reader (It is a free subscription but if you want to check it out click 'No thanks' and you will come in to the main page). My reading was very slow and I finished just a few books. Partly because of travelling and lots of things to see, or because the novels were rather thick.
1. Antinous: A Poem by Fernando Pessoa
It rained outside right into Hadrian's soul.
The boy lay dead
On the low couch, on whose denuded whole,
To Hadrian's eyes, that at their seeing bled,
The shadowy light of Death's eclipse was shed.
The boy lay dead and the day seemed a night
Outside. The rain fell like a sick affright
Of Nature at her work in killing him.
Through the mind's galleries of their past delight
The very light of memory was dim.
That is the beginning of Pessoa's poem on a love lost. A beautiful poem and a story of grief and loss.
2. The World of Yesterday: Memories of a European by Stefan Zweig
Zweig takes a look on the world as it used to be when he started to writing it in 1934. He had to leave Austria due to Nazi persecution and went into exile in England and later in Brazil. He sent the manuscript to the publisher the day before he and his wife committed suicide in February 1942.
It is a nostalgic trip back to how the world looked like during his life time. However, it is not only good memories. As always he has a sharp eye on society and how it works. There are so many insightful comments, valid still today. I think he would have liked how Europe is today, which looks very much like the ideas he had himself so many years ago. A book that all Europeans, and others, should read. A full review will come.
3. The Razor's Edge By Somerset W. Maugham
This novel is part of the Classic Club spin, and I am proud to have been able to finish another book off my list. I don't really know what I think about this book. It kept me reading on, although not very much was happening. It is a story reflecting the times, and one man's quest to live a different life. More about it in a coming review.
4. Madonna in a Fur Coat by Sahabattin Ali
I read this book for my challenge to read a book by authors from all Europan countries. Sahabattin Ali (1907-48) is a Turkish novelist, short-story writer, poet and journalist. He had a troubled life due to his writing and was imprisoned several times. He died under unclear circumstance close to the Bulgarian border. "His short novel "Madonna in a Fur Coat" (1943) is considered one of the best novellas in Turkish literature." (Wikipedia). It is a fascinating story of love, loneliness and life's twists. Review will come.
A shy young man leaves his home in rural Turkey to learn a trade in 1920s Berlin. The city's crowded streets, thriving arts scene, passionate politics and seedy cabarets provide the backdrop for a chance meeting with a woman, which will haunt him for the rest of his life. Emotionally powerful, intensely atmospheric and touchingly profound, Madonna in a Fur Coat is an unforgettable novel about new beginnings and the unfathomable nature of the human soul. (Goodreads)
Reflecting on August reading
As I wrap up my August reading adventures, it's time to ask myself whether it was a hit or a miss? Did I discover new favourites that will stay with me forever, or did I encounter books that failed to spark my imagination?
In spite of the few books I read this month, I will still count it as a hit, due to the books I read. All of them sparked something in me, made me think of the characters and their actions. The characters and stories stayed with me after I had finished the books. I think that is a good measurement.
Whether our August reading list was a mix of highs and lows or consistently fantastic reads, remember that the beauty of reading lies in the journey itself. Each book we pick up carries us to new worlds, introduces us to unforgettable characters, and allows us to experience emotions we never knew existed. I can say that these books really lived up to these expectations.
Looking Ahead
As I bid farewell to August and welcome the crisp days of September, (although since I am travelling south to Sardinia and Corsica, I might be able to enjoy some more sunny days) let's keep the spirit of adventure alive in our reading habits. Let's seek out new genres, discover hidden literary gems, and embrace the joy of getting lost in a good book. I think our blogging world takes us through all of these features. Reviews, recommendations and comments embraces our love for books, and help us find new adventures.
So, dear readers, how was your August reading journey? Share your thoughts, recommendations, and reflections in the comments below. And remember, no matter where our literary travels take us, the pages of a book will always be a welcome escape.
Happy reading!
PS Did you like the writing in this post? It was done with a mixture of AI writing and my own writing. I don't really use AI help, but though I would try it out. Do you use AI help when writing, posts or other things. Please leave a comment.
I knew this post was written using AI before you told us. I don't like AI. It sounds artificial. It does not sound like your voice. Maybe that is just me.
The Razor's Edge is on my Classics Club list. I hope you will tell us more about it in a future post.
The World of Yesterday is a book I have not heard about before. Just the idea that this book was sent to the publisher just before the author committed suicide gives the book a feeling of urgency as well as a feeling of despair.
I need to try Zweig! I don't like using AI to write, as its style is so very different than mine. But sometimes I use it to get me started on my last line of every review, that I call my "verdict", like an elevator pitch, because AI is really good at that. Though I tweak it afterwards, to really make it my own. I used it for the first time to give me an idea of recipe for food I had to bring to church, and it was delicious! My favorite AI right now is claude.ai
Emma @ Words And Peace