In This House of Brede
Rumer Godden's book, In This House of Brede was on my 2010 reading list, although I've been meaning to read it for more than a decade.
This book was full of surprises. It began with successful, middle-aged businesswoman Philippa Talbot deciding to leave all her worldly activities and enter the Benedictine abbey of Brede. The novel covers a span of years, and as it goes, Philippa is less the center of the story, while the other nuns, the abbess, and Brede itself take more of the reader's attention. Although I would not characterize this book as exciting, the story continued to hold my attention, and there were quite a few small mysteries - secrets - that in time were revealed.
I enjoyed it, and would not hesitate to recommend it to others.
Labels: books, reading lists
posted by Laura at
4:08 PM
7 Comments:
I LOVE Rumer Godden! I don't hear much of anyone reading her anymore, which is a shame.
I own this exact copy of Brede. I liked it - found parts of it very challenging for me (the tragedy in Philippa's life).
Have you read The Diddakoi? That's my very favorite, but I have yet to get my hands on a nice copy.
I have The Diddakoi, Margo, but I haven't read it yet. Thanks for recommending it - it'll go in the stack to be read soon!
I really enjoyed In This House of Brede when I read it about a year ago. I'd love to read more of Rumer Godden's works, so I'll put the Diddakoi on my list, too.
Thanks for your comment on Middlemarch!
I have this book, but haven't gotten around to reading it yet. Have you heard the audiobook of Godden's China Court over at Forgotten Classics? I really liked the story and subsequently bought the book for a friend.
Yes, I would say this has been on my list for about 10 years also. Maybe someday...
Laura! This book is coming to me this week from PBS. I couldn't remember where/why/when I put it on my wish list. But now I'm very glad to get it and read it.
Thank you for the great review.
Well, it is four years later and I have finally read it. Yes, it seems like a simple story on the surface, but the underlying "dramas" make it very compelling.
Post a Comment
Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
<< Home