When I was much, much younger I believed when I started a book I had an obligation to myself to finish it. This no longer applies.
I took Crime and Punishment to St Petersburg in 2020 as it seemed appropriate. It was too much for me and I only brought it home to raise the tone on my Fiction shelves. It joined Len Deighton, E M Delafield, Dickens, Mary Dunn, Lord Dunsany and Lawrence Durrell. Now I have added Dorothy Dunnett.
Many good books have appeared in the Slightly Foxed quarterly journal but sometimes they miss the mark. Niall Allsopp teaches and researches the literature of the English Civil War at Exeter and reads long historical novels in his spare time. In the SF Spring 2024 edition he sings the praises of Dorothy Dunnett, specifically The Lymond Chronicles, six books written 1961 – 1975) following the fortunes of younger son, Francis Crawford of Lymond, who becomes a leading spy and general in Europe in the 16th century. It is swashbuckling, sword fighting, biffing and kissing as Lymond tries to clear his name as a traitor to Scotland and a murderer. Unfortunately it is more Georgette Heyer than C J Sansom; I got bored and gave up.
I read some Mapp and Lucia stories years ago and thought it was time I immersed myself in them. I always thought E F Benson was a woman; how could a man write those stories? Well he did when he lived in Rye with his brother A C Benson.
His characters are well drawn, his plots rather satisfying and the overall effect is most comforting to read. I really enjoyed eight or ten stories. Then I realised I would be getting more of the same if I persevered and they just aren’t funny enough so I gave up but may return to them from time to time when I need something cosy to curl up with as well as Bertie.
Both authors have strong followings. There is a Dorothy Dunnett Day in Edinburgh and a Dorothy Dunnett Society. Likewise there is an E F Benson Society. Among much else the latter makes an annual visit to Rye and this year there was a visitor to rival the appearance of the King in Tilling, recorded in Miss Mapp.
“The Queen afterwards visited Lamb House, West Street, Rye, and attended a Reception for the EF Benson Society, the Friends of Tilling and National Trust volunteers.” (Court Circular, The Times, 17th May 2024)