Watched again. Ms. Taylor passed away at 63, thereby avoiding the silent battle for dignity these characters had to face. Very sad. Thanks for the review.
It is amazing how much emotion is packed into this short novel. The wry observations are wonderful, the writing is just perfect. It is odd how hard it is to get old, when it is such a common experience. It doesn't seem to make sense that it should be such a difficult experience, when we have so many old people in the world.
Oooh, as MsCrunchy, I'm so thrilled and also as Rachael,. Many thanks, this book seems to have moved you greatly and I'm glad to have won this one in particular. Will email 🎉
Oh, That Elizabeth Taylor. Old hotels used to be quite inexpensive, even affordable in this country. Not the first tier type travelers hotels, but hotels that were slightly worn down--tow or three star establishments, without a lot of the usual amenities we need today, but clean enough. They've mostly been displaced by urban renewal. A by gone day. Just a free, if unsolicited, historical fact. If I come across this title, I'll pick it up. All the best to you, and Happy Birthday Grant.
Thanks a lot Sal! I know they must have existed at some point. In Saul Bellow's short novel Seize The Day the main character and his father both live in the same hotel, (but not together). It's nice in North America how we just smash down all the old stuff to build new stuff that will be more expensive. Smaller, uglier, gaudy looking, and more expensive.
@@grantlovesbooks No it's not, but I know what you mean. I hear Australians with much the same complaint. Yes the times are a changing, but to your point--does it have to be so ugly and expensive?
Thank you very much Grant for your thoughts on this little Elizabeth Taylor masterpiece…….. she has others. Hugs for Matthew….. all of you …..Miss Jenny
Thank-you Miss Jenny, Matthew always gets lots of hugs! I am sure I will pick up any Elizabeth Taylor novels I see in the future. Actually, I had to order this one, I don't think I have ever seen any of her books in the used bookshops. (Keep an eye open for Matthew in an upcoming video.)
My lovely book and magazine arrived today😀😀😀 - thank you so much - some fun post makes a nice change (sorry for the $$ postage!). Greetings from Shrewsbury🙂
Hello Ms. Crunchy! Sorry for the long delay in replying, I was finishing up my final exams for the semester. I am finished, I think I did well, and now I'm going to concentrate on spending time with my family, and hopefully making some RU-vid videos. Maybe I can also squeeze in a little exercise. Please do not worry about the postage. When I got those magazines printed and began the book/magazine raffle, I suppose my primary goal was to try to make a little extra money. But then when I realized how much the postage would cost every time I mailed a book... well, I can say that I studied literature and not economics. But I don't mind in the slightest. In fact it has brought me into contact with people all over the world, and I always feel happy to mail these books to people who I think will enjoy them. I think it has been all about the experience, and not about the money, which is far more important to me!
I loved this novel and A View of the Harbor and A Game of Hide and Seek by the same author. The last 3 years have been magical for me as I have discovered Elizabeth Taylor and Donna Tartt. Are there any other great unknown ( to me ) novelists hiding out there?
This is the first Elizabeth Taylor I've read and it is an unbelievable novel. I am looking forward to reading more. The more I read it seems the more I discover 'unknown' authors. The last couple of years have been especially good. Sometimes I just can't believe how old I am and how many writers have slipped by my notice for so many years.
@@grantlovesbooks I'm in the same situation as you. I'm getting old but I'm also discovering many great books to keep me company in my old age. Who are some of your 'unknown' authors, if I may ask?
@@angstyautist In the last few years it has been a lot of Japanese authors. Tanizaki, Kawabata and Mishima. As well as two 19th Century French authors, Zola and Balzac. I guess none of those would be considered 'unknown.' The video I made recently for The Ogre is really a lost treasure.
@@grantlovesbooks Yes, I remember the 2 weeks or so I spent with The Makioka Sisters as a very happy time. Maybe the time has come for me to reread it. If so, I have you to thank for putting the idea in my head.
@@angstyautist I absolutely loved The Makioka Sisters. I think that was my favourite novel of 2023. I mailed that to one of my supporters as part of my magazine/book raffle, and I was pretty sad to lose that novel. I know I can pick it up again, but I was quite attached to that book.
Me too! I ordered this book, quite a long time ago, and every time I looked at it I had to pause and remind myself, "Not the one that played Cleopatra."
