I decide that I need a break from the turmoil of In the Land of Green Ghosts, story of the escape of a Burmese tribal lad, before plunging into The Rape of Nanking. Should I read:
1. The Commoner by John Burnham Schwartz. In 1959, then-Crown Prince Akihito of Japan, Naruhito’s (the Crown Prince) father, electrified the nation by marrying Michiko Shoda, a university-educated beauty with refined manners and a stinging forehand. Daughter of a wealthy businessman, she was the first commoner to marry into a family that traces its noble ancestry back to the sun goddess Amaterasu, and within a couple of years she suffered a nervous collapse that rendered her mute for several months.
2. The Painter of Shanghai by Jennifer Epstein. The novel is based on a true story. It traces the life of a young orphan girl in pre-revolution China from small town brothel to Bohemian Paris to the studios of 1930’s Shanghai. Born in 1895 and orphaned as a child, Yuliang was sold into sexual slavery at 14 by her opium-addicted uncle. After seven years in the brothel, she was bought out by Pan Zanhua, a progressive official who made her his concubine, then his second wife, and encouraged her painting. One of a handful of women accepted into the Shanghai Art School, she went on to win fellowships for study in Paris and Rome.
3. The Uncommon Reader by Alan Bennett. The title’s “uncommon reader” is Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom, who becomes obsessed with books after a chance encounter with a mobile library. The story follows the consequences of this obsession for the Queen, her household and advisers, and her constitutional position.
What do you think?
Filed under: Books, Contemporary Literature, Literature, Reading | Tagged: Books, Literature, Reading, The Commoner, The Painter of Shanghai, The Uncommon Reader
I’ve only read #3, and I really liked it, but even if I hadn’t I’d vote for that one if you’re looking for a break from turmoil. The other two sound like they have their fair share of depressing moments!
Having read none of the above, I think that #2 sounds the most interesting (is that the one you’re leaning toward?). Having lived in Japan and watched the sagas of the Imperial family I wouldn’t find Michiko’s story all that scintillating. Sad, really. Have a good weekend. Stay cool! The heat’s murder in Cali right now…
I’ve got The Uncommon Reader on my “books I most want to purchase” list, but have so many other books to read in the meantime!
I think it’s just a matter of time that you’ll devour all three. I’ve only heard of The Uncommon Reader, but seems like Painter of Shanghai is the most interesting of all three.
I’ve read the Uncommon Reader. It’s a witty, somewhat sardonic satire in the classic Allen Bennett mode. It has a lightness of touch but is undergirded with all the good things we enjoy in well written fiction. I found it funny, tasty and thoughtful, with a trace of sadness running through it.
I’ve only read The uncommon reader, and would recommend it if you’re looking for something light.
The only one of these that I’ve read is The Painter From Shaghai. Its a beautifully written novel. I suggest going for it!
I haven’t read any of these books but have seen reviews of the Uncommon Reader that suggest it’s well worth going for.
Read the Uncommon Reader.
You will be on another continent.
Go for “The Uncommon Reader”
Eva:
I finished The Uncommon Reader in one sitting over the weekend, starting Painter of Shanghai now. The first book reminds me of the movie The Queen. It’s a gorgeous little book.
mari:
I’m leading toward the Shanghai yes, and decide that Michiko’s story could wait a bit.
Stephanie:
It seems to me that The Uncommon Reader has been very popular. Most of the people at my cafe have read or know about the book.
John:
You’re so right. I’ll devour them all its just the matter of order! LOL Glad I picked a copy up because the man at Books Inc. told me that Painter of Shanghai is now back-order!
Greg S:
It think it’s a book with which Alan Bennett reams out the royal monarchy of England. Very satirical and interesting. I’ll certainly return to this novella full of wisdom and insight.
Sarah:
It’s very engrossing and light read. I’ll have to agree with you.
Katherine:
I’m burying my nose in it right now!
seachanges:
I know you must be busy traveling for work. I recommend all three to you.
Isabel:
Thanks. I enjoyed it a lot. It’s very interesting and witty, with a sort of sadness running subtly through the narrative.
Greg:
I finished The Uncommon Reader. Have you read it? What are you reading lately?