Re Wales… I have a week next month (!!) in the UK’s only residential library - Gladstone’s Library in Flintshire. I was lucky enough to win a scholarship for a fully paid week there to get on with work for my Master’s degree and I can’t wait!
My dad grew up in Merthyr Tydfil and I have relatives there (I live in the States). I have a soft spot for Wales, and would love to hear about 5 (or more) books to take me there on the page….
I don't have five book recommendations yet, but we will get there eventually! I can, however, recommend 'The Madness' by Dawn Kurtagich. Hate the title, LOVE the book. It's a clever and very gripping retelling of Stoker's Dracula set in Wales. It's a rip-roaring good time with lots of feels and badass women. I love the way the author re-imagined the Dracula characters as women and comments on the #MeToo era. There's also a bunch of Welsh folklore threaded into the story. I gave it 5 stars. —Mel
Definitely adding that to my TBR! I love folklore, supernatural elements, and badass female characters. Also bought the Big Book of Bread on Dave’s recommendation and now have a tasty new hobby.
Haha, fun to hear that it resonates! I too tend toward minimalist, but for sure, Mel - there’s definitely a part of me that very much enjoys and appreciates that space’s visual feast 😍
Re Wales… I have a week next month (!!) in the UK’s only residential library - Gladstone’s Library in Flintshire. I was lucky enough to win a scholarship for a fully paid week there to get on with work for my Master’s degree and I can’t wait!
Hi, Lily! I just saw this and thought of you...
https://lucyworsley.substack.com/p/4-i-lived-in-a-library
This has made me even more excited!
LILY! That's fantastic! Gladstone's is *so* pretty. I hope you have a fantastic time. Please give us a little update when you get back! —Mel
That sounds excellent, Lily - congratulations on you scholarship, and enjoy your time in Wales.
My dad grew up in Merthyr Tydfil and I have relatives there (I live in the States). I have a soft spot for Wales, and would love to hear about 5 (or more) books to take me there on the page….
I don't have five book recommendations yet, but we will get there eventually! I can, however, recommend 'The Madness' by Dawn Kurtagich. Hate the title, LOVE the book. It's a clever and very gripping retelling of Stoker's Dracula set in Wales. It's a rip-roaring good time with lots of feels and badass women. I love the way the author re-imagined the Dracula characters as women and comments on the #MeToo era. There's also a bunch of Welsh folklore threaded into the story. I gave it 5 stars. —Mel
Definitely adding that to my TBR! I love folklore, supernatural elements, and badass female characters. Also bought the Big Book of Bread on Dave’s recommendation and now have a tasty new hobby.
I got my dad that book — he's a serious bread baker — and he's loving it. Happy baking!
That Vienna atelier..! 🤯 Sooo Phantom Thread meets Amelie?
OMG. That is the *perfect* description. Yes. I tend to go more minimalist in our decor, but wow, I love that space so much. —Mel
Haha, fun to hear that it resonates! I too tend toward minimalist, but for sure, Mel - there’s definitely a part of me that very much enjoys and appreciates that space’s visual feast 😍
I have been to both Aberystwyth and Abergavenny, which I can spell without even looking up! SMELL ME!!! LOL LOL
Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch —Mel
Tell me you were the smartest kid in class without telling me you were the smartest kid in class! LOL LOL
;-)
What you just said.
Addicted to Staged. Good Omens is top on our rewatch list. Never get tired of them. Tennant and Sheen rule in our house.