After I finished Dombey and Son (a brilliant novel by Charles Dickens though one that’s surprisingly not well known), I took a break from Dickens to start an Updike’s The Centaur.
We’re reading The Centaur in our book group. Anjie et al forgive me, but since page one it has been very effectively putting me to sleep. Zzz. But I left the Updike behind (by mistake?) this Tuesday when I flew to Dallas, Texas for a writing assignment.
So I popped into the Powell’s at the airport in Portland, PDX. There I picked up an Edith Wharton novel. I remember enjoying reading Edith Wharton in the past, even though to date I’ve only read Age of Innocence and House of Mirth.
This Edith Wharton novel, written in 1913, is called The Custom of the Country. And so far it’s absolutely brilliant, and keeping me awake at night.
But what about the Updike?
Well, I’d rather be reading Edith Wharton. Besides, I have until our next book club meeting to finish that book, which is still a few weeks away.
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Last update: June 4, 2021
Shu-Huei says
Updike? He is such a yawn. Only read him in grad school when I was required to.
anjie says
It’s always interesting to be the book clubber who recommends a yawner! (Oh dear…) I’m still working my way through Mr. U’s book, but I’m happy to hear Edith Wharton doesn’t disappoint.
If you get the chance, listen to yesterday’s NPR segment on Updike. They did a nice obit on him and re-played his “This I Believe” essay from a couple years ago – it’s worth listening to.
Jennifer Margulis says
Hey Anjie,
Are you finding it boring as well? I think it’s a clever book but I find that it doesn’t sustain my interest as much as I would hope. I did hear the NPR obit today on the radio but not his “This I Believe” speech. I’ll have to look for that.
The Custom of the Country is absolutely brilliant. Heart wrenching and painful–like the other Wharton I’ve read–but brilliant.
susan buscaglia says
I very much enjoyed “Age of Innocence”. I am following the leads from your club and upon returning to find a better Dickens, ended up with “Great Expectations”, instead. I like it so far.
susan buscaglia says
correction. Meant to say “Wuthering Heights”.
I think Updike may have very recently passed away.
Natalie says
Because this comment is two years late, you may not ever read it, but… I enjoyed both Domby and Son and Custom of the Country. They’re the only selections by each author that I’ve ever read. I plan on changing that some day.
Jennifer Margulis says
I do read all the comments, Natalie, even years later! I really loved both those books you mentioned. Would like to read more Edith Wharton. Dickens is somewhat of an obsession of mine, though I haven’t read any lately (my book group is tackling the Brothers K this month, which should keep me busy if my library copy ever arrives…)