The gallery at the State Library of NSW has this window overlooking the Mitchell Library reading room. I love that room with all its books containing thousands of stories.
A book I have been reading recently
This week I read Ransom by David Malouf. It is a reimagination of one of the most famous stories in all of literature - Homer's Illiad (Books 22-24).
I have been a little scared of reading Malouf and even more scared of the Illiad so when I started Ransom I was at a bit of a disadvantage but after about 30 pages I was into the rhythm of the story and writing. I now see that Malouf deserves his reputation as one of Australia's great writers. In Ransom his writing is poetic, simple and complex all at the same time. Wonderful reading.
I will read more Malouf and have discovered a copy of Illiad on my bookshelf so might even give it a go one day.
I like the way that you can read a book that fills you with trepidation. I could never do that!
ReplyDeleteI am determined to read more literary books so I am giving them a go in the hope that all with turn out well in the end.
DeleteThe chairs don´t look exactly comphy... I prefer my good ole swing for reading.
ReplyDeleteSwinging and reading is a delightful way to go. I know some people read in the bath but I couldn't do that ... the book gets wet.
DeleteSuper view down into the reading room. I've just finished a book about James Joyce and his family while living in Paris. Paris was such an inspiration for artists and writers back then. I wonder if it still is!
ReplyDeleteThere are quite a lot of modern books about people's experience living in Paris so it inspires some.
DeleteI think James Joyce is a challenge, I read "Dubliners" which was hard work and I read "A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man" and that was good reading but "Ulysses" is one of those books who's reputation is such that I am a little afraid of attacking it.
An impressive view!
ReplyDeleteI'm just starting to read Tolkien's The Fall Of Gondolin.
I have not read any Tolkien. Not even Lord of the Rings! I will get to it one day.
DeleteThe stacks look so tidy and well organized! I'm not accustomed to seeing them just lining the walls. This seems like a fine library and I love the quote along the railing, "All great stories lead back to us."
ReplyDeleteIOf course most of the stacks are hidden away elsewhere. But I love seeing at least a selection of them on display. I am so looking forward to getting our home library set up again in the new year.
Delete