The City of Heroes
by Charlotte Reads Classics
Happy last days of the year everyone! I hope everyone’s Christmas was special and relaxing. I’ve managed to be ill since Boxing Day, lucky me, but I am on the mend, and it didn’t dampen my spirits one bit.
And now, the Christmas books post. The serious ones first: I got a really nice edition of my favourite ever book – Anna Karenina, and a brand new (to me) classic – La Regenta by Leopoldo Alas.
I had never heard of La Regenta until very recently when my brother mentioned he wanted to read it. It is a Spanish Classic, originally published in 1885, and it caused quite a stir. It is about a wife who becomes stifled by her conservative and routine life and embarks on a quest for fulfilment – cue adultery and religion. I am really excited to read it, especially after opening it and reading the first line:
The city of heroes was having a nap.
I am pleased to report the whole family gasped at this.
The other books I got were all of the Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events (yay!) and the ever entertaining Weird Things Customers Say in Bookshops.
Last but not least, my lovely boyfriend bought me an iPad mini, which I am currently composing this post on, and it took me all of about four minutes to download my first ebook, so far I have read Gone Girl and The Silent Wife. Neither are my usual reading taste but I loved both.
Here is to new books and more reading in all forms for 2014.
I’ve never heard of La Regenta either but have put it on my list as a contender for Spain in my world literature challenge. Hope to hear soon what you think of it
I’ve never come across La Regenta either, but it’s gone straight on the wishlist!
I’m intrigued by La Regenta, and it’s going on my wishlist too. And I’m glad to know you enjoyed Gone Girl and The Silent Wife, because I have them both line up for the next time the thriller bug bites.
Oh, lovely copy of Anna Karenina. I’d not hear of La Regenta until I was doing some searching for Spanish-language books a year or so back. I haven’t read it yet, but will be interested to hear what you have to say. I just bought myself an iPad, but I’m not brave enough yet to try posting from it! I make too many typos… Happy reading!
Happy New Year! I’m looking forward to re-reading Anna Karenina, though I really hated it the first time around! 🙂