War and Turpentine a novel written by Stefan Hertmans based on his grandfather's journals and war memories. While finding the transitions a bit clunky as the author switches from the grandson's memories to the first person voice as 'the grandfather' recounts his experience in WW1 I overall really enjoyed this book. The grandfather lived from 1891 till 1981 and the author does a good job conveying how much change the grandfather witnesses in his life. I originally was drawn to this book because it was about Belgium and would let me fulfill another MMD category but given all the WW1 centennials being observed I'm so glad I spent some time getting an eye witness of what it was to be in Flander Fields even if it was a fictionalized based on a soldier's war journals one.
Poems by C.S. Lewis; I am a little over halfway through and am intentionally taking my time reading only 3-4 poems a day so as to let them each have their moment before I move on. I don't read enough poetry to speak critically about them but I really enjoying the book. Lewis writes on a wide variety of topics and his sarcasm and wit shines through.
As an aside I recently meet Jessica Ptomey at the annual CWBN (Catholic Women Blogger Network) Mid-Atlantic chapter meeting and was excited to discover she hosts a Catholic Book Challenge on her blog. A book by C.S. Lewis is one of the categories so at least I made a showing this year and even better she plans to host another one next year!
Please head over to Carolyn's for more Open Book.
I should read more poetry. Slowly, as you are doing. I wasn't aware Lewis had a collection of poems. Thanks for linking with An Open Book!
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