Summer 2025 Autumn 2025 And that’s all for now, folks. See you on the other side of whatever’s heading my way. (Though I suspect I might pop my head above the parapet once or twice – especially during November – because how could I not? 😉 )| Lizzy’s Literary Life (Volume 2)
Alexander McCall-Smith accompanied by the latest volumes in 4 of his series at EIBF 2025 I’ve given up trying to keep pace with Alexander McCall-Smith (AMcS) and his multiple series and stand-alone…| Lizzy’s Literary Life (Volume 2)
1 post published by LizzySiddal during August 2025| Lizzy’s Literary Life (Volume 2)
Translated from German by Shaun Whiteside I’ve been reluctant to engage with Marlen Haushofer’s work, having abandoned The Wall some years ago, even though I enjoyed the film. But Marina Sofi…| Lizzy’s Literary Life (Volume 2)
Translated from German by Ross Benjamin And so to my most anticipated read of 2025 … a bit nervous coming into it. What if it is a dud? Actually there was no need to worry on that score, beca…| Lizzy’s Literary Life (Volume 2)
Anyone who’s read this blog for any amount of time will know that I do enjoy a little literary tourism. My recent visit to Vienna was very much in that vein. Travelling solo, I could in…| Lizzy’s Literary Life (Volume 2)
10 posts published by LizzySiddal during November 2024| Lizzy’s Literary Life (Volume 2)
Translated from German by Imogen Taylor The title of this novel is a reference to Chekhov’s play, Uncle Vanya, the theme of which is dashed hopes and unfulfilled expectations. Thus there is something satirical about the title of Salzmann’s novel for there is nothing glorious about her protagonists, unless you count their resilience in the […]| Lizzy’s Literary Life (Volume 2)
What do a literary novel about academic stress and integrity and a bona fide detective novel where the coppers have enough to deal with in their private lives, never mind the job, have in common?&n…| Lizzy’s Literary Life (Volume 2)
I saw Karen’s blog earlier in the week and thought what a great idea. This meme, originated by Paula, invites you to chat generally about things you are currently doing. For my first three things, I’ll mirror Karen’s activities: reading, watching, listening. But first, let’s start with something I’m not doing. I’m not travelling. Trip […]| Lizzy’s Literary Life (Volume 2)
Originally published in 1932 under the pseudonym Peter Curtis I am consciously avoiding starting new series, determined not to kindle a new round of completist collecting (you know how it is), and have, therefore, been avoiding the British Library Women Writers series (curated by blogger and podcaster extraordinaire, Simon). BUT when Jacqui reviewed this book […]| Lizzy’s Literary Life (Volume 2)
Translated from German by Jamie Bulloch 40 years ago I was honeymooning in Italy. A camping road trip with a sightseeing tick list as long as my arm! Pompeii was, of course, if not top of the…| Lizzy’s Literary Life (Volume 2)
Quite why this book – pre-ordered on the basis of how much I loved the accessibility of Wulf’s Invention of Nature – sat unread on my shelves for nigh on 3 years is a mystery. Especially as the subject – the German Romantics – is a source of endless fascination. A bigger mystery, perhaps, is […]| Lizzy’s Literary Life (Volume 2)
I’ve been on a little history kick lately, having read 3 non-fiction history books in a row. And I’m about to pick up a 4th. For now, though, let me review book 2. Illustrated by Cat Ou…| Lizzy’s Literary Life (Volume 2)
Since starting this #krazyaboutkafka series, I have been strangely heartened by the number of comments expressing reluctance to read him. That’s a little kafkaesque in itself, isn’t it? You s…| Lizzy’s Literary Life (Volume 2)
What’s the first word that comes to mind when you think about Frank Kafka? (Answers in comments, please. I’m curious.). Would it be something along the lines of intense, neurotic, angui…| Lizzy’s Literary Life (Volume 2)
It’s #kafkaweek on GLM XIV – a week to indulge in all things Franz Kafka. Hopefully things won’t turn kafkaesque and we’ll emerge undamaged on the other side! If all goes to plan, I sha…| Lizzy’s Literary Life (Volume 2)
It was only to be expected that there would be a rash of new material on offer to commemmorate the centenary of Franz Kafka’s death. This post takes a look at a couple such, focusing heavily on the…| Lizzy’s Literary Life (Volume 2)
This truly is an iconic drawing: often interpreted as an image of either Kafka’s despair at the grind of life, or his exhaustion after spending the night hours feverishly capturing the products of …| Lizzy’s Literary Life (Volume 2)
Translated from Kurdish by Sami Hêzil Those expecting this slim novella to centre around the ladies in Franz Kafka’s life are in for a surprise – hopefully as amusing and pleasant as it was f…| Lizzy’s Literary Life (Volume 2)
Translated from German by Katy Derbyshire A new Robert Seethaler novel is always a cause for excitement. That he’s got a new Scottish indie publisher (Canongate) doubles the excitement, becau…| Lizzy’s Literary Life (Volume 2)
It feels like it was only five minutes ago since Reading Independent Publishers was launched in 2021. But here we are in the fifth year celebrating hard-working independent publishers taking …| Lizzy’s Literary Life (Volume 2)
Karen and I are delighted to be hosting #ReadIndies for the fifth time. Reading Independent Publishers Month grew out of a number of events which focused on small presses, and was started during th…| Lizzy’s Literary Life (Volume 2)
Hopefully shelves have been scoured, reading material has been chosen, and everyone has a reading list for #germanlitmonth. Remember anything that was originally written in German can be read durin…| Lizzy’s Literary Life (Volume 2)
In reading terms, I’m on track with 11 books read. A bit behind on the reviewing, only 5. So let’s balance things up a little with a trio of quick reviews. One word provides the perfect summary of …| Lizzy’s Literary Life (Volume 2)
