Slightly Peckish Tuesday
12 April, 2011
This week on Umamimart: Slightly Peckish, I reveal how to cook up some lip-smackingly good wattalappan or spiced coconut custard pudding. So check it!
In bookish news, the 2011 Orange Prize shortlist was announced this morning. Congratulations to all! The prize will be announced on 8th June. Can’t wait.
I’m currently in the middle of reading Nicole Krauss’ Great House which I’m enjoying greatly. What’s not to like about a story involving a desk with 19 drawers that once belonged to a famous writer and has since passed on to different people with their own stories to tell? Intrigued? I am.
Of the shortlisted five, I’m probably most interested in reading Téa Obreht’s The Tiger’s Wife just because it sounds fabulous and I’m always interested in debut novels. I’ve seen lots of great reviews of the others and although I know Room is a favourite for many people (see Jackie’s post), somehow I’m a little reluctant to read it because of the subject matter. I know, I know, I’m probably going to regret it and curse myself for not getting to it sooner.
Of the books that didn’t make it on to the shortlist, I’d still like to read Karen Russell’s Swamplandia, Jennifer Egan’s The Visit from the Goon Squad (I’m probably the last person alive that hasn’t read this one), Julie Orringer’s The Invisible Bridge and Tishani Doshi’s The Pleasure Seekers. At least now I don’t have to rush, heh.
chasing bawa 
13 April, 2011 at 2:32 am
Room was not an easy book to read because underlying the child like simplicity of the boy was always very dark undertones. But, it is a book that should be read just to understand the strength of the human spirit and the need to survive and that you would do whatever it takes to ensure a child’s survival.
13 April, 2011 at 4:37 pm
I kind of feel it’s probably in the same league as Veronique Olmi’s Beside the Sea which, although disturbing and not my usual reading choice, was outstanding. I’ll probably get to it someday, but not at the moment.
13 April, 2011 at 10:24 am
I’m one of the few people who didn’t like Room, so I would say you aren’t missing much (though I know this a very contrary Mary opinion!) I DO highly recommend Goon Squad though, I just finished and thought it was brilliant.
13 April, 2011 at 4:38 pm
You are in the minority, aren’t you? I have so many other books I want to read so I think I’ll concentrate on them first. Which brings me to Good Squad. I’ve heard SO many good things about it. And now you too:)
14 April, 2011 at 6:18 am
I’ve had Room sitting on the shelf for months. I don’t really feel inclined to read it, although I might. I’ve heard lots of good things about Great House, but I have so many books to finish before I embark on another. Will be interested to read your thoughts on it.
14 April, 2011 at 4:55 pm
I’m going to try and finish it this weekend:) And I would be interesting to see your thoughts on Room though.
18 April, 2011 at 12:31 am
I cannot wait to read The Tiger’s Wife! I was fortunate enough to buy an autographed copy at our local bookstore, so we’ll have to talk about it when we both have read it.
18 April, 2011 at 10:38 am
Me too:)