Jane’s Bookshelf

During 2019 I set myself a task. A nice one I might add. With a few exceptions, I read only Modern European Literature in translation. It was wonderful. The Polish writer Olga Tokarczuk challenged me as did the writings of Herman Koch and Marieke Lucas Rijneveld.

Then, looking at my bookshelves I realised this was something I'd done before mostly with French Romantic Classics. Perhaps now the time is right to re-read them. So below I list my past treasures waiting to be rediscovered.....

I define my must-have on my bookshelf titles by the number of times I dib into them.

Request any books below here.

MADAME BOVARY by Gustave Flaubert

Flaubert's erotically charged portrayal of a married woman's affair caused moral outcry when published in 1857. Emma Bovary is stifled by Society's expectations of how a provincial Doctor's wife should behave. Society is to be shocked.

BONJOUR TRIESTE by Francoise Sagan (request here)

This novel caused a scandal when published in the 1950's. The Times suggests it paved the way for the permissive society which was to follow its publication. A long hot summer and time.......

Landscapes in Landscapes by Piet Oudolf

The leading designer in Prairie Planting Piet Oudolf is my total, total garden hero. This book shows his drawings, his artwork, his planting diagrams in minute detail, naming each plant alongside its name and colour. A guide to planting a contemporary garden.

I believe garden design should be an extension of the house style. Piet Oudolf's thoughts follow through from a modern interior into a modern garden. I love Scandinavian design and architecture. It's the environment in which I want to live. This garden design book takes me there in gardening terms. It's also a beautifully illustrated book to dream through.

The Scandi Kitchen by Bronte Aurell published by Ryland Peters and Small

When in London I often visit the Scandi Kitchen in Great Titchfield Street. This is their Cookery Book. Full of quite simple, very fresh recipes interspersed with atmospheric photographs of Scandinavia. It holds many memories for me both of days in London and times in Denmark. Again this book is beautifully illustrated. The salad and smorgasbord recipes do work, I've eaten most of them!!