Book Chat Issue #85
A true classic
Hello reading friends!
Sometimes I worry that I’m featuring a book that ‘everyone has read’ and then I realise that this isn’t possible! There will always be someone out there who hasn’t heard of the book, or has heard the title but never gotten around to reading it. Or maybe you have read the book, but it was ages ago, and it’s time for a re-read.
Today’s recommendation is in that category. A simple story, but a classic.
Do you have a favourite book you’ve read more than once?
What I’ve been reading
When my face-to-face book club decided to read “I heard the owl call my name” by Margaret Craven, I was sure I had read it. The title was familiar and I had a vague recollection of taking it to hospital with me when I was having my first child. Quite a few years ago now! On reflection, I think the book I took was “I know why the caged bird sings”, an equally inappropriate choice for someone about to go into labour. (One of my best tips for going into situations where your concentration is likely to be less than perfect is to take a book you’ve already started reading, preferably a page-turner.)
Anyway, as it turns out, I’ve never read “I heard the owl call my name”, but I’m glad I finally got around to it.
It tells the story of a young priest who is sent by his Bishop to a Tsawataineuk (First Nations) village at the head of remote Kingcome inlet, on the southwestern British Columbia coast. The young priest is unaware that he has a terminal illness - the Bishop knows, but decides not to tell him because he will ‘try too hard’.
Despite having no knowledge of his impending demise, he works very hard to fit into the community and learn about their culture and values. He tries not to give advice, instead choosing to watch and learn. There’s a lovely scene where his friend shouts at him for making a mistake on a boat and he’s delighted when this happens as it means he’s been truly accepted.
Originally published in 1967, it paints a picture of a community on the brink of change as modernity threatens their culture and traditions. Craven is dispassionate and even-handed about these changes, seeing them as both inevitable and sad. It’s a profound and beautiful book and definitely worth a read (or a re-read).
What I’ve been cooking
I’m conscious that although it’s winter here in Australia, things are heating up in other parts of the world. My inbox is full of recipes for salads featuring corn, eggplants and tomatoes. Fortunately, our winters are quite sunny, so we can still eat salad, but last weekend it was both raining and bitterly cold, which meant cooking something long and slow as an excuse to stay in the kitchen where it was warm and cosy.
It was with some trepidation that I decided to make a North Indian lamb curry from scratch. My curries are often quite watery, despite following the instructions to the letter, so I was thrilled when this one turned out rich and thick. On reflection, I can see that the secret is not adding any stock (or water for that matter).
This is not a quick recipe in terms of cooking time, but it was quite simple to make if you have a cupboard full of spices, as I do. It would be trickier if you had to buy all the individual spices. There are a lot! I didn’t have many of the fresh spices in the recipe (e.g. fresh ginger) so I just used ground ginger and it was fine.
International book club
If you’re new around here, you might like to know we have an international book club. We are currently reading Oh, Sister by Jodie Chapman and we are meeting on the first weekend of August. If you haven’t been to book club before and want to join in, just hit reply to this email.
Things that made me smile
People say social media is terrible for your mental health, but I say, not necessarily. You just have to choose content that makes you happy, rather than anxious or dissatisfied.
Cally Beaton is always good for a laugh…
And look at these little teddies. Gorgeous.
Want to be friends on Instagram? You can find me here.
In the meantime, look after yourself and keep reading!
Marg xxx
Always an enjoyable, enlightening read, Marg! I haven’t read the Margaret Craven book, but, as you know, I value your recommendations and will check it out. I never tire of classics like Pride and Prejudice, which I’ve read countless times, but also books I loved as a child and still do, like Alice in Wonderland.
I’m still awaiting the arrival of your August book club pick, which I had to order as it wasn’t available on Libby!
That lamb stew looks delicious!
My fav book is Wuthering Heights. I've read it 7 times so far 😅