Sign in with Facebook
Diane Barnes's Reviews > Mitz: The Marmoset of Bloomsbury
Mitz: The Marmoset of Bloomsbury
by
by
I've never read a novel by Virginia Woolf or by Leonard Woolf. I knew they had an unusual though loving marriage, and I knew about the Bloomsbury set. I've read ABOUT the Woolfes, (or The Woolves, as their friends referred to them) in books and essays, but have never been motivated to learn more. Then Kindle had a sale ($1.99) and since I had read and enjoyed Nunez's "The Friend", I decided to take a chance.
What I got was a captivating little tale about a marmoset adopted by Leonard, adored by Virginia, and a source of amusement to their friends. I also got a look into their homes, their relationships, their writing habits, and even their health problems, mental and physical. I loved all of it, including the imagined journey of Mitz from a Brazilian rainforest to a shop in London, mistreated and starved and humiliated, until Leonard came along. It broke my heart, but at least she had a happy ending to her short life.
What I loved most about this short novel was the voice in which Sigrid Nunez chose to tell the tale. It was calm and matter of fact and perfectly conveyed the London world of the time, roughly 1935-1939, so I got a little history as well. I also got a new author to add to my list of must reads.
For me, right now, this book was a perfect escape.
What I got was a captivating little tale about a marmoset adopted by Leonard, adored by Virginia, and a source of amusement to their friends. I also got a look into their homes, their relationships, their writing habits, and even their health problems, mental and physical. I loved all of it, including the imagined journey of Mitz from a Brazilian rainforest to a shop in London, mistreated and starved and humiliated, until Leonard came along. It broke my heart, but at least she had a happy ending to her short life.
What I loved most about this short novel was the voice in which Sigrid Nunez chose to tell the tale. It was calm and matter of fact and perfectly conveyed the London world of the time, roughly 1935-1939, so I got a little history as well. I also got a new author to add to my list of must reads.
For me, right now, this book was a perfect escape.
Sign into Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ to see if any of your friends have read
Mitz.
Sign In »
Reading Progress
July 26, 2019
– Shelved
July 26, 2019
– Shelved as:
to-read
November 4, 2020
–
Started Reading
November 7, 2020
–
Finished Reading
November 8, 2020
– Shelved as:
bedtime-books
November 9, 2020
– Shelved as:
odd-little-books
Comments Showing 1-25 of 25 (25 new)
date
newest »
newest »
message 1:
by
Diane
(new)
-
rated it 4 stars
Nov 08, 2020 05:43AM
By the way, I just checked. This book is still $1.99 on Kindle, for anyone wanting to be tempted.
reply
|
flag
This sounds like a comforting read. Excellent review.
Very tempting, Diane! Also, a very captivating (to use your word) review!
Thanks, guys. Not sure everyone will love it, but I did.
This Sigrid Nunez has such an interesting bio. She seems to write non-fiction as often as fiction, or even a hybrid of the two? Have you read anything else of hers, Diane?
This was a lovely read for me. Glad your enjoyed it.
Julie, I read "The Friend", which I loved. It won the National Book Award. And I'm planning to read "What Are You Going Through". I truly think you would like her.
Wasn't it wonderful, Antoinette? I need to make a shelf titled Odd Little Books.
Lovely review, Diane. I have this one marked, and it does sound like something I would enjoy. I think I'll take a peek at that kindle deal ;)
This sounds like a little gem. Thanks for the brilliant review. And thanks for the heads up re the cheapo Kindle version. Sigh, I had to grab it. Please do start a shelf for Odd Little Books—I will slurp it up!
I do love books that don't really fit into any genre, but are their own thing. I seem to read more and more of them these days.
I should have a look at this.I suppose being 'afraid of Virginia Woolf' is a common trope, if somewhat apocryphal. Her work can be challenging but it's definitely worth the effort. I recommend Orlando; it's actually a lot of fun.
I fully intend to read her at some point, Jim. Thanks for the encouragement and the suggestion.
I read (finally!) To the Lighthouse, and I read The Friend! Will remember what you said about this one. Thanks, Diane!
How did you like To the Lighthouse, Jan? I have that on my shelf.
Diane, it's definitely a "5," but it's one of those books for which "like" may not be exactly the right word. "Poignant," maybe. I didn't even think about putting it on my "bibliotrauma" shelf, but in part that's because of her velvety touch. I'm so glad I finally read one of hers, though.
Yes, yes, yes, Diane! I loved this little story, and loved that you commented on how "it was calm and matter of fact and perfectly conveyed the London world of the time."
I just fell into it, Cheri. I'm recommending it to everyone.
As someone who has struggled reading Woolf, I've mightily enjoyed reading about her and her set. This sounds like something I would enjoy. Thanks, Diane.
I think you would Robin.
Sounds perfect and I want to read more of Nunez.
Me too, Lisa. Did you read "The Friend"?
Diane wrote: "Me too, Lisa. Did you read "The Friend"?" Yes, I loved it and also loved (although not quite as much) "What Are You Going Through."
Ah, Diane, this is a wondrous review. Just perfect.
Thanks Laysee. It felt like a perfect little book.
