[On this final day of Virago Reading Week I have not just one VRW post, but three. Here is the third and final for the day. Scroll down to see the others.]
Earlier this week I posted a picture of all the Viragos that I owned that I wouldn’t be reading during Virago Reading Week. Absent from that photo was this book by Barbara Comyns. It was on my shelves where I keep all my other TBR books that aren’t in my nightstand and which aren’t part of some other collection in my library (e.g., Persephone, VMC, etc.). So I was somewhat surprised when I noticed it today. Especially since Barbara Comyns has gotten a fair amount of notice among book bloggers lately, and this book in particular was the subject of one of Simon’s posts this week.
I am in love with the cover, and based on all the Internet buzz, I really want to read it today. Alas, I can’t. I will have to wait until after April 1st.
Oh, danger, I just read the opening line and really, really want to read it today. Must. Be. Firm.
A few weeks after my tenth birthday I was sent to stay with some very horsy relations in Leicestershire.
hogglestock 
What an enticing opening sentence. But stay strong, Thomas…. you can do it!
LikeLike
This one is a really good one – very hard to resist……..
LikeLike
Great first line! I immediately checked WorldCat and found two libraries nearby that had it. I, too, must be firm and wait until April.
Why did I commit to the TBR Dare? And why is Virago Reading Week NOW instead of in April, or at least, the end of March???? Torture!
LikeLike
I shan't try to tempt you further ;)
Good job you didn't read the opening line of Who Was Changed and Who Was Dead; that one is impossible to resist ('The ducks swam through the drawing-room window.')
Simon
LikeLike
JoAnn: Despite the temptation, I am pretty strong at the moment.
Verity: I can't wait to read it.
Karen: Overall I am loving the TBR Dare, but there are times…
Simon: No you shouldn't The ducks swam through the drawing-room window. Fascinating.
LikeLike
Of course, you could always have the temptation removed by temporarily re-homing the book with a local blogging friend who is really wanting to try Comyns ;) Oh, wait–the TBR Dare applies across the river, too. Rats!
LikeLike
I do like this cover, but the whole idea of the skin chairs still has me a little “creeped out,” to quote my kids!
LikeLike
That truly is a stunning piece of cover art and how wonderful you stumbled across this book again.
I was thinking of you today, Thomas, as I pulled a copy of All Passion Spent off of a shelf at a bookshop today. It came home with me thanks to your review!
LikeLike
Oooh, horsy relations–and ducks in the drawing room–sigh. I'm afraid you and your comments section have expanded my holiday reading list even more.
LikeLike
That is hilarious! Read it!
LikeLike