Something that I read on the Web about William de Braose Abergavenny Castle the other day reminded me of a book I read a couple of years ago by Barbara Erskine called Lady of Hay.
I can remember the first time I read this book, a thriller that sends chills up your spine. A link to the past to the de Braose family and the modern day with a heroine experiencing the history of Mathilda first hand.
I have read it a couple of times since, and I know I often get asked how can you read a book more than once? My answer is simple, I see the tapestry in the words, the more times I read it the more complex layers become revealed until you are seeing the book in virtual 3D in your mind's eye.
One of my favourte books, and I know I have mentioned it before, is Katherine by Anya Seton. I will read it again in the years to come, and almost smell the rushes on the floor, the scent of the candles and incence in the air and the pungent smell of the garderobe.
Or I have a very vivid imagination, that occasionally runs wild with me..
I will admit to reading some books only once, those that fail to capture my imagination or the subject matter is not to my interest; those I pass on to others but many remain on my shelves to rest quietly for the time when they will be opened once more.
5 comments:
I too read some books more than once, but often read whole series more than once in order to get more pleasure out of the development of the characters and the background in which they live (this applies to both fiction, historical fiction and science fiction - or should that just all read: fiction?)
I do like to read good books more than once sometimes more than twice because I do have a tendency to skips parts if its a good book, so by reading again I pick up the bits I missed..x
I don't often read a book more than once I have to confess - so many books, so little time, is my motto. But I do like a book with a real sense of place, as you so vividly describe.
I'm that way, too. I can read some things over and over and over (the Anne of Green Gables series, Harry Potter). Others I don't - War and Peace. Sometimes once is enough.
But I'm going to find the one you mentioned - I love that kind of book.
I agree Sage...some books that I have read more than once (and they have to be good ones!) I can see a whole new dimension in the story that I missed the previous time(s). I love books that can do that!
..but I don't read 'thrillers'..!You meant scary right? ...?..
{Hugs}
Barb
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