12 Comments

Thanks for these recommendations Claire. I've hovered around the buy button on Elizabeth Strout books several times but ultimately haven't bought as yet, I keep thinking the subjects might be a bit depressing and I'm definitely not in the mood for that right now! 🌻

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Feb 18, 2023Liked by Claire Holden

I adored Mrs Palfrey and have gone on to read a couple more Elizabeth Taylor’s. Talking of books featuring elderly characters, I also enjoyed Elizabeth is Missing, and Saving Missy (which surprised me as you know I don’t do uplifting reads!). And Evaristo’s Mr Loverman 💕

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Wonderful thoughts, Claire, and I love your exploration of other titles. I really must read Olive Kitteridge one day ❤️

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Feb 17, 2023Liked by Claire Holden

What a stunning post, Claire! I absolutely LOVED reading this and am immediately seeking out a copy of Mrs P! I immediately thought of Richard Osman as I was reading and was delighted to see that he was here as well! I love the comic touch that he brings to the Thursday Murder Club series. All the books you have recommended over the years on Instagram have always resonated with me and I am now looking forward to discussing more here! Xx

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Okay, you're making me think i need to read Olive K. again. I must have missed something the first time around ;). Maybe I'll watch the screen version, see if that softens my feelings.

I love the Richard Osman books....funnily, I've become very fond of older characters in books and TV/film....can't think why. lol. I will definitely put Mrs.Palfrey and your other recommendations on my list.

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Such a lovely read Claire and insightful connections you make between the books. I was delighted to see Three Things About Elsie mentioned which became a quick favorite of mine mostly because it was the last book I bought in London in December 2019 right before the you know what. My first intro to both Mrs. Palfrey and Olive K. were via TV. I watched the screen versions at a time in my life when I could do little else than shuffle from my bed to the sofa, and I was so taken by both characters - they were the right company at the right time - that I haven't been able to read the books not wanting to alter them in my mind. Usually it's the reverse for me, I will only watch a film adaptation AFTER reading the book. I'd like to read Madame Badobedah, thanks for the rec.

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