Friday, July 24, 2020

Book Beginnings: Nothing to Report

Nothing to Report
by Carola Oman
(first published 1940)


Opening Lines
The moment that Miss Morrison woke up she felt that something pleasant was going to happen today. 

About the Book
Unmarried and nicknamed “Button” by her friends, Mary Morrison is a (very mildly) distressed gentlewoman. She no longer lives in her family home, but remains at the very centre of village life, surrounded by friends including carefree, irresponsible Catha, Lady Rollo, just back from India and setting up lavish housekeeping nearby with her husband and children—socialist Tony, perfect Crispin, and Elizabeth who’s preparing to be presented at Court. Then there’s Marcelle, Mary’s widowed sister-in-law, and her challenging daughter Rosemary, who may soon be planting themselves with her to escape London bombs, Miss Rosanna Masquerier, a historical novelist who might just be a wry self-portrait of the author, and an array of other Sirs and Ladies who rely on Mary’s sympathy and practicality. And perhaps there’s just a hint of romance as well.

Initial Thoughts

Wouldn't it be wonderful to wake up that way? Usually the first thing I think when I wake up in the morning is — which part of my body is going to fall apart today?

I've been looking for something diverting to read, something that I'll actually stick with and finish. Lately, I've been having a LOT of trouble with that. Just can't seem to stay with any one book for very long. I've never read anything by Carola Oman before, but she's been recommended as a "Barbara Pym-ish" author, so I'm hoping this one will keep me reading.


Have a good weekend, everyone.
Stay safe. Stay calm. And happy reading!



Rose City Reader hosts Book Beginnings on Friday.  As she says, the idea is to post the first sentence (or so) of the book you're currently reading, along with any first impressions or thoughts you have about the book, the author, etc.  It's a wonderful way of adding new books to your must-read list, and a chance to connect with other readers and bloggers.

2 comments:

  1. Ah, yes, wouldn't it be lovely to wake up like that? For me, it is waking up to enough stretches so I can move around without too much pain, lol.

    Enjoy your book and your week.

    ReplyDelete

Welcome and thanks for leaving me a comment. I love to hear from visitors.

Also, please note that while I appreciate the thought, I don't play the blog awards game. I think you all deserve awards! But you might think about becoming a follower of my blog -- that would really be the best award.