gaudy night

[schmerica]

Also, reading update -- I brought Gaudy Night in with me for reading on bus and lunch (the other books I'm in the middle of are big hardcovers, and this is a nice smaller one, so easier). I've read the novel before, but I'm pretty sure I was too young at the time (somewhere between 12 and 16, and long enough ago that I don't remember any details), though I couldn't say whether it's a matter of smartness or maturity. I liked bits of it, but I definitely felt like I was missing a lot, whereas this time, my enjoyment is really much deeper and more satisfying.

Plus, I know what happens at the very very end, which is pleasing. Mmm, Harriet Vane and Lord Peter Wimsey.

Comments

[raincitygirl.livejournal.com]

I wholeheartedly second that rec. MMA is *brilliant*, and makes savagely comic use of Sayers' own career as a copywriter in the 1920's. In fact, what scares me, given that I *work* in advertising, is how little has changed since the book was published. Yeah, there are obvious differences like computers and such, but a lot of the principles remain the same, and all the funnier for it. MMA is the book I recommend people start with if they've never read any Sayers before and I'm not sure if they'll like her distinctive style. I figure even if Wimsey irritates them they still won't be sorry they read it because it's so much fun.

Gaudy Night is my favourite Sayers and definitely on my top ten list of favourite books period. That having been said, it definitely wouldn't be the book I'd choose to introduce someone to her work. For one thing, you'd need to have read the two prequels to really get it.

[pearl-o.livejournal.com]

Yeah, Gaudy Night is definitely one of those books that really need its context -- but once it's fully in it, wow.