As we come to the end of our brief series on Edmund Crispin’s mystery novel, it’s time to discuss the puzzle (as it were). Does it work? How does it stack up? And then once that's out of the way, David, Heidi, and Sean dig into what really works in this book, whether it has anything serious to say, why there are so many Alexander Pope references, and much more! Happy listening!
Just listened to both the episodes together. Really appreciate you recommending an author and a book I'd never heard of, and, David, for letting us get to know you a bit better.
Sean, I haven’t read The Rape of the Lock since college, but your moving account of Pope’s life has encouraged me to revisit his work. When I get back to my bookshelf in a few months, I need to move his book onto my TBR shelf. I have always felt strongly about that period of English history and as a Roman Catholic, I used to daydream about religious resistance and priest-holes in my adolescence. Though not persecuted, I was always a religious minority growing up and felt akin to their cause.
So Sean is a Pope fan, Heidi doesn’t like Gaudy Night, and David thinks The Road is McCarthy’s worst novel. Just taking notes for my book on Official Literary Vices.
Oct 16, 2023·edited Oct 17, 2023Liked by David Kern
Thanks for this selection David! Def a CR staple. I’m also here for the vibes, (AND the CR memes - bring ‘em on!), and I was wishing I was in a pub in Oxford enjoying the literary feast in this book. I’d probably have to shut up the redheaded socialist nearby though.
Sean, you’ve got my Pope vote, not that I’m an expert, but I liked your campaign.
Heidi, God bless you for being “here” and working while sick! I hope you are already feeling better.
I guess Hitchcock read this book and stole the carousel scene for Strangers On a Train!
Just listened to both the episodes together. Really appreciate you recommending an author and a book I'd never heard of, and, David, for letting us get to know you a bit better.
Sean, I haven’t read The Rape of the Lock since college, but your moving account of Pope’s life has encouraged me to revisit his work. When I get back to my bookshelf in a few months, I need to move his book onto my TBR shelf. I have always felt strongly about that period of English history and as a Roman Catholic, I used to daydream about religious resistance and priest-holes in my adolescence. Though not persecuted, I was always a religious minority growing up and felt akin to their cause.
So Sean is a Pope fan, Heidi doesn’t like Gaudy Night, and David thinks The Road is McCarthy’s worst novel. Just taking notes for my book on Official Literary Vices.
I feel like we've revealed far worse vices than these lol.
Can't wait to discuss The Road, b/c I stand by my opinion of that book. I'm not saying it's bad. It's just not pure Cormac McCarthy.
I’m so glad I’m not the only one who thought the puzzle itself was the weakest link. It was a delightful romp - a very clear, bookish vibe.
Thanks for this selection David! Def a CR staple. I’m also here for the vibes, (AND the CR memes - bring ‘em on!), and I was wishing I was in a pub in Oxford enjoying the literary feast in this book. I’d probably have to shut up the redheaded socialist nearby though.
Sean, you’ve got my Pope vote, not that I’m an expert, but I liked your campaign.
Heidi, God bless you for being “here” and working while sick! I hope you are already feeling better.
I guess Hitchcock read this book and stole the carousel scene for Strangers On a Train!
good guess!