My mother says I'm the coolest nerd she's ever met, which is one of those wonderful compliments wrapped in an insult that my mother is known for. However, in this case, she isn't far off. I'm a book lover who tends to skip past the best-sellers section and hit the Barnes and Noble Classics display.
I love a good reading plan. Right now I'm trying to read classics, historical novels and popular fiction from countries around the world. I just started diving into Russian novels and would love to hear any of your recommendations!
This bracelet pairs perfectly with Russka. The cross touches on the religious aspects of the novel. The colors, distressing and tassel bring out the rough and rustic undertones.
I first came across Edward Rutherfurd when my grandma sent me his novel London (my entire family is on the hunt to collect anything with my name on it). I usually enjoy historical fiction and was drawn to the fact that Rutherfurd's books span a country's entire history (for the most part) by following the lives of fictional characters. I knew that Russka would be the best way for me to get in the mood for Russian literature. You may as well start off with a 900 page "fun" book before delving into War and Peace.
When reading a book, I always write down quotes that speak to me. A lot of these are about manners and social conventions (books can teach you a LOT about those topics), but others are just lines that make me stop and think. I'll never share spoilers with you, but I'll always provide my favorite quotes. Hopefully, they inspire you to read these books or share some quotes from your own favorites. Happy reading!
Notable Quotables
"Only when I returned and found the love of my family did I once again desire to live. It is true, therefore, what the preachers say: the world is good for nothing without love. And gradually in his mind a new formula had taken shape: Life itself is love; Death is lack of love. That is all there is to it," (page 7).
"The richer you are, the more people think they ought to give you," (page 246).
"All marriages turn to indifference, and most to hatred, they tell me," (page 272). Pinterest provides a glossy version of marriage, Russka predicts gloom and despair. Here's to hoping it's somewhere in between!
"'Men,' he muttered at last, 'are never free. Not when they are ruled by their own desires," (page 376).
"And we women, who suffer, we remain like the earth. You trample us, yet without us you are nothing... God made us want you. Our eyes make us despise you," (page 421).
"'You mean,' Anna tried to fathom this, 'that anything, even kindness to others, good manners, should be destroyed? What on earth would you have if everyone did that?' And now, for the first time since he had arrived, Popov smiled. 'Truth,' he said simply," (page 711). Harsh, and one could argue that good manners mean sharing the truth in a positive and uplifting way.
"Mrs. Suvorin liked her guest list to have a theme, and this evening was no exception," (page 820). Themed parties, guests lists and menus are all signs of an organized hostess. You want to invite people that you know will get along and make the evening truly memorable.
Manners Moral: Reading can teach you a lot about the different rules of etiquette that governed a particular society during a specific time frame. It's true what your parents told you: Reading can be fun AND educational.