Thursday 17 December 2009

No signposts in the sea (Sackville-West) 175

Sackville-West is someone I have come across this year whose books I have really enjoyed, and I was not disappointed by No signposts in the sea. It is quite a slight book, a mere 156 pages, but that is ample to do justice to the story.

Having heard that he does not have very long to live, Edmund has embarked on a long cruise. We learn in due course, that he found out that Laura, a woman who he has loved passively for some time, was going on this trip, and Edmund decided to go to so that he can spend his remaining time with her. The book is a wonderful account of a man coming to terms with his impending death and trying to work out his love for Laura, believing her to be in love with someone else. It was a beautiful read.

I apologise for the blurry covers, but there are four of them. I particularly like the original top one, which really evokes the relationship between Laura and Edmund. My copy is the most recent bottom one.

6 comments:

  1. I thought this was gorgeous too! So glad you liked it.

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  2. I also like the original cover best. The second one is also nice.

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  3. I have the original cover :). Of course, I haven't yet read it ... really must read some Vita in '10.

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  4. I read this book a few years ago and really loved it, beautifully drawn characters.
    thanks for sharing
    Martine

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  5. This actually put me off VSW - I didn't think much of it! Then I read The Heir and loved it, so perhaps it was just the wrong time for me. The second cover is also the cover of Jenny Hartley's Reading Groups, isn't it?

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