The novel I’m reading is Abraham Verghese’s The Covenant of Water which begins with a child bride in 1900, her groom horrified by her age as the ceremony starts. I’ve read just over 100 of its 736 pages and I’m enjoying it but I suspect it won’t match Verghese’s Cutting for Stone for me. My guess is there’s going to be some bagginess.
The short story collection I’m reading is Andrea Lundgren’s Nordic Fauna (trans. John Litell) bought quite some time ago as part of a Peirene sale splurge. I’ve read just one story so far about a woman grappling with the anxiety that grips her every afternoon, waiting for her partner to come home. Its ending fits the Metamorphoses theme to which this volume belongs, the last themed series 
The non-fiction book I’m reading is still Erika Flatland’s High (trans. Kari Dickson), her account of her journey through the Himalayas. I thought this one would keep me going for a few months but I’m already well over two thirds of the way through, having travelled from China through Pakistan, Bhutan and India. I’m currently in Nepal which has changed a good deal since I trekked there in the early ’80s. Flatland is an excellent travel writer, curious and engaged. I’ve already added her other books to my TBR list.
What about you? What are you reading?
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My answer to ‘What are you reading?’ will appear on Friday or Saturday. I’m giving 6 Degrees a rest for a bit. High definitely appeals from your choices today.
Well, that’s tantalising! My addiction to 6 Degrees is such that I only miss it while on holiday. High is brilliant.
I’ll certainly go on reading everyone’s posts. I just feel in a bit of a rut with it. I’ll be back.
Good! I enjoy your book/photograph combo.
It’s taking more time than I’m in the mood for just now. I’ll be back …
Oooh! I’ve just reserved High at the library, and see that EF has at least two other enticing looking books.
The one around the Russian border is next on my list from her.
Mine too,
A book will have to be good to make me want to embark on 736 pages!
Agreed! I don’t think I’d have started it had I not been so impressed by Cutting for Stone.
I’ve always meant to read The Covenant of Water so will be keen to hear what you think!
Some graphic descriptions of surgical procedures just before bed last night but so far so good.
Eek!
Tonight’s bedtime reading might be a short story instead!
I bought Cutting For Stone some months back, but it’s a tome too, and I haven’t ventured there yet. Fatland’s book sounds like my type of book. I am reading the Booker Prize winner Heart Lamp and really enjoying it. Still working my way through Paul Durcan’s poetry collection.
I’d recommend Cutting for Stone. His style is very easy although it can be harrowing at times. I’m not a poetry reader but I can see you need to take your time to get the most out of it.
I’m reading The Half Moon, I didn’t enjoy Ask Again, Yes either but, based on your winter books’ post, this seemed like it might fit my mood for something undemanding and indeed it does. I’ve just finished The Mushroom Tapes, very disappointing but then again nothing was going to live up to those Collected Diaries ( Helen Garner). Also recently finished Andrew Porter’s short stories ( can’t remember the name just now), absolutely loved them. Saving The Imagined Life for Christmas!
I enjoyed Cutting for Stone but somehow haven’t felt like starting on The Covenant of Water. Will check out Erika Fatland, looks interesting.
I’m so glad The Half Moon’s working for you but I’m sorry about The Mushroom Tapes. I recently bought The Disappeared on the strength of The Imagined Life so I’m hoping that’s the collection you’ve just finished.
Yes, that’s it- really excellent I thought.
Delighted to hear that! You’re in for a treat with his new novel.
Thanks Susan
I thought The Covenant of Water lived up to Cutting for Stone — I spent most of the summer reading it (alongside many other things).
My guess is you enjoyed the graphic surgical scenes more than I have!
Hi Susan, I always find your ‘Snapshot’ post interesting. My current list is probably only of interest tome but I thought might share it because of it’s diversity. The novel which I have recommended as our Book Club read this month is Claire-Louise Bennett’s ‘Big Kiss, Bye-Bye’. I discovered her with her first book ‘Pond’, and I’m enjoying experiencing the evolution of her writing.
I read a short chapter every other day of ‘An Mac Tíre Deireanach’ – The Last Wolf – in Irish. It is a guided winter reading challenge to improve understanding of the Irish language, written by the current Laureate na nÓg – Laureate of the Young – Patricia Forde.
My non-fiction is a family history written by a French friend. He was able to trace his peasant roots in Northern France and his American wife’s, both back through 11 generations. By comparison, our ability to trace our ancestors here in Ireland was lost with the destruction of the Customs House and The Public Record Office during the turbulent years of the 1920s, especially for people who did not hold prominent or newsworthy positions in society.
Finally, I am reading for the umpteenth time Joyce;s short story ‘The Dead’, which closes his collection ‘Dubliners’ as we will attend an interactive version at the Museum of Literature Ireland in Newman House on Sunday.
Le meas, James
Lovely to hear that, James. I’m always interested in what other readers have on the go, particularly when it’s as wide-ranging as your selection.The interactive version of The Dead sounds fascinating. How does it work?
I’ll tell you next week, Susan. In essence, the audience are treated as if they are guests at Gsbriel’s aunts soirée but beyond that, I don’t know
This Himalayas book sounds good!
Here is my post: https://wordsandpeace.com/2025/12/03/the-top-7-books-to-read-in-december-2025/
It’s excellent!
I haven’t yet read Cutting for Stone, but I absolutely loved The Covenant of Water. I listened to the audiobook (if I remember correctly, it was narrated by the author) and loved hearing the pronunciations of all the local terms and names.
That’s encouraging! I’m a bit further along now and getting to know Digby.
Nordic Fauna sounds tempting!
From the ever reliable Peirene!
I’ll be interested in your verdict on The Covenant of Water. It’s one I’ve been swithering over, so you might finally tip the balance one way or another!
I’m now over two hundred pages in and, as predicted, it’s become a bit baggy. Happy to keep going, though.
I have yet to read either of Verghese’s novels, but so many friends loved Cutting For Stone, so I know I will get to him one day. I hope this one is not too baggy.
Now nearly three hundred pages in and it’s slow going but I’m happy to stay with it. Of the two, I’d say definitely go for Cutting for Stone..
Small-press sales are lovely/diabolical. Enjoy the spoils!
Aren’t they, just. I think Nordic Fauna might be the last of that particular sale binge.