Friday 25 January 2013

The Artful Reader's Club

It's time for the reviews of the books we chose for January.
I'm looking forward to seeing what others have been reading and what they thought of the books.
If anyone is interested, all the books will be linked to Darcy's blog.


My book for the month was "Le Champ du Potier" ("Potter's field") by Andrea Camilleri








This is # 13 in the series featuring Montalbano, a detective on the island of Sicily.

Reading this was like being reunited with old friends - all the regular characters, with their quirks and foibles, are present.

The body this time (there are an awful lot of murders on Sicily!) was discovered in a muddy field.....the mud being used for clay, hence the title.

Montalbano pursued the investigation in his usual laid back way....assisted by his motley crew...from Catarello and his inability to ever get a name right (and his mangling of the Italian language) to Ingrid, a sometime lover, despite Montalbano having a fiancee (Livia) on the mainland.

The plot develops in a leisurely fashion but never drags as there is a fair amount of humour in the book.

Camilleri really comes into his own with his descriptive skills...whether it be a meal, the sea or the countryside. I could almost feel the heat of the sun and smell the wonderful dishes that Montalbano eats.

I can recommend this book, and the whole series, as well written murder mysteries that aren't too heavy but that do make you think.

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My artwork was inspired by Montalbano and Livia's relationship - it's tempestuous at the best of times and their phone calls often end up with one or the other slamming the phone down!



I did a page for my art journal. I was playing with some new (and very detailed) stamps and experimenting with monochrome with only the odd pop of colour.


29 comments:

Valerie-Jael said...

Nice work, glad you enjoyed your book! Valerie

Jackie Plank said...

Oh my, you make me want to read those books.. of course I won't cause I dont have time to read LOL

Love you journal page and the monochromatic idea is so eyecatching!!

Darcy Marshall said...

Great artwork, those are beautiful stamps that you chose, the black and white works perfectly with the splash of colour to make it pop. The review is great too, I love a good mystery/detective story. A good author has that desciptive process down really well, if they can make you think you are there then they have you.

Beebeebabs said...

You did a nice job thanks for sharing!!!

Jenny said...

Beautiful art journal page Susie... and gorgeous stamps... I do love books that has beloved characters in them... and this one sounds like it was a wonderful read...

Jenny ♥

The Scrapbook Lady UK said...

Great journal page. Virtual birthday party over at mine... are you coming? jenx

Virginia said...

The book sounds fab but the fact that you read the French version has me running for the hills, I love the artwork -fabulous stuff and those stamps really are detailed!

Gina said...

You did well not to give away the story, while giving insight into the characters :D He sounds tall and dark and sexy...but guess I'll have to read the book to find out lol
Love your journal page, that heart stamp looks extremely detailed :D XXX

Carmen said...

That central heart is a stamp? It's gorgeous, love the page you have created around it.

The book does sound interesting though I doubt I'd understand a word of it :-)

San @ Made in Hem said...

It's a good thing you said you used stamps because I thought you had been doodling and wondered if it took you all month! :) Fun Art! ♥
The book sounds very interesting! Too bad I can't read in Italian, I love play with language! Somehow lots of it gets lost in translation... My opinion!

Jez said...

I like to read about different places and have never read one about Sicily. Sounds an interesting book, so I'll add it to my list.
Love the artwork the red and black. I thought you had drawn the lovely hearts! I really like that cute little button.

P.J. said...

The book sounds interesting, and if it's such a good series, I guess I'll need to look into them. It's been a long time since I got into a series of books and I usually enjoy them.

Nice artwork, too! It looks great!

manomij said...

Your art work is gorgeous and you have got me interested in reading the series. I think my bookcase is going to burst after this challenge

Joanna said...

Interesting review - I could do with feeling the heat of the sun and smell some delicious Mediterranean food!

Wow, that heart stamp is gorgeous, so much detail! I like the monochrome and pop of red :)

xx

Sarah said...

you read the book in French?? colour me very impressed! those heart stamps are lovely, very intricate

Leialoha said...

Beautiful art journal page...especially Love the detailed heart stamp illustrating their stormy relationship. ...always looking for a great murder mystery...Mahalo for the wonderful review.

Just Words said...

I rarely read mystery stories so read your review with interest. Thanks for bringing the book to our attention. I love your artwork, especially the details drawn in ink. THey reminded me of Zentagles. Michelle Vanstrom

Janet said...

I was introduced to Inspector Montalbano et al through the television drama series. You make me want to read the actual stories! Love the art journal page, I think you have captured their relationship very well.

Janet xx

Hi it's Maria said...

the book sounds good susan, I like a good mystery without too much heaviness, lol..

love your doodling art work, well done...

maria xx

Ali said...

A great review and a wonderful journal page!

Shirley said...

Your journal page really has some gorgeous stamps on it, love the way you have used them, the colour popping is so effective. Sounds like a great read especially as you were reuniting with the characters.

lorig said...

Great review. The book sounds like one I might pick up as I enjoy a good easy read mystery now and again. Wonderful artwork it inspired.

Maz said...

Nice review and your artwork is great - I love the monochrome effect with the splashes of red. Very effective.

BadPenny said...

Been looking at comments over a few posts.... thank you so much xxxx

Jen said...

Love the art work, just right for parted lovers. Have just started to read my first of these books having seen it on tv, keep having to put it aside to read this months ARC book!
Jen x

Diane said...

Lovely review. The series sounds like a lot of fun, especially for mystery fans. I've added the first of the series to my future reads list. Love the new stamps you used on your journal page. They are incredibly detailed. The pop of red works very well and makes the art very festive with Valentine's Day just around the corner.

Catie Cuddles said...

Love the art work and strangely have just been discussing these books with my parents who love them ... May have to give them a go myself too!

Daniella said...

I see you haven't been here for a bit. I hope you are well!!
The book sounds interesting. How fun to join a book group!!
I love the Art Journal page!! Very awesome!!
xxDaniella

Teri said...

I enjoyed your use of colors in your art work. Very striking.