Hello, and welcome to Margaret Kennedy Reading Week.
This week is dedicated to reading the work of Margaret Kennedy, who isn’t quite a forgotten author but who isn’t nearly as widely read as I think she should, or could, be. I started reading her books back in October 2012 and have enjoyed every one of her books that I’ve read. They are wonderfully diverse, and, though some are stronger than others, each one has its own merits.
(I should mention at this point, just in case you haven’t seen it already and you’re wondering who the author is or which of her books you might like, that there is a bibliography, there are links, and there is as much information as I could pull together in one place back here.)
I want to thank everyone who has spread the word about this event and been so supportive about celebrating Margaret Kennedy’s legacy. It’s been lovely to find so any people who know and like her work, and to find others who are ready to be introduced to a new author. I’ve read about plans, I’ve spotted some people reading already, and I am so curious to read reactions to Margaret Kennedy’s work.
I will keep a running list here of all Margaret Kennedy posts written this week so that we can read each other’s thoughts. You can let me know you’ve posted by commenting here, by sending me an email at the address you should see near the top of the sidebar, or by tweeting about your post using the hashtag #mkennedyrw.
(When I say posts I don’t just mean blog posts, I also mean bookish posts on Librarything, on Goodreads, on Booklikes, and on other sites that I might have forgotten And please don’t feel left out if you don’t do any of that; just leave a comment here with your thoughts.)
Thank you to everyone participating – I wish you a wonderful week of reading Margaret Kennedy!
Fleur in her World 
What a great compilation of information on her you pulled together. I haven’t read anything by her yet. Any recommendations on what I should start with?
Well Lucy Carmichael is a favourite of many, and I’d say that he books from the 1950s are her strongest. Her earlier books are good too, but I don’t think they’ve dated quite so well.
I started The Wild Swan today, and I was hooked from the first page. I can’t wait to hear what others are reading. This week is sure to add to my TBR stacks, which already have a Margaret Kennedy section!
I’ve just read and loved The Wild Swan, and I’ve moved on to A Night at Cold Harbour. If you don’t have that one you definitely need a copy!
I began Lucy Carmichael because my library sent it to me quickly. I was hooked immediately as well and am grateful to you for introducing me to another author.
That’s wonderful. It’s so lovely to be able to introduce people to good books and wonderful authors.
I’m starting with the Fool of the Family…because that is the one my used bookstore had. :o) I found a lovely old copy. I really wanted to start with The Constant Nymph, but now, after getting a start on the fascinating Sanger family, I want to read their story from the beginning! I will probably just order a new edition. I’ll be posting a few thoughts on ‘Fool’ this week on my blog. Thanks so much for hosting this; I am glad of the chance to explore a new-to-me author from this time period.
I love The Fool of the Family. It’s a lighter story than The Constant Nymph, and I don’t think it will do any harm to read them out of order. I read a library copy, and I need to find one of my own to keep.
Hurray! And my review of The Forgotten Smile will be neatly arriving in Shiny New Books later today.
What timing! I’ll mention you in the who read what post, and I will bang the drum for an excellent new issue very soon.
I couldn’t wait, so I started The Ladies of Lyndon this morning. Lovely! And next to Pride and Prejudice, it might have the best opening line ever. 🙂 Thanks for introducing (or re-introducing) us to this writer,
I am so glad you like it, Audrey.
Gawd. I’m always late to a party. I have checked the Virago bookshelf and find I have 2 Kennedys – hoorah.. The Constant Nymph and Troy Chimneys. Which should I read first I wonder?
I haven’t read Troy Chimneys but it sounds wonderful and I think the story and the author are a good match, so I’ll steer you to that one of I may.
I’m really looking forward to reading The Feast this week – I keep hearing such good things about it.
I love that book, and I’ll be interested to know what you make of it.
I have 5 Kennedy books to read but TOGETHER AND APART will be the first one.I do like a disintegrating marriage set in the 1930s.
Excellent! I have yet to read ‘Together and Apart’ but I’ve just read a very positive review.
Loving “The Feast” very much – as you thought I would!:)
I’m a pleased and relieved – you never quite know which books will strike chords for other readers.
I started “The Feast’ today and I am loving it like you said I would!! I just realised I and Kaggsy have more or less similar thoughts!! Way to go Jane and Viva Margaret Kennedy!!!
I am so pleased, because I particularly love ‘The Feast.’
I am reading The Constant Nymph which I am loving I started a couple of days ago and have less than 100 pages to go but so tired I may not finish till tomorrow. I then have The Ladies of Lyndon from the library which I may get to by the end of the week.
Do take your time and enjoy the book – now that you have been happily introduced to the author I’m happy!
I’m reading The Constant Nymph as well. I don’t think it’s one that you had recommended for me but I had a copy of it so it made sense to read it. I’m enjoying it enough to know that I’ll definitely want to read more of her books soon!
I love The Constant Nymph so I’m pleased you’re enjoying it too. The only reason I wouldn’t recommend it as a first book is that there are elements that haven’t dated well, but as a reader of historical fiction and older books I know you will understand that happens sometimes, and shouldn’t necessarily reflect badly on the author.
I am halfway through Ladies of Lyndon which is living up to the high expectations I had after reading that very humorous first page.
The Ladies of Lyndon is sounding fabulous. I’m looking forward to reading your thoughts.
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