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The Betrothed: Chapters 5-8

Hey Close Reads subscribers, welcome back to our ongoing conversations on Alessandro Manzoni’s The Betrothed! This week we discuss the book’s contemplation of the notion of the true self, Lucia’s complicated response to Renzo and Agnese’s choices, the humor at the heart of the story, and much more. Happy listening and thanks for the support! Thank you for subscribing. Leave a comment or share this episode.

A Tale of Two Cities: To the End of Book 2

Welcome back! It’s French Revolution time (i.e., Dickens does history). Also, Lucy and Darnay discuss Sidney’s sadness, Lucy and Darnay have children, and ultimately Darnay leaves. We discuss. Happy listening! Thank you for subscribing. Leave a comment or share this episode.

Monthly Mystery: Smallbone Deceased

Hey Close Reads HQ subscribers, welcome back to our monthly mystery series! This month we’re discussing Michael Gilbert’s 1950 novel, Smallbone Deceased, a London mystery about lawyers, lock boxes, and . . . loyal ladies. As usual we talk through our categories and discuss what makes this a standout in the genre. Happy listening! Thank you for subscribing. Leave a comment or share this episode.

A Tale of Two Cities: Book 2, Chapters 14-19

It’s the episode in which we dig into the ways Dickens uses different tones of voice in various sections, the way his writing creates a tableau-like effect, how the serialization of the story should impact our reading, and question on morality that the book’s introduction of the French Revolution raises. In other words, it’s another conversation on A Tale of Two Cities! Thanks for tuning in and happy listening! NOTE: VIDEO COMING LATER Thank you for subscribing. Leave a comment or share this episode.

The Betrothed: Introduction - Chapter 4

Hey Close Readers, it’s time to dig into anther great book . . . and what a book Alessandro Manzoni’s The Betrothed is! In this first conversation we chat about the unique challenge translating this book would be and what it means for those who are reading it in English, how to interpret the two priests introduced in this section, Mazoni’s use of colloquial language, and so much more. Happy listening! Thank you for subscribing. Leave a comment or share this episode.