Mother Naked
September reads
What a title, right? Don’t worry, all shall be revealed in time 👻
Although September isn’t over yet, I couldn’t wait to share what I’ve been reading recently. I’d love to hear about what you’re enjoying too so please let me know!
September reads
Started
The Pumpkin Spice Café by Laurie Gilmore - because obviously. I am that basic witch.
Reading
Lovecraft Country by Matt Ruff - I started listening to the audiobook on my long training runs. I think it’s fascinating where the TV adaptation deviates from the source material. So Hollywood.
Finished
Aliens: Vasquez by V. Castro - This book was a riot and I’m stoked to read more from this author.
Mother Naked by Glen James Brown - read on for more about this incredible novel that I read with book club ⬇️
“Though dead, this creature — this rotting, walking ghost — be still very much alive in these Durham lands.”
Book club at Collected last week was really special. I loved reading Mother Naked and recommend it for its historical lens on very topical issues of class and power. The author, Glen James Brown, was present to discuss his inspiration and even read from the first chapter which made the story come alive. It was like Mother Naked was in the room with us.
Our story begins 590 years ago…
In 1434, a minstrel by the name of Modyr Nakett performed at Durham. For his services, he was paid the lowest amount on record in 200 years. Nothing is known about who this man was, or what performance could have earned this dire compensation.
I moved to Durham twelve years ago to study Medieval History. Coming across Mother Naked, I was delighted to feel like I was returning to my roots in medieval literature.
“I be a fabulator of tales, not lies.”
Told in a unique idiolect somewhere between Geoffrey of Monmouth and Geoffrey Chaucer, this novel is deeply rooted in the locale and time that inspired it with a modern sense of craft and humour. I loved this ghost story.
To close out my first monthly reading round up, I wanted to share some jaunty tunes in case you still need convincing to check out Mother Naked. I’m on a mission to make my top genre of the year bardcore and I’m taking you all down with me. To the tavern, of course. What have you been reading or watching recently? Much to discuss.