This week I’m sharing comments on two books, a nonfiction work about an American patriot (appropriate for July 4th weekend) and a collection of stories, along with our first visit to a popular Italian restaurant.
NONFICTION: AN INFLUENTIAL AMERICAN PATRIOT
Angelica: For Love and Country in a Time of Revolution by Molly Beer
Molly Beer’s nonfiction work is a depiction of the early years of the American colonies primarily through the perspective of Angelica Schuyler Church. Daughter of noted general and statesman Philip Schuyler of Albany, NY, Angelica was deeply interested in politics. Given the prominence of her family, she became acquainted with and ultimately friends with the likes of Lafayette, George Washington, and even Thomas Jefferson. Through her sister’s marriage to Alexander Hamilton, he too became both her friend and a confidant, and some say more. Angelica was unusual for her time in that she lived abroad for a total of 16 years in both Paris and London and was renowned as a gracious and influential hostess.
Beer draws on a treasure trove of letters to create this portrait of Angelica, a woman who never held any official position, and who of course, could not vote.
I found Beer’s book fascinating both for its history of three early wars and for its setting in upstate New York, where I lived for some years. A list of the principal figures and their titles would have been helpful for this reader. Recommended especially for American history buffs and those interested in 18th century women’s history. A version of this review first appeared online in Book Browse.
SUMMER READING: IRISH SHORT STORIES
So Late in the Day: Stories of Women and Men by Claire Keegan
One of my discoveries of recent years is the work of Claire Keegan. A prize-winning writer, her short stories and novellas are set in Ireland, sometimes in the past, and each one packs a punch. Sometimes, it’s a gentle nudge, in others, it’s a sharp jab which leaves the reader reeling. Both Foster, about a child who feels unloved, and Small Things Like These, about secrets discovered by the local coalman, pierce the reader’s conscience.
A slim volume, which could easily be read in one sitting, but which carries more weight in small doses, So Late in the Day consists of three short stories. One is about a man reflecting on and regretting the ending of his engagement to Sabine. In the second, a woman writer rents a rustic cottage once owned by Heinrich Boll and has a run-in with the current owner. Finally, in Antarctica, a married woman travels to the city in pursuit of a sexual adventure that starts out well. Keegan’s prose is straightforward and unadorned; her descriptions of simple daily activities precise and measured. Highly recommended!
Note: A film version of Small Things Like These is available to rent on Amazon Prime, Apple TV+, and other streaming services. I’ve not yet watched it.
LOCAL RIFF ON ITALIAN CUISINE
Lugano Ristorante (Cary)
For a treat, we went to Lugano for a weeknight dinner. The dining room is spacious and bright with a mix of booths and wood tables. The hostess welcomed us warmly, and our waitress, a rising college sophomore, was gracious and helpful. To begin, we sampled their version of calamari fritti with marinara sauce and a salsa. It was perfection, lightly battered and crisp with a few herbs.
The Chief Penguin ordered the Italian meatloaf which came as a series of rounds, each one on a fried polenta cake topped with mozzarella, hearty tomato sauce, and slivers of fresh basil. Yum! I ordered the salmon and shrimp Milanese. The salmon was plated on a bed of saffron risotto with several shrimp and surrounded by a lemon basil sauce. The salmon was cooked just right and delicious. The risotto wasn’t a true risotto, and I thought the sauce was bland. To me, it was an entree that tried to do too much. Nonetheless, we will return and, I’ll try a pasta dish.
Note: Header photo of flags in Cobh, Ireland, and restaurant photos ©JWFarrington (some rights reserved.)
Always enjoy your writings, and recommendations. Thank you