How amazing! I just stumbled over this review after an afternoon of giving my best friend a copy of The Fiery Pantheon, which I just finished, which I loved almost as much as Lives of the Saints. For one, it had a “happy” ending. It felt like reading an insane Henry James book! I was so pleased to find your review, especially when the Ritz is the next book for me to read — and because the afternoon was spent extolling the joys of Nancy Lemann’s writing, unlike anything I’ve ever read, really. And my best friend who isn’t keen on the South (whereas I am from there) was not impressed until I read her several bits from the book. And it starts in Virginia and then goes to England, and then a cruise in the raging Middle East waters. So not really the South. I found your review enthralling and so happy to find it in my new place, Substack. Thanks for sharing. Now I have to go find a copy of my own! 🥰
Online, the only copies I could find were over $70, disappointing. The good news is, it’s being reprinted by a published named Bomb (?) or something like that — and will be out next year. A long wait, but if you consider how long it was before I discovered her books …! 📚
How amazing! I just stumbled over this review after an afternoon of giving my best friend a copy of The Fiery Pantheon, which I just finished, which I loved almost as much as Lives of the Saints. For one, it had a “happy” ending. It felt like reading an insane Henry James book! I was so pleased to find your review, especially when the Ritz is the next book for me to read — and because the afternoon was spent extolling the joys of Nancy Lemann’s writing, unlike anything I’ve ever read, really. And my best friend who isn’t keen on the South (whereas I am from there) was not impressed until I read her several bits from the book. And it starts in Virginia and then goes to England, and then a cruise in the raging Middle East waters. So not really the South. I found your review enthralling and so happy to find it in my new place, Substack. Thanks for sharing. Now I have to go find a copy of my own! 🥰
This makes me so happy! The Fiery Pantheon is pretty wonderful. I love her writing so much!
Online, the only copies I could find were over $70, disappointing. The good news is, it’s being reprinted by a published named Bomb (?) or something like that — and will be out next year. A long wait, but if you consider how long it was before I discovered her books …! 📚
That’s wild! I bought a used copy in good condition less than a year ago for $13! Well, I’m glad it’s getting republished. Sorry about the wait though
It just shows how good the book is — not forgotten by time! Bet there’s also a movie in the works…
I may have to look into this writer. Nice review.
thanks! i believe she was also a student of Lish
I just ordered both books based on your review. Excellent