RECENT READING
The Only Woman in the Room by Marie Benedict
Author Benedict has created a niche for herself writing novels about women, notable women whose contributions to society have often been overlooked. Previous novels focus on Albert Einstein’s wife, Andrew Carnegie’s personal maid, and Clementine Churchill. These novels are well researched and engaging reading; I’ve read the one about Andrew Carnegie.
This latest novel is about Hedy Kiesler, known to most Americans of a certain age as actress Hedy Lamarr. Austrian by birth and an aspiring stage actress in 1930’s Vienna, Hedy is romanced by entrepreneur and munitions dealer, Fritz Mandl. She is beautiful, and his attentions are pronounced, his determination evident. Hedy appreciates the finer things he offers. As Austria battles to stay out of Nazi German’s arena, marriage to him is a politically wise step for herself and her Jewish parents. What this marriage entails, how Fritz controls her activities, and what Hedy learns hosting high level business dinners becomes both valuable and dangerous. This is a multi-faceted Hedy Lamarr who takes risks to help in the war effort.
I enjoyed this novel but found myself wishing that the author had included an epilogue about her life after World War II.
CRIME IN DENMARK
The Sommerdahl Murders (Season 2 on Acorn)
Dan Sommerdahl, his partner Flemming, and his wife Marianne return for a second season of crime, Danish style. Set in the waterfront town of Elsinore, there are eight episodes, and each case is solved over the course of two episodes. What makes this series appealing is as much the dynamics between the three principals as it is the intricacies of solving the case. Dan and Marianne have been married for 25 years, but the marriage is on the skids, Flemming has feelings for Marianne, and Marianne feels she’s taken an unfulfilling detour in her choice of career. Plus, she’s attracted to an old suitor. Each of them is attempting to define a satisfying personal life.
The culture of a particular country is reflected in a crime series. The behaviors and attitudes in this one seem especially Scandinavian. Good entertainment!
LOCAL CUISINE
The Thistle Inn
One of our favorite Boothbay Harbor restaurants of long standing, the Thistle offers comfortable dining indoors and out. Its dark wooden booths and bar inside are especially welcoming on a cold wet night. During the summer, dining on their porch is airy and made magical by little lights strung in the trees.
We’ve already dined outside twice this year and were pleased with old favorites and new choices on their menu. Their crab cakes are always delicious as was the baked haddock with cherry tomatoes and sautéed greens and their New England clam chowder. I especially enjoyed the seared diver scallops over a lemony risotto with spinach and bacon bits.
I liked their concept of shrimp scampi over pappardelle but wished that the pasta had been a little less sticky. For dessert the other evening, we shared the special pistachio crème brulee, a different twist. A very popular place making reservations essential!
Note: Header photo is a view of Little Christmas Cove ©JWFarrington (some rights reserved).
I haven’t read the Hedy Lamar book yet, but really enjoyed Benedict’s latest “The Personal Librarian”. Your food notes are making hungry! But I still have trouble remembering that the Thistle isn’t the run down, skanky fisherman’s hangout that it once was. 😂
“The Personal Librarian” is definitely on my list to read! And I think perhaps you’re confusing the Thistle with some place else. It’s historic, has a few rooms to stay in, and has always been inviting in our Maine years!