This is so lame, but reading your post inspired me to go back and read my own post from the most recent re-reading of Gaudy Night. I'll link to it here in case you see anything interesting to discuss.
I'll have to check it out!
And just in case you haven't already seen it, I'll link you to this snippet about the filming of GN, written by Edward Petherbridge, which was recently pointed out at talboys.
Okay, I think I may love the man. I just skimmed, but it seemed like he had the same problems with it that I'm now seeing. I saw the adaptation before I read the book, so was clueless. But after reading it, it really was a bit of a slash-and-burn. It really lost a lot, especially why Harriet refused to marry Peter for so long. It also does miss the mark when it comes to this woman's internal struggle with career and love and identity and so on.
One thing that sticks out in my mind is that in the adaptation, Peter makes a sort of snide remark about a woman's college, but then covers it by saying he would have said the same thing about other institutions. I don't think that comment was in the book, and it sort of does something to his character that I don't think Sayers ever intended.
Ooop! Well, I haven't really spoiled anything. Guess I really just wanted to bask in the glow of Peter and Harriet, and the mystery kept getting in the way! Silly of me, really.
I should have mentioned that I have listened to the BBC audio play of Busman's Holiday, so you can spoil away. Although again the book is better - like their first morning together Harriet asking (in French, of course) if he remembered her name (along the lines of a one-night stand). Little stuff like that is just happy-making.
I'll have to check it out!
And just in case you haven't already seen it, I'll link you to this snippet about the filming of GN, written by Edward Petherbridge, which was recently pointed out at talboys.
Okay, I think I may love the man. I just skimmed, but it seemed like he had the same problems with it that I'm now seeing. I saw the adaptation before I read the book, so was clueless. But after reading it, it really was a bit of a slash-and-burn. It really lost a lot, especially why Harriet refused to marry Peter for so long. It also does miss the mark when it comes to this woman's internal struggle with career and love and identity and so on.
One thing that sticks out in my mind is that in the adaptation, Peter makes a sort of snide remark about a woman's college, but then covers it by saying he would have said the same thing about other institutions. I don't think that comment was in the book, and it sort of does something to his character that I don't think Sayers ever intended.
Ooop! Well, I haven't really spoiled anything. Guess I really just wanted to bask in the glow of Peter and Harriet, and the mystery kept getting in the way! Silly of me, really.
I should have mentioned that I have listened to the BBC audio play of Busman's Holiday, so you can spoil away. Although again the book is better - like their first morning together Harriet asking (in French, of course) if he remembered her name (along the lines of a one-night stand). Little stuff like that is just happy-making.
Reply
I believe that was in the book, although the context may have been different.
Gaudy Night is simply one of my favorite books of all time, and I'm so glad you enjoyed it.
Reply
That could be. I think I remember Harriet thinking about it, but for the life of me I can't remember Peter saying or thinking it.
Gaudy Night is simply one of my favorite books of all time, and I'm so glad you enjoyed it.
It really was great. I can see myself reading that book repeatedly.
Reply
Leave a comment