Beautiful Jess. I read Stoneyard Devotional (which I adored) and then a few months later, Hagstone. I think the order I read these in was not complimentary to Hagstone, I also found lots of points of comparison to Stoneyard, but it seemed lacking the clarity and resonance. I think I would have enjoyed it more if I read it first!
Such a shame, but I completely get it - I think Hagstone might have fallen a little flat for me too after SYD, and maybe therein lies a comparison of a debut versus a writer in her absolute prime. Have you read anything since SYD that has resonated in the same way?
Oh yes gosh, it's a wonderful debut novel, I did still really enjoy it. Nell's insight into her art making process probably stayed with me the most. Demon Copperhead is probably the last book that hit me the same way as SYD!
Thanks for writing this Jess. I’m grappling with lots of these questions too, and found your thoughtful responses helpful. Hagstone looks great. I found SD very beautiful. I listened to the audiobook and found myself just sitting and listening, not trying to multi task as I normally would. Then I would go to my hard copy (I usually have both) and re read passages. Exquisite writing. Unsubscribing from life is the perfect summation!
Beautiful Jess. I read Stoneyard Devotional (which I adored) and then a few months later, Hagstone. I think the order I read these in was not complimentary to Hagstone, I also found lots of points of comparison to Stoneyard, but it seemed lacking the clarity and resonance. I think I would have enjoyed it more if I read it first!
Yes! I really liked the explanation at the back of the real pieces of art that inspired Nell’s art too 🩷
I’ll have to read Demon Copperhead 😍
Thanks Phia!
Such a shame, but I completely get it - I think Hagstone might have fallen a little flat for me too after SYD, and maybe therein lies a comparison of a debut versus a writer in her absolute prime. Have you read anything since SYD that has resonated in the same way?
Oh yes gosh, it's a wonderful debut novel, I did still really enjoy it. Nell's insight into her art making process probably stayed with me the most. Demon Copperhead is probably the last book that hit me the same way as SYD!
Thanks for writing this Jess. I’m grappling with lots of these questions too, and found your thoughtful responses helpful. Hagstone looks great. I found SD very beautiful. I listened to the audiobook and found myself just sitting and listening, not trying to multi task as I normally would. Then I would go to my hard copy (I usually have both) and re read passages. Exquisite writing. Unsubscribing from life is the perfect summation!
Thank you so much for reading Elizabeth 🩷 I’m so glad it resonated with you.
Hearing that you just sat and listened and reread passages gives me goosebumps! What a beautiful way to experience it all.
I’d love to hear your thoughts about Hagstone if get round to reading it!
A really thought provoking piece. I think you have helped me raise more questions than answers. 🤗
I’d love to know what those questions are!! But thanks KAA :)