Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Misplaced treasures

I realized recently that I have some books that I read and that for the moment it is difficult to find them again. I remember them more or less clearly and I remember that all were borrowed from libraries or friends. I was thinking a few days ago that I really miss reading some of those books. Considering that my close friend and neighbor lives now in Ireland (we used to exchange many books) and the fact that the situation of libraries in my country can be defined as poor I have to find new sources for this titles. Let's see some of the titles that I miss the most.


"Skull City" by Lucius Shepard. This short story is one that I really wish to read once again. If I recall exactly is about a guy, addicted to drugs, that is hired to test a new drug and that drug sends him in a parallel world. This short story appeared in my country in a magazine named "Anticipatia" (The Anticipation) and I borrowed it from my friend that now lives in Ireland. I know that Subterranean Press will publish in august "The Best of Lucius Shepard" and I know that if I order the limited edition I receive an exclusive trade paperback volume "Skull City and Other Lost Stories", but I find it a little expansive for me.


"The Overlords of War" by Gerard Klein. This is one of the best science-fiction titles that I read, as I remember. The book was borrowed by my father but after 10 years he can't recall from where he got it. I also can't remember exactly the plot, only that I really liked it.

The Rocambole novels by Pierre Alexis Ponson du Terrail. This is a series of novels, mainly historical and crime fiction, and describes the adventure of Rocambole, the main character of these series. These books I borrowed from the local library about 15 years ago, but now they don't have the novels anymore.

"Ascenseur pour l'echafaud" (Elevator to the Gallows) by Noel Calef. Although is a crime fiction I will mention it because I really liked it and has an original idea. It's about a man that commits the perfect crime, but remains blocked in the elevator when leaves the crime scene. This title was also borrowed from my friend and I think he has it with him.

But despite all this difficulties I'm certain that one dat I will find them and read them once again.

5 comments:

Harry Markov said...

Oh, you know, the situation in my country is very much the same, when it comes to libraries. Horrendous and bookstores simply can't stock what I want. Just ugh.

Mihai A. said...

Yes I know. I'm lucky that I learned english and that I have the possibility to order titles from UK and US. But I have problems with some older titles.

Harry Markov said...

I don't have the financial opportunity to order. Money and all, you get the hint. Thank god I haven't read that much through my life, so there is enough on the market, until I can order stuff.

Jen said...

If 'The Overlords of War' is 'Seniorii razboiului', I can lend it to you... I can even just give it to you, since I don't remember liking it very much. I might forget to check back here, so if you're interested e-mail me at jen[at]mostly-harmless[dot]ro or leave me a comment on blog.mostly-harmless.ro.

Mihai A. said...

Well Jen, I'm sorry for my late responses on your comments, but lately I forgot to check them. I would like "Seniorii Razboiului" (you are right, it is about that book), but I think I will write you about it.