In 2013 a blog post appeared from two former students of the writer W.G. Sebald. They had returned to their notes and had gathered a list of remarks and tips from their teacher. Read the rest of this entry »
I’m pretty sure there is no need for any more words on the winner of the 2016 Nobel Prize for Literature. That won’t stop (m)any of us. Read the rest of this entry »
“One April afternoon, right after lunch, my husband announced that he wanted to leave me.” So begins The Days of Abandonment by Elena Ferrante. The book chronicles what follows for those left behind, the wife, the two children, the dog, from the perspective of the wife, Olga. Read the rest of this entry »
Vulgar Things by Lee Rourke is a book about a man who goes to Canvey Island, then Southend, to sort out the affairs of his uncle who has recently died. That’s as much plot as you need. I don’t want to give away the plot. Plus, while it is a good plot, and the story matters, Vulgar Things is about a whole lot more. At least how I read it, anyway. Read the rest of this entry »
I’m probably reading too many things right now. I have several books on the go, plus some other books that I haven’t officially given up on, but probably won’t be picking up any time soon. There are a few magazines and old newspapers kicking about, with articles destined to never be read. My Instapaper account is neglected. So are some of my favourite blogs. But I keep plugging away. Read the rest of this entry »
Wait until next year 