The book I am reading/listening to at the moment, “When I was old” by Georges Simenon, is interesting insofar as it is based on private notebooks that Simenon wrote in 1960, 1961 and were never intended for public consumption. He tells us the primary purpose was to write them for his children. It also gave… Continue reading Georges Simenon’s notebooks circa 1960
Category: Books
Writing for writing’s sake
I am reading “When I was old” by Georges Simenon at the moment. When Simenon was 57 he began, for two or three years, to write in notebooks. He shared his private thoughts about life, his observations, writing, being a novelist, how he wrote his books, and similar things. But most of all he was… Continue reading Writing for writing’s sake
The Honorary Consul by Graham Greene-an introduction to philosophy
I have just finished listening to the audiobook, “The Honorary Consul”, by Graham Greene and narrated by Tim Pigott Smith. I am a big fan of Graham Greene’s style of writing, and I must say that I thoroughly enjoyed this one, one of the few remaining Grahame Greene novels that I had not read up… Continue reading The Honorary Consul by Graham Greene-an introduction to philosophy
“The Colony” by Audrey Magee-nearly great
I am listening to a book at the moment called “The Colony” by Audrey Magee. It was “longlisted” for the Booker prize, whatever that means. It is excellent save for, in my opinion, one or two troubling caveats. Which leave a niggling doubt in the back of my mind and prevent me from loving it.… Continue reading “The Colony” by Audrey Magee-nearly great
Jordan Peterson and “The Gulag Archipelago”
I have finished listening to “The Gulag Archipelago”. But at the conclusion of the book there is an interview and discussion between Solzhenitsyn’s son, who narrated the book, and Canadian psychologist, Jordan Peterson. I will continue listening to it even though there is real danger that my view of the book will be further coloured… Continue reading Jordan Peterson and “The Gulag Archipelago”
What I am reading at the moment
I am just finishing “The Gulag Archipelago”, by Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, have just finished “The Magician” by Colm Toibín, and have just started “Small things like these” by Claire Keegan. I have read great reviews about Claire Keegan’s book but have just read the first couple of chapters. I would be very hopeful about it, especially… Continue reading What I am reading at the moment
I went to mass yesterday for the first time in many years
I went to mass yesterday for the first time in many years. I cannot remember when I last went. It could have been ten years ago, but I am unsure. I can give a few reasons for my decision but the most important one, I think, has been my reading of Graham Greene novels, most… Continue reading I went to mass yesterday for the first time in many years
Is it Graham Greene’s use of similes that creates the cinematic quality in his books?
I’m listening again to the first Graham Greene novel I read or listened to, Brighton Rock. There is something about Greene’s writing that I find incredibly attractive. Throw in his little morsels of philosophy and religion, which are ever present in all of this books, and they have a depth beyond the usual spy or… Continue reading Is it Graham Greene’s use of similes that creates the cinematic quality in his books?
Reading “Dubliners” and “Ulysses” like comparing reading English with Greek or Latin
I’m reading “Dubliners” by James Joyce at the moment, and I am listening to “Ulysses”. The difference in style, language, accessibility between the two books is hard to describe. It is like comparing reading Latin or Greek with English. “Dubliners” is a collection of short stories and gives a beautiful glimpse into Dublin and Dubliners… Continue reading Reading “Dubliners” and “Ulysses” like comparing reading English with Greek or Latin
Redoing my audiobook “Buying a House in Ireland: A Step by Step Guide by a Builder/Solicitor”
I have spent the last few days rerecording my book, “Buying a House in Ireland: A Step by Step Guide by a Builder/Solicitor”. This book sells well on Audible on audiobook format but I have had an English narrator to date and I believe it would be better if I was reading it myself. There… Continue reading Redoing my audiobook “Buying a House in Ireland: A Step by Step Guide by a Builder/Solicitor”