Category: Books

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

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

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”

My holiday project-rerecording my property audiobook for Audible

My holiday project, or one of them for Christmas break in December 2022, is to re-record my property book, “Buying a House in Ireland-a Step by Step Guide by a Builder/Solicitor”. This book sells well, in all formats including paperback, Kindle, and audiobook. But I have one bugbear with the audiobook: I commissioned a guy… Continue reading My holiday project-rerecording my property audiobook for Audible