On “Four Quartets”

The BBC recently broadcast a reading of T.S.Eliot's "Four Quartets" by Ralph Fiennes. I say 'reading' but with Fiennes, a stage and spotlights, it was more like a performance. Which was fine. Some parts worked especially well, I thought. The programme prompted me to go back and re-read the poem - possibly for the first … Continue reading On “Four Quartets” →

“Starve Acre”

It's fair to say that it would be entirely realistic to suggest that one could sit down and read Andrew Michael Hurley's "Starve Acre" in a single session. The book is the right size, well-written, and rattles along at a suitable pace to make consumption in one go not a ridiculous notion. What is less … Continue reading “Starve Acre” →

‘Fountains by Floodlight’ – an update

After a little bit of a false start last week, I am pleased to have been able to read yesterday evening at Fountains Abbey's regular October event, 'Fountains by Floodlight'. The event takes place each Saturday during October, and also includes the final two Fridays as well. Tickets are selling fast! In addition to spectacular … Continue reading ‘Fountains by Floodlight’ – an update →

“Perfume River”

Riveting and brilliant... After "Late City" I was looking forward to my second Robert Olen Butler - and "Perfume River" didn't disappoint. There were a number of things I liked about this book: The way Butler seamlessly weaves flashback into the present, much as we do when we are thinking back to our own lives. … Continue reading “Perfume River” →

‘Fountains by Floodlight’

I am excited to announce that I will be reading at Fountains Abbey's regular October event, 'Fountains by Floodlight'. The event takes place each Saturday during October, and also includes the final two Fridays as well. Tickets are selling fast! In addition to spectacular lighting, special tours and music, there will be a number of … Continue reading ‘Fountains by Floodlight’ →

A week of Readings: how was it?

Primarily as a direct result of Ripon's fifth Poetry Festival (RPF), I have read at four events over the past week. So how was it? Thursday: RPF - Open Mic. In many ways it was a typical open mic: massive variety in terms of style, content and quality. The most jarring element of the event … Continue reading A week of Readings: how was it? →

“The Book of Form and Emptiness”

I can see why Ruth Ozeki's "The Book of Form and Emptiness" made it to the Booker Prize shortlist. It's wonderful. Don't be put off by the c.550 pages of the paperback version as I nearly was; the novel rewards reading. And persistence isn't really needed as the story keeps up a good pace throughout. … Continue reading “The Book of Form and Emptiness” →

“Snow Country”

I liked Sebastian Faulks' "Snow Country". That's the simple summary. It was all you would expect it to be: well-written, well-paced, interesting and complex characters and plot... However, now you expect there's a 'but' coming... But I thought the ending was far too neat and predictable. You could see what was coming from some way … Continue reading “Snow Country” →