I thought Bernhard Schlink's "The Woman on the Stairs" was excellent. My initial feeling was that the plot was a little contrived somehow, and there was a part of me that was vaguely uneasy, as if I was the subject of some kind of con. However all such feelings were dissipated partly by the way … Continue reading “The Woman on the Stairs”
Category: Reading
“Dubliners”
It was many years ago I last read "Dubliners". If pushed, I would have to say late 70s or early 80s when I took a Short Story elective at University. I would also have to confess that I probably didn't know what I was reading at the time - nor indeed how to read. I'd … Continue reading “Dubliners”
Saltburn
This is taken from a first draft of a piece that may end up being a novel or novella - or something else entirely! * Eventually she decided she hated the coast. She particularly despised the way the snow fell there; it seemed either to fall as slush or ice, and nothing in between. Were … Continue reading Saltburn
“Two Sketches of Disjointed Happiness”
Simon Kinch's book is described on the cover as 'pleasingly melancholic' and 'part...love letter to Europe' - and to a degree this is true. The book is, to my taste, well written, and your attention is held well-enough to make it very easy to rattle through. And in part it is a homage to Europe … Continue reading “Two Sketches of Disjointed Happiness”
Punctuations from History
My new volume of poetry, "Punctuations from History" is now at the printers and I'm waiting for my draft copy to arrive. It is currently slated to go on sale on February 5th. * I have decided to intersperse re-reading some favourite classics in between new fiction. Perhaps over forty years since I first read … Continue reading Punctuations from History
“Winter”
One of the most noticeable and effective stylistic devices Ali Smith uses can be seen when she's writing dialogue. She simplifies her writing in such a way - 1) by not using punctuation to distract the eye, and 2) by not using 'judgemental' adjectives to 'steer' the reader (i.e. there's no "she said angrily", or … Continue reading “Winter”
“Hello, your promise has been extracted”
Maybe I should just stop reading 'modern' poetry. Or should I say, "poetry". Because I'm afraid most of Ahren Warner's book simply doesn't at all fit with what I'd consider to be poetry. Some of it does - but a big chunk doesn't. The good / clever / stunning images that are present just get … Continue reading “Hello, your promise has been extracted”
“Elmet”
Another Booker-list cracker! If ever they make a film of Fiona Mozley's "Elmet", I hope they stick closely to the book. It won't be comfortable viewing - and the conclusion will be harrowing. In fact, the ending of the book is so well written... I hadn't planned to finish the book last night, but once … Continue reading “Elmet”
My Writing Year – A Short Review / Preview
Perhaps the best way to review the year just about to end is to call-out what has changed - not that this kind of self-indulgent looking-over-the-shoulder is the sort of thing I would regularly condone. Even annually... But in many respects it has been something of a wild ride this year. And having this site … Continue reading My Writing Year – A Short Review / Preview
“Weemoed”
Tim Dooley's collection, "Weemoed", offers a plethora of poetic styles and interpretations, some formal, most less so. There are some really crisp images littered throughout the volume, although some I think are occasionally let down by their stylistic content. The title poem is in a way a microcosm of the book. It moves from one … Continue reading “Weemoed”
Ian Gouge - Writer 