And there are more free posts - including additional draft chapters from 'The French Story'. To find them just click on the link below. My Substack site
“The Piano Tuner”
"The Piano Tuner" is splendid - just like Daniel Mason's "The Winter Soldier". You might argue that it is slightly too drawn-out in the middle, but perhaps that is a textual parallel to the situation in which the central character finds himself. Overall, the writing is - of course - rather fine. The reader is … Continue reading “The Piano Tuner”
New books published today!
Please note: on publication date the Amazon site is showing the 17 Alma Road ebook - 9781738469390 - as a paperback, but at the ebook price. Please do not order 9781738469390 if you want a paperback and think you are getting a cheaper version. You may get an ebook! I am on to Amazon to … Continue reading New books published today!
Virtual book launch TODAY!
This evening I am having an on-line launch of my most recent books - both of which are published tomorrow - with a short reading from each of them: - Grimsby Docks ~ A series of twenty-five poems, each written in response to photographs taken during a single morning. In the mid-19th century, Grimsby docks was perhaps … Continue reading Virtual book launch TODAY!
This week: new books & a virtual launch event!
On Friday 16th February I am having an on-line launch of my most recent books - both of which are published the following day - with a short reading from each of them: - Grimsby Docks ~ A series of twenty-five poems, each written in response to photographs taken during a single morning. In the mid-19th century, … Continue reading This week: new books & a virtual launch event!
“The Forward Book of Poetry 2024”
I can't be sure (how can you be?) but I think this year's Forward Book of Poetry is better than last year's - whatever "better" means... But I am still dismayed by the gimmicks some people use in order to appear 'original', and consequently the work that can get labelled as 'poetry'. For example, there … Continue reading “The Forward Book of Poetry 2024”
Writing as Life or Death – or is it more important than that?
Sometimes, when you read other writers writing about writing, you might be forgiven for imagining that ours is a pastime undertaken in a holiday camp sitting at a desk where our notebooks are accompanied by a packet of crisps and a pint of beer. It’s all a bit ‘Hi-De-Hi’! “Let’s play this game children: it’s … Continue reading Writing as Life or Death – or is it more important than that?
Virtual book launch next Friday!
On Friday 16th February I am having an on-line launch of my most recent books - both of which are published the following day - with a short reading from each of them: - Grimsby Docks ~ A series of twenty-five poems, each written in response to photographs taken during a single morning. In the mid-19th century, … Continue reading Virtual book launch next Friday!
“The Years, Months, Days”
I wonder if you are more conscious of cultural divides when one is separated by language above all else? It probably depends who you are. Many, I'm sure, would put religion or colour or politics at the top of that list - and then fight you for it. If I struggled with Yan Lianke's "The … Continue reading “The Years, Months, Days”
“Nemesis”
There's a simple bottom line here: I like the way Philip Roth writes. And "Nemesis" is no exception. There is something unfussy about his style, the way he paces his work, the emotional depth he manages to achieve... It's also fair to say that some of his subjects - particularly those relating to religion - … Continue reading “Nemesis”
Ian Gouge - Writer 