I am the sort of reader who has at least 3 books on the go... usually a non-fiction, fiction and biography. Sometimes I add a slim volume of poetry. At the moment i have just finished a beautiful novel which I would class as a kind of biography of Ruth
Blatt-
"All That I Am" by Anna Funder. She was a guest presenter at Ubud Writers Festival in October this year. What a beautiful speaker and not only drop-dead gorgeous, but intelligent, astute and sweet.
The book of course has been around awhile, but it was meeting and listening to her that encouraged me to buy the book there (which she charmingly signed) Not only was I engrossed by the gripping story-line, but by her style of narrative. Her two main characters
Ruth and Toller told their stories of events that lead up to Germany's involvement in both World Wars, but the real focus was around the love of their lives, Dora. Interestlingly, Funder did not try to give a voice to Dora, she was a charismatic enigma. Boy
she is one elegant writer a fine blend of simplicity and complexity when needed. I found myself quietly crying at certain stages through the book, and I read most of it under a doona on a grey rainy weekend (Love it) demolishing Cadbury mousse choc and mugs
of coffee. All senses engaged.
Now, for something totally different and definitely irreverent, I'm reading Howard Jacobsen's Zoo Time. I loved Finklers Question so thought I'd read his latest because
lucky me is off to the Jaipur Writers Festival organised by the irrepressible Will Dalrymple and Jacobsen is one of the many fabulous presenters. Is it possible to be in love with your wife and mother-inlaw
simultaneously? I believe he is in love with an archetypal woman (represented by Vanessa) regardless of what her age is (Obviously from 16 - 66) i found myself laughing out loud while reading this, and driving frinds mad by reading passages aloud (even over
my mobile.) I enjoy reading this book with a glass of white and a bit of brie. (Can't drink red or beer)
I recently found my battered volume of poetry by Garcia Lorca. I was 18 years old when I received
it as a gift from an older male friend. I was so affected that I cut my wrist and made him cut his so that we could be "blood brothers' for life. (Not in touch with him now). Blame Lorca, his passionate poetry is full of verses about little sharp knives,
blood oranges and small fishes. I try to read it in the Spanish language (the English translation is included). I love Spanish poets and writers because most of them write crazy, sensual stuff. I found myself listening to Spanish guitar with howling singers
all evening. I admit I drank a mohito or 2).
Feel free to leave a comment of your own in the Guest Book (link on top left side)