New feature
OK, it’s not much, but I’ve finally figured out how to add the names of the authors I’ve reviewed down the side of the page. So, if you’re…
“Aspects of the Novel” by E.M. Forster
I read Aspects of the Novel a couple of years ago now, before I had this blog. As I was clearing out…
Population growth and CO2
Just read the January/February issue of the New Internationalist, and was depressed at first to see the title “The population panic” on…
Monday morning inspiration
Have regrets. They are fuel. On the page they flare into desire. Geoff Dyer The Guardian, Feb 2010
Kingdom of Ife
Went to see a wonderful exhibition recently at the British Museum called Kingdom of Ife – Sculptures from West Africa. It was…
“Beside the Sea” by Véronique Olmi
A mother takes her two young sons on a trip to the seaside. Sounds nice, doesn’t it? There’s even a bucket and spade on the cover. You can…
Monday morning inspiration
A problem with a piece of writing often clarifies itself if you go for a long walk. – Helen Dunmore The Guardian, Feb…
“Southcrop Forest” by Lorne Rothman
I’ve always been interested in stories with non-human characters. I have an idea to write a story one day about a city…
“Lean on Pete” by Willy Vlautin
The writing style is incredibly simple, probably the most simple of any book I’ve read since childhood. It perfectly captures the realistic…