All entries for November 2005

Fred

…Jane, I really enjoyed Fred, as you said I would. I particularly liked the one about the police giving him the roses – very chilling. And the one about the dog eating the girl's leg made me feel sick! "Ballad of a throwaway people" was one of my favourites too….I recommend Mr D'Aguiar to any of you others. I might look into getting moFred D'Aguiar

: 26 Nov 2005 14:59 |  Tags: Book Review |  Comments (0) |  Close comments |  Report a problem

christmas get together

hi, what do you all reckon to a christmas meal and/or drinks? possibly this wednesday evening after maureen's seminar. we could maybe go to Eat in the arts centre. it would be nice to finish term with something like this if you are all up for it!
Jane

: 25 Nov 2005 18:10 |  Comments (2) |  Close comments |  Report a problem

Writers at Warwick This week

I was a bit confused as to which writers will be appearing at warwick this wednesday night, so I called the arts centre. according to them, Irish poet Tony Curtis will be appearing, but not with Cathal O'Searcaigh as advertised. Ruth Padel (who was advertised as appearing this wednesday in some of the arts centre listings) had cancelled a while ago. hope that is of help,
Jane C

: 14 Nov 2005 16:39 |  Comments (1) |  Close comments |  Report a problem

Fred D'Aguiar

One of the best modern collections of poems I have read was by Fred D'Aguiar and is called British Subjects. I believe it was published in 1993 by Bloodaxe. He writes poetry that is sensual and subtle but politicised, with a passionate voice and well crafted and absorbing language. He also uses many types of forms, including sonnets. I recommend 'Gift of a Rose' 'Dread' 'Sonnets from Whitley Bay' and the Barber'. It is now out of print, but you can read the collection online using the LION database, just search for the title and author under text search and the whole book is there. alternatively, I can lend copies to anyone interested.
Jane C

: 14 Nov 2005 12:37 |  Comments (1) |  Close comments |  Report a problem

re: research module

Follow-up to Research Session from MA Writing blog

thanks, will get my proposal sorted out for wednesday,
as soon as I finish the book, it's yours,
Jane

: 07 Nov 2005 17:17 |  Comments (0) |  Close comments |  Report a problem

Research Session

Follow-up to Revolutionary Road from MA Writing blog

I think Kirsten's right. We only need to hand in the proposal this week. Session in Week 8 with RLF bods and then Week 10 to present our research findings.

Jane – I would appreciate a look at Revolutionary Road. Thanks.

John

: 07 Nov 2005 16:40 |  Comments (0) |  Close comments |  Report a problem

Revolutionary Road

I am currently reading Richard Yates' Revolutionary Road. Published in 1961, the book charts the relationship of american couple April and Frank, their aspirations and the reality behind a marriage that to outsiders seems only perfect. I am two thirds throughthe book at the minute. The third person narration explores the fundamental flaws in each of the character's viewpoint and personalities, as well as exploring the lives of their neighbours and friends. The fragile foundations upon which each life and marriage is built, along with the driving expectations and social standards of the time are exposed with a gentle yet persistent clarity. It has been described by Kurt Vonnegut as "the Great Gatsby of my time…one of the best books by a member of my generation"
I think this book may be of particular interest to John, as parts of the characterisation and dialogue remind me of what he is doing in the story we workshopped last week, so if you fancy borrowing it, just ask!
Jane C

: 07 Nov 2005 13:33 |  Comments (0) |  Close comments |  Report a problem

Craig Raine

Hey guys! I recently read a collection of Craig Raine's poetry which spanned his career. The earlier stuff was perhaps my favourite, although I enjoyed the poetry taken from one of his last collections. The middle stuff was more obscure. The first poems were entitled such as 'The Butcher', 'The Barber' and were amazing! He is a poet inspired by images, and sees them frequently in a new light.

Happy blogging,
Kirsten xx

: 06 Nov 2005 16:22 |  Tags: Book Review |  Comments (0) |  Close comments |  Report a problem