By: tc

tc — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 05:23:40 +0000

Yes, all around, basically. I agree that Robert Newman’s third novel Fountain… is pretty good overall. And vital in central ways. Wizard of the Crow is a great novel. I skimmed through Llosa’s book on Les Miserables. Don’t recall much that struck me, less that stuck with me. My thoughts on Newman’s novel, and much else, here: http://apragmaticpolicy.files.wordpress.com/2007/10/the-future-of-imaginative-writing.pdf

By: Steve Wright

Steve Wright — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 17:54:36 +0000

have you read mario vargas llosa’s recent book on les mis? is it any good?
unfortunately I read the swiss cheese version of Les Miserables. after taking your course too. the signet edition was cheaper as well. damn. I was lured by the noble packaging of the penguin edition and the promise of a scholarly introduction. I shouldn’t be such a sucker. mind you, there’s a new translation out (this year I think). I thought the penguin version came across in a quite stilted and sometimes quite corny fashion ( which oddly contrasted with the harsh content), but the underlying message of the novel still shines through…
I’ve just finished Wizard of the Crow. total dynamite! Like an epic Jonathan Swift. Much more savvy and astute than Midnight’s children (and most of the ‘magical realist’ novels I’ve read). Nice to read a novel that uses style well but doesn’t subordinate it to its message.
have you read ‘the fountain at the center of the world’ by rob newman? he’s a british comedian. it’s not bad…

Comments on: Great Novel of the People — Les Miserables, by Victor Hugo

By: tc

By: Steve Wright