Pondering: Here is a lesson in creative writing. First rule: Do not use semicolons. They are transvestite hermaphrodites representing absolutely nothing. All they do is show you’ve been to college. (Kurt Vonnegut)
On my trip to Austin, TX last weekend to attend the 3-day Austin City Music Festival, I brought with me a copy of Ian McEwan’s On Chisel Beach. Once I started reading it, I just could not put it down. I usually get headaches when I read on the plane but I didn’t care. I couldn’t stop reading.
McEwan’s words and paragraphs are so vivid and so memorable. When he describes how sunny and glorious the day is, I can actually feel the sun kissing my face and when he describes the pain in his heroine’s heart, I can feel a lump in my throat the size of a tennis ball because he describes it in a most affecting way. He truly, truly moves me with his words.
I finally finish the book while waiting for my very delayed flight back to San Francisco. (Yes, there’s hardly any opportunity to read at the festival as you can imagine.) When I finally finished, I was heartbroken. Partly because the story is heartbreaking but mostly because I just read the book I wish I wrote. A review on the back of the book said it was the “perfect novel” and that is so true.
I am jealous beyond words and can only wish that I had an iota of his brilliance in taking a very simple story about words said and unsaid, and make it into an unforgettable novel that is nothing but perfect.
3 responses so far ↓
1 Keri // Oct 1, 2008 at 10:12 pm
Hey there! Have you read any of his other novels?
I read Saturday a couple of weeks ago as part of the 888 thing (wrote about it on that book review site I have). I didn’t rave about it, probably because I never had enough time to sit and give it the attention it really deserved in single sittings. But I thought it was very good.
When I purchased it I knew that there were a few of his works included in 1001 books to read before you die but I didn’t know which. So I stood there in front of his shelf staring and pondering. Pondering and staring. And finally settled on this one. (I was going to try and kill two birds with one stone. 1001 is one of my 888 categories. Unfortunately, I failed in my choice - NOT in the 1001.)
I suspect your review of ACM is yet to come?
2 admin // Oct 2, 2008 at 5:50 pm
Hey, hey!
I read Amsterdam and On Chisel Beach. Saturday is next on my list. I love, love, love both Amsterdam and On Chisel Beach so I’m hoping Saturday is as good too. I also have Atonement on the list BUT I saw the movie before I read the book so that’s kind of spoiled. It’s been ages since I’ve visited your book review site - I’ll have to go back now and see what you’ve been reading lately.
Yes, the ACM review is coming. Just a little delayed because I’m at a conference here in Sparks, Nevada. If you know anything about Reno or Sparks - you know it’s not a hip place like Austin. It’s a really depressive town but I think (I THINK) I might just have an inspiration for a short story based on the ambiance (or lack thereof) here.
Hope all is well. The holidays are almost here. Knitting and truffle time, yes? Busy days ahead.
LY
3 Vitaly // Feb 27, 2009 at 1:51 am
And I’m crazy about ‘Atonement’. I was moved and struck by the novel. On Chisel Beach is worth reading, i’m doing it right now.
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