Happy Christmas

Good Afternoon to all the Left Bank Bloggers
I hope you all have a lovely Christmas and a successful New Year.  I am looking forward to 2010 and hoping that Left Bank continues to be as inspirational as it was in 2009  with many new blog post and ideas.
Sww you all soon
Paula 

'First books' blank

Gosh, that was quite a shock to my system Paula - the realisation that if I have read any 'first novels' recently, I either cannot remember or I don't actually know if they were first novels or not. All I can suggest for the moment is Wuthering Heights or Adam Bede. Too much living in the 19thC! Give me time, I'm sure I'll remember more - and more recent ones.

I want to offer the following blog as a good place to check for anyone who is interested in keeping up on world literature, fiction in translation and almost anything else to do with reading and writing:
http://www.complete-review.com/saloon/index.htm

Also, I don't usually follow dovegreyreader, but there's a discussion there about crtics, criticism and bloggers which seems interesting.

Finally, my Poetry Group is going to watch 'Bright Star' at the Reel on Weds 16th Dec - the early showing, which is (apparently, tho' they are ususally earlier, so do check) 5.30. I'll be there for a second viewing, so if anyone could not make the Dartington trip, and wants to join us, we will be there at 5.00 (or earlier) to ensure ticket purchase, and then maybe the cafe until film time

Anil's Ghost by Michael Ondaatje and first novels

I have just finished this book which I would thoroughly recomend for its writing quality and poetic qualities but the subject - Sri Lankan civil war  is most disturbing and provides an insight into the way that people live in such dangerous places.  By contract I am now  reading Snow Falling on Cedars by David Guterson which although still a story of human divisions in society is a much easier read.  Its been on my list for a while as I have a pile of first novels - for inspiration. To me this one is very accomplished and you would never know it was his first! Would anyone else like to share first novels you have been impressed with?

correspondence art number 2

For anyone who would like to contribute to the project please make a piece of art and bring it to the next Left bank in January in an enevelope with your name and addrees on the back or on a seperate piece of paper.  I am hoping to receive about 9 - 12 contributions which will then be distributed for the next round.  If your artwork is bigger than 6x4 inches a copy of it reproduced or photographed at 6x4 would also be acceptable.   I will make sure that each of the works is scanned to avoid any lost in the post scenarios and each artist will receive their own work back.  Th end of January should give us plenty of time for developing ideas.  Experiences of the festive season positive or negative. I agree with Carol's thoughts on Plymouth and plan to purchase all my gifts as locally as possible which means that my family and friends should hopefully receive original gifts.  I am also planning (with not much success yet) to make some homemade gifts.

In shock - post-Plymouth shopping

There is so much 'stuff' in the shops, it made me feel quite ill. It must be living down here, I can no longer cope with lots of people and racks and racks of identikit acrylic ('with 5% wool'!) jumpers in M&S, etc - my fault for going in search of a woolly dressing gown, I'll have to make one.

Michael, I get access to Exeter university library for a fee, but as an alumnus it seemed fairly inexpensive (I did their Creative Writing MA when I first moved down here). I think anyone can apply to be an associate reader, but it's probably a bit more expensive. If you look on the University website, the library site explains it all. I am entitled to 4 books at any one time and for a four week loan, tho' you can renew online if no one else wants them. The downside is having to drive to Exeter to change books. I/We try to time it to see friends, things that are on, or en route to London etc, but it does not always work - especially if a book is unexpectedly recalled; that's the worst, as the overdue fines are swingeing. Mind you, I think I could probaly get most books that I want delivered to K'bridge Library via inter-library loan - they have not let me down yet - but I joined the Uni library mainly to have online access to research journals. As Journal publishers have become ever more protective of copyright, these can now only be accessed on specific terminals actually in the library. It is quite bizarre; each university seems to deal with the subject of associate readers, their lending rights and what they can access, differently.

Paula, I'm willing to give the artistic endeavour a go. I've already had one idea, but have got no further as yet - waiting for 'Atlas' to clear out the 'Summerhouse' (aka 'semi-derelict shed') so I have somewhere to paint without ruining the floor and carpets. Also, can you tell me more about your PTLLS please? Email me privately if you prefer. I need to do something 'out there, with people' and it would also be useful to earn some money while both (hopefully) doing something I'm good at and that will be of good to others.

I'll try the Rose Tremain. So far my only read of hers was 'The Colour' but I have a huge 'to be read' pile. My most wonderful recent read was 'The Great Fire' by Shirley Hazzard. It's basically a lovestory, set post WWII, and beginning in Japan. It is a simple story, but Hazzard's writing is superb; I wanted to rush and devour the book, but at the same time I just did not want it to end. Judging from the Amazon reviews a lot of people don't like the work, considering it, 'pretentious'(!) She is very ... poetic, but I like that. She's one of my heroes, along with Alice Munro, and they are both now in their 80s.

Michael, the idea of a heavier(?) group sounds interesting. A friend and I discusssed something similar a couple of years ago - but then she suggested it could also be a 'singles' club ... which put me right off.

more praise for The Road Home

I agree with Michael! The Road Home is not only a really good read but an eye opener in terms iof some of the issues that it raises.  I imagine that there are not many of us that have experienced anything as extreme as having to move to a foreign country for economic or political reasons beyond our control.  However I am sure we have all felt a little excluded at some time in our lives and for me this is portrayed very sensitively in this book.
In terms of the exhibition I imagine that it may take us some time to establish a body of work so perhaps 2011 would be better and give us time to develop ideas and create the work as well.
I have received the 8 copies of Dogs and Wolves by Irene Nemirowsky   and once my Reading Group have read the books I will be happy to lend them to Left Bank Members who would like to read it and perhaps review it here.

Paula

I have just finished The Road Home by Rose Tremain. Its worth a thousand reports and investigations about immigration amd 'them' I keep hearing and reading about. As usual Tremain really gets deep into the hearts and minds of her characters in way that renders understanding and compassion for them a human beings just like us. On the way through the novel Tremain has some delicious swipes at modern art and theatre, care of the elderly and the lack of real community in molst of society. There are however some tender pictures of characters who do their best despite the struggle they have to survive both here and in eastern Europe. I felt a bit let down by the ending but Tremain never was one to let the reader off the hook!!!!!! 8/10

Ongoing Keats

Thanks Carole for all the detailed information on Keats. It really is fascinating and I really must get a copy of the letters as you say they could tell us so much despite as I understand we don't have many of Fanny's. How do you manage to get access to Exeter University library by the way???? It was good to see you and others on Sunday and the film was beyond my expectations its still lingering. Maybe sometime we could start a 'like minds' group with an emphasis on classical/high quality literature and poetry. Paula I have looked at the Harbour House Schedule for next year and it looks full but I could talk to Emma and see what she says but I feel we need to shape up the proposal and be more specific about aims etc.
Hope we can get more of the LB group aboard the blog.