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Post by rowanberry on Feb 24, 2016 14:36:39 GMT
Came across this title on Amazon while searching for something else, and I found a second-hand copy on Ebay... looking forward to reading it, has anyone else yet?
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Post by shirl100 on Feb 25, 2016 16:29:55 GMT
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Post by accipiter on Feb 25, 2016 17:53:23 GMT
My good lady wife purchased it for my birthday thinking it would be interesting, on the contrary I personally found it very boring! And another book that finished up in the charity shop and so not to my taste I am afraid.
I found almost every page filled with flowery language something that I personally loath! You know the sort of thing I mean for example – I was greeted with a leaden sky flowing down though the valley of discontent, or some such pretentious nonsense! But if you like poetic writing then this book is for you, I seem to remember that a certain Mr White featured quite a bit and Stowe school too something Alan is very familiar with!
In spite of this though it did get very good reviews something that means very little in my way of thinking, but do not let me put you off in the end it all comes down to one’s taste in the written word.
Alan
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Post by jonathan on Feb 25, 2016 21:32:45 GMT
I enjoy good prose or, as Alan calls it, 'pretentious nonsense'. It allows me to get lost in the words - I am there, seeing what the author sees. I haven't read the book yet, though a friend bought it me for Christmas. Alan's somewhat contemptuous remarks have spurred me on to read it. Helen MacDonald has received many accolades and awards for her book, so not everyone shares Alan's opinion.
If you enjoy the book Rowanberry you should try 'The Peregrine' by J A Baker, the most beautifully written book I've ever read.
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Post by rowanberry on Feb 25, 2016 23:49:03 GMT
I'll keep an eye out for Ther Peregrine, thanks Jonathan!
I'll let you know what I think of 'H is for Hawk' once I get around to it... I've got several library books I need to finish first.
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Post by accipiter on Feb 26, 2016 16:24:39 GMT
Accolades and reviews often turn out to be “very unreliable” and pretentious nonsense I could name many authors, books, artists, that have a lot to be desired in my opinion, but still are regarded highly to this very day, all based on expert opinion or just because they sale in their millions or are highly valuable. This particular book was endorsed by (Andrew Morton) the very same tabloid journalist who also wrote (Diana her true story.) If one takes notice of reviews you often find that books tend to receive praise from the same people who endorsed their books coincidence, personally I do not think so, yet another example of you scratch my back and I will scratch yours. But as I have already expressed earlier writing style / taste is just an opinion as it is in everything. Remember this opinion by very clever people, - they have weapons of mass destruction (the Iraq war guess what they were wrong! Ah yes the Peregrine I think I gave that book away too it could have been to a member of WAB but to tell you the truth I cannot remember who it was now but then again my memory is not as good as it once was (MCI apparently.) But do you remember the rock opera / concert I recently mentioned by Dream Theater (the Astonishing) the theme being machines that hated music a retro-futurist post-apocalyptic dystopia ruled by medieval style feudalism, think game of thrones. This too received very high praise by many fans so Alan thought I would go along, do not bother! Dune a film,) was yet another example again this received high praise so being a bit of a sci fi fan I purchased the book and also went along to see the film, no comment! But hey I always enjoy a very good laugh and these books / films are very good examples of such i.e. boredom and laughter mixed together in a heady mix. I also enjoy hearing other people’s comments too it is what makes the world go round is it not. Sorry about changing the subject slightly but this is one thing that I like very much indeed about this forum i.e. much less informal then others. PS The grandchildren are now here so Alan may go missing presumed lost for a while, say no more! All right then I will- have a listen to pencil full of lead by Paolo Nutini I think you find it just a little enlightening on one’s own very complex character even though I say so myself. Stay still my dancing feet!  PPS A further comment on opinions
On the opinion of three independent doctors Alan should have died by twenty years of age, but guess what they were wrong too! Incidentally my present doctor says I am good for another hundred years, (he has a great sense of humour as well as yours truly) I very much hope the doctor is right this time though, I will let you all know in a hundred years’ time play mates!  Alan still alive” playing music, dancing, birding field archery, and much more besides including walking five to ten miles a day, oh yes and still reviewing the situation, who ever said retirement is boring is clearly wrong too! Later! |
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