Really such a scandal?

In the humour for a bit of intrigue, I opted for the once-banned Lady Chatterley’s Lover for my festive read. Imagining the furor this novel caused when it was published possibly even more enjoyable than the book itself. Thus I have been drawn in pursuit of a choice selection of works that have emerged and drawn people for the juiciest of reasons - Scandal.

The Playboy of the Western World by J.M. Synge (1907)

The fuss: When Synge’s production was first staged at the Abbey Theatre, there were riots in the audience over the then explicit reference to "a drift of females standing in their shifts". Such heady stuff may have seemed too much for the turn of the century crowd. 

The penalty: Opening night was a bit of a flop and there was a continued rumbles down the line. But the play did enormously well and still stands today as a triumph of Irish theatre.

The verdict: In reality, it was more likely that some politico troublemakers in the audience just wanted to cause a scene rather than having any real complaint. Whether their complaint was politically driven or no, the image of a line of fair Irish ladies standing in their undergarments barely triggers a second glance.

Lady Chatterley’s Lover by D.H. Lawrence (1928)

The fuss: Lawrence took on the very brave task of not only writing from the perspective of a female on such an intimate subject as sex, but more so, challenging the titanic strength of prudish Britain. I'm reading this nearly 85 years after it was originally published and admit to the occasional blush at choice moments.

The penalty: The novel was not published in the UK for a good thirty-odd years after he originally produced it. So I guess that is a pretty firm win for prude Britannia. Since that time however, it has enjoyed substantial success and acclaim.

The verdict: Yes, this can still raise an eyebrow. And it has to be said that Lawrence often does hit the nail on the head (if you pardon the pun ;)) when it comes to describing the female experience. The strength in this novel extend much further than the themes so-objectionable 75 years ago. For a powerful read into the struggles of class, relationships and gender, I highly recommend.

Je t'aime...moi non plus by Serge Gainsbourg (1969)

The fuss: This is pretty saucy stuff. Even if one doesn't decipher the words, you can't but feel the two singers aren't discussing the stock market. In actual fact, the intimacy of these lyrics give Lawrence a run for his money. 

The penalty:  The song was censored or banned from public broadcast in numerous countries, and in France even the toned-down version was suppressed. Even the Vatican made a public statement citing the song as offensive. However, despite or perhaps because of all the controversy, it sold well and charted within the top ten in many European countries.

The verdict: Another piece of creativity you can't quite enjoy comfortably with your parents around...

So two out of three manage to raise a blush and a sheepish sideways glance on public transport (always a good barometer). All have worth beyond their scandalous allusions and are worthy of the acclaim they eventually received. One can't help wonder if Rihanna's onstage cavorting or Von Trier's explicit contributions will stand up in a similar way.

Just Kids by Patti Smith

I happened upon this book without direction for once and was amply rewarded for my gamble (only to realise subsequently how popular the memoir has been!) It is no wonder that such a master of lyricism should produce such a touching and detailed tale of two individuals' rites of passage from obscurity to success. I was gladly drawn in to her world; enticed on every page by the riveting and unusual experiences of her early career.

I found myself feeling very reflective of the time we live in as 1970s New York unfolded before me so vividly. Smith creates an era of experimentation and passion that seems wholly removed from the early stages of the 21st Century. Obviously, having not been there I can't comment upon her realism but the world where Janis Joplin and Andy Warhol breeze through lightly did not fail to fascinate. 

One is forced to suspend this sense of distance from the context as well as their judgement at times. I repeatedly had to quell my occasional good-girl tut-tutting at Robert's debauchery and indulgence (while remaining sceptical that Patti was merely the bystander in the sea of mind-expanding shenanigans that were going on).

I was entirely drawn in by this book, am delighted that I encountered it and hope that my recommendation for all to read it will be but a small contribution toward it's continuing success.

The Hare with the Amber Eyes, By Edmund de Waal

I"ve been meaning to post about this book which I consumed on holidays over Easter. Once again, this was a recommendation worth treasuring.

This is part-history, part-family biography, tracing the author's lineage with the central talisman of the beautiful collection of Japanese carvings. Each phase in the family history is painted with as intricate attention as the craftsmen invested in the tiny netsuke. Throughout the novel you find yourself as easily at home in contemporary London as the decadence of 19th Century Vienna.

Though the language is occassionally over-indulgent (perhaps symptomatic of the author's status as a novice in terms of literature), the thread of narrative is beautifully woven. He has succeeded in portraying the fate of his ancestors which was at times brutal and desperate but also incredibly human and touching.

The different phases of the netsuke as they pass through the generations are, as I've said, fascinating. However, by the time the collection reached Japan, one couldn't help hoping it would finally settle somewhere for good so the story could come to a close!

All in all, I am delighted that this book has received such acclaim and therefore am equally keen to pass on the recommendation.

The White Review Volume 2 Launch

Earlier this month I got a glimpse into another dimension of the world of literature. A new literary journal has been launched and we sipped a glass of wine in its honour on a Wednesday evening. 

The journal itself is resplendent. The volume is richly produced and the content is laden with the both the obscure and the poetic. Yet flipping through the pages I have the strange feeling that I’m not quite worthy enough to partake of what is essentially a piece of art in itself. 

The mandate of the White Review is to promote the work of unsung writers and artists, a laudable aim. One must wonder if these artists, writers and indeed the editors themselves have a clear view of who they wish to promote to. The attendance at the launch (almost as much as the decadent volume) suggested the target audience to be the high literati. And if this is the objective, they seem to this outsider to have been successful in that task.

I can't help but wish that there was something similar aimed at a wider audience. Something that conveyed the power of literature without placing it in the inaccessible reaches of pomp and privilege. And, yes – just as the White Review celebrated early this month – something that brings people together to promote and celebrate new works.

If you know of anything of this kind, I will become their fan and follower without delay ;)

Bookmooch.com

I am so excited about this site. It is basically a swop shop for books online. Such a neat, beautiful idea and a pure example of social entrepreneurship.

You upload books you have on your shelves and want to shift. Each book equals a number of points. The site contacts anyone who has added your book to their Wishlist and they then contact you if they want it. You then pop it in the post to them...

And what do you get in return? A library of wonderful books to browse and bid for. You create your wishlist and once your desired book is uploaded you are contacted and can get 'mooched', i.e. get it sent to you. You can browse by book, by region (London Central, US, UK etc.) or by people. It could be a great way to track people with similar tastes methinks.

I've uploaded four books and seem to not have enough points yet to 'mooch' a book...I would say that the lack of info on how many points one needs is a slight deterrent. I love the concept though and look forward to playing with it more.

Anyway this is just my early musings on this so I will definitely update as I discover more about it. I recommend you give it a look though. The more users, the more everybody benefits.

Moonlight by Harold Pinter at the Donmar Warehouse

Following on from our taste of the Donmar from the King Lear viewing earlier this year, we were so excited to get some much-coveted tickets to this amazing theatre. As a birthday gift to one of the gang, we all benefitted last week by going to Harold Pinter's Moonlight.

This was not your typical festive-cheer lark but rather a poignant exploration of family, madness and death. Our enthusiasm to experience the theatre was not to be swayed- a trip to this tiny space is enjoyment enough.

The play itself proved to be angst-ridden glimpse of a family in despair. You couldn't help but wonder throughout how the parents and their three children came to this point in their lives, and in their relationships. The past weighs heavily in their interactions but at every stage we were kept in the dark.

As a member of the audience you were searching to understand the root of tragedy that is left so consciously unexplained. This uncertainty combined with the intense emotion was heightened by the intimacy of the space (sitting in the front row, our knees were inches away from the actors at one point).

Just at the moment when you felt clarity would dawn and perhaps there would be some release, the play comes to an end. After a brief hour and a half you were left in a limbo trying to figure out the fate of the family. On reflection, this was a masterstroke on the part of the playwright as it mirrors the turmoil each of the characters feel.

So wow, not a lighthearted way to spend 90 minutes but nonetheless enjoyable. I would say don't stray toward Pinter if you're feeling anything in the way of melancholy... but rather in the mood for a good post-show dissection over a drink having been release while its still daylight!

The Donmar is a gem in the West End...I look forward to the no-doubt six month wait 'til I can finally get a seat in there again.

Worth the Wait?

I do sincerely apologise for the long delay in posting- I believe this is the Cardinal Sin of the blogging world and if I"m not unceremoniously given the boot, I promise never to let it happen again.

So what have I been doing all this time? Ploughing through the uninspiring pages of Jo Nesbo's Nemesis is what. All 706 of them. Given that my reading mainly takes place in the 20 seconds before I fall asleep at night you can understand the momentum with which I propelled through the predictable and dull narrative.

I thought it would be extremely poor form to admit defeat however and managed to get through it eventually. And rather than bemoan its shortcomings I am equally determined to draw out what was well done and enjoyable (and therefore won't keep you long ;) )

First the well done- I haven't read the Larsson books and only part of one of the films. But much like the Bourne trilogy, I imagine when these were being created the author had a director's chair, attractive actors and many many dollar signs in mind. And this is what Nesbo seems to be doing. He has written a strong contender for the cinema screens. There is the right mix of action, thriller, cliche lines and customary sexual tension between characters for this to be a blockbuster... except, well, oopsy Larsson beat him to the post.

And now the enjoyable- Jo Nesbo is Norway's answer to Stieg Larsson-a fact blazoned across the cover like a garish medallion-and here we come to why I chose the book. As I was travelling to Oslo for the first time last month, I thought reading a tale set in the city would be a romantically touristy thing to do. And it was wonderful! The scene of the crime was on the street I was staying! After I had left, reading about the main areas of Oslo extended the holiday feeling long into the following week.

I urge you to do the same- reading a book set in the place your visiting is like having a special guide giving away some extra inner secrets you don't find in a guidebook.

So phew, I'm through it. Not inspiring but if you had a loooooong train journey, it could well serve as a distraction.

Throughout the time I was being held hostage by this mediocrity I visited many bookshops, each time looking longingly at books that seem much more promising. You can therefore look forward to more cheery and timely posts in the coming weeks.

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