“This is the book Isherwood was born to write” said his cousin,Graham Green.-although I think Down There on a Visit is even better; both are great books. One thing that Isherwood added to taking just one day in the life of the main character is that he compresses that day and takes George from awakening ( birth) to sleep at the end of the day and possibly George’s death( does George die or merely fall asleep at the end? does it matter?)This allows Isherwood to make explicit direct or implicit statements about life itself and to address a spiritual, meaning to life in a manner than either Woolf or Joyce did. No one would deny the immense spiritual qualities of Ulysses or Mrs. Dalloway, but Isherwood is able to make 14:21 an indirect statement about his religious beliefs.Vedanta is never preached but is very much woven into his fictional practice. The story itself is marvelous and presents a picture of part of the southern California life which remains vivid. The fact that Jim has died before the book ever begins puts death behind every moment of this life and brings a sharp focus to the book. Isherwood’s justly famous prose in its late perfection of simplicity is one great feature of this book with you and others you mention note; It is truly one of the marvels of written English. I would point out two things which I think slightly more than narration. One is that the book was originally intended to be about Charlotte and I believe that structurally Her story slightly, same intrusive, although it is well integrated into the events and meaning of the book. The other is, you cannot read about George without, if you know anything about his life, somewhat conflating him with the author and there’s some dissonance here; George and Isherwood are and are not alike. I Appreciate your taking this book up for discussion. I enjoyed your video. Thank you.
Thanks so much for this thoughtful and insightful comment. I particularly love your point about waking and sleep being akin to birth and death, brilliant. Thanks again and so glad you enjoyed the video.
Finished this book today and loved it! I had to force myself not to read this book in one sitting - so I dragged it out over four days. It was soooo good. Beautiful, clear prose. Wonderful dialogue. I also got some hints of Joyce’s Ulysses in it.
Thanks so much for sharing your response to this amazing book. Yes, the life in a day aspect is very like Ulysses. I agree with all your points - in fact it's making me want to read it all over again! Thanks.
“This is the book Isherwood was born to write” said his cousin,Graham Green.-although I think Down There on a Visit is even better; both are great books.
One thing that Isherwood added to taking just one day in the life of the main character is that he compresses that day and takes George from awakening ( birth) to sleep at the end of the day and possibly George’s death( does George die or merely fall asleep at the end? does it matter?)This allows Isherwood to make explicit direct or implicit statements about life itself and to address a spiritual, meaning to life in a manner than either Woolf or Joyce did. No one would deny the immense spiritual qualities of Ulysses or Mrs. Dalloway, but Isherwood is able to make 14:21 an indirect statement about his religious beliefs.Vedanta is never preached but is very much woven into his fictional practice.
The story itself is marvelous and presents a picture of part of the southern California life which remains vivid.
The fact that Jim has died before the book ever begins puts death behind every moment of this life and brings a sharp focus to the book.
Isherwood’s justly famous prose in its late perfection of simplicity is one great feature of this book with you and others you mention note; It is truly one of the marvels of written English.
I would point out two things which I think slightly more than narration. One is that the book was originally intended to be about Charlotte and I believe that structurally Her story slightly, same intrusive, although it is well integrated into the events and meaning of the book. The other is, you cannot read about George without, if you know anything about his life, somewhat conflating him with the author and there’s some dissonance here; George and Isherwood are and are not alike.
I Appreciate your taking this book up for discussion. I enjoyed your video. Thank you.
Thanks so much for this thoughtful and insightful comment. I particularly love your point about waking and sleep being akin to birth and death, brilliant. Thanks again and so glad you enjoyed the video.
Finished this book today and loved it! I had to force myself not to read this book in one sitting - so I dragged it out over four days. It was soooo good. Beautiful, clear prose. Wonderful dialogue. I also got some hints of Joyce’s Ulysses in it.
Thanks so much for sharing your response to this amazing book. Yes, the life in a day aspect is very like Ulysses. I agree with all your points - in fact it's making me want to read it all over again! Thanks.
just picked it up, thank you for this!
@@OscarDiaz-mx8ik enjoy!!
Emily!! Finally see you in the morning with Seth's chair dancing therapy 😮😅 (ua-cam.com/video/nVZVstzQf08/v-deo.htmlsi=7WIn9oqnz2j1765S)