Hello devoted readers (all zero of you!),
Actually, I guess that’s not entirely true, apparently damn near ten people inexplicably looked at this blog a few days ago. I still know not why, but it is reason enough for me to resuscitate my dedication to long, arduous book reviews and other cultural and literary commentary. Maybe I’ll post some fiction too, if and when I ever write something at all worthwhile. So at any rate, be prepared for a barrage of posts: some well considered, others hastily constructed, and all sent pell-mell into the internet ether. I would also like to take this opportunity to encourage people to comment: one of the reason I started this blog was to discuss books, rather than just pontificate about them. I also want to know who you — yes you! — are, though I understand the inclination to anonymous reading.
On the Horizon (possibly):
1) A semi-daily report on my slow progress through Tony Judt’s “Postwar.” It’s a long one, and is both brilliantly written and infinitely informative. Summation thus far (through 1956): France looking pretty bad on a political level though booming economically; Soviet satellites=oppression, show trials, general shitty feeling; all of Europe: rebounding! Like this blog!
2) A reassessment of Hemingway: I’ve been hard on Papa as of late in my discussions of him with friends, — Natey-poo, you know who you are — so I’m about to start A Farewell to Arms in the hope that I’ll be convinced otherwise.
3) The Rachel Papers: Amis’ first novel, by his own admission autobiographical, about a British collegian and his relationship with a American girl. Just in flipping through it, I’ve found two separate references to venereal disease, so it has to be a winner.
