Ian Gouge's Blog, page 13

“The Red Tie” – published tomorrow!

“Books talk to the inner person, the secret person; they can make direct contact with all those subterranean feelings and desires you speak of.” Vincent edits books. It is a modest and quiet occupation – yet one which is about to be thrown into turmoil thanks to the arrival of woman, her gift to him, … Continue reading “The Red Tie” – published tomorrow! →

“The Paper Men”

William Golding’s The Paper Men made me feel uncomfortable; no so much from the subject matter, but because it didn’t ‘feel’ like Golding (who I generally think is superb). Oh, and the end is really cheap and tricksy! Disappointing. Wisely, I read DBC Pierre’s introduction after I’d finished the book. I never read an introduction … Continue reading “The Paper Men” →

First reviews from the “17 Alma Road” ‘book tour’ (1)

This was a very deep and descriptive novel that analyses the memories that houses hold and its told through fictional characters. I have great admiration for the way Ian Gouge writes and the wisdom he shares throughout this book.  If you like a reflective novel that is a relaxed read then this is the book … Continue reading First reviews from the “17 Alma Road” ‘book tour’ (1) →

First reviews from the “17 Alma Road” ‘book tour’

This was a very deep and descriptive novel that analyses the memories that houses hold and its told through fictional characters.I have great admiration for the way Ian Gouge writes and the wisdom he shares throughout this book. If you like a reflective novel that is a relaxed read then this is the book for you. … Continue reading First reviews from the “17 Alma Road” ‘book tour’ →

“The Red Tie” – to be published on 9th April

“Books talk to the inner person, the secret person; they can make direct contact with all those subterranean feelings and desires you speak of.” Vincent edits books. It is a modest and quiet occupation – yet one which is about to be thrown into turmoil thanks to the arrival of woman, her gift to him, … Continue reading “The Red Tie” – to be published on 9th April →

“Malone Dies”

It’s difficult to know what to say about Samuel Beckett’s fiction. Bizarrely – and counter-intuitively – the obvious choices might tend toward the trite: “it’s hard”, “it’s rubbish”, “I didn’t understand a word”, “utterly profound” etc. You may know where you stand on this spectrum. And Malone Dies is no easier or harder than anything … Continue reading “Malone Dies” →

My virtual book tour starts soon!

Really excited to have my virtual book tour starting soon – and to read the reviews of the tour’s hosts. I will ensure I post the highlights here and on my Substack site!

“egg / shell”

I need to be careful… Undoubtedly, there are some good poems in Victoria Kennefick’s “egg / shell”. Let’s start there. The collection concerns itself with two profoundly serious topics: a woman’s experience of miscarriage, and the dissolving of her marriage when her husband decides to make the transition away from being a man. I cannot … Continue reading “egg / shell” →

“The Humbling”

The thing that strikes me the most about Philip Roth’s “The Humbling” is how totally inappropriate the title is. Simon Axler, the lead character, isn’t humbled – he’s crushed. ‘Humbling’ suggests someone merely cut down to size, made to see the reality of their situation (but gently perhaps); it even hits at the possibility of … Continue reading “The Humbling” →

“Nothing but the night”

You probably don’t want to read John William’s “Nothing but the night” if you are in any way depressed. Or feeling overwhelmed. Or existential. It won’t help lift your mood. Nor if you’re looking for a happy ending. Williams dangles one before us, tantalisingly suggesting redemption, then in the last 20 pages rips that possibility … Continue reading “Nothing but the night” →