June 2014 - "A Question of Upbringing" by Anthony Powell

[Susan]

Sorry I haven't been that active in a discussion of a book which I nominated, but my internet connection has been quite intermittent for a couple of weeks...

I will listen to the podcast later, Nigeyb, thanks for posting the link.

As for statues of fictional characters, I can only think of the one of Peter Pan near Great Ormond Street Hospital to add to the list we have already.

[Barbara]

How about the Little Mermaid of Copenhagen?

The interview Nigeyb recommended was great. Thanks!

I loved the book. Sorry I haven't posted any comments. I intend to keep reading the series...

[Nigeyb]

Susan wrote: "Sorry I haven't been that active in a discussion of a book which I nominated, but my internet connection has been quite intermittent for a couple of weeks"

Oh dear. Sorry to hear that Susan. I hope it gets sorted soon.

Barbara wrote: "I loved the book. Sorry I haven't posted any comments."

I would love to know your thoughts Barbara. I always enjoy your insightful comments.

I'm glad you loved the book - that's the most important thing.

Barbara wrote: "I intend to keep reading the series... "

Wonderful news. I am really enjoying it. I'm midway through Volume 9.

Barbara wrote: "The interview Nigeyb recommended was great. Thanks!"

I'm glad you liked it.

[Erin]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and will (hopefully) be reading the next few volumes in the coming month. For me, the question about an unreliable narrator was slightly beside the point, as I think all teenagers make unreliable narrators - arguably all people are unreliable narrators, but I think teenagers are particularly hampered by a lack of experience of other ways of seeing the world, combined with a sometimes overwhelming sense of solipsism, which makes their unreliability a given. Having not read on yet, I am hoping that as the series unfold we see how Nick's opinions and views of people change with time (and how those people themselves change).
I particularly enjoyed the way Powell captured the sense of intimacy in teenage friendships - something that to date I had experienced as a teenage girl, but hadn't realised could equally apply to male friendships. The way in which particular friends can represent the entire landscape of your world, for intense periods, and then float off into the ether.
One of the ways I could see the world changing is that, nowadays, old friends can't edge their way out of life so completely anymore, as they pop up intermittently in one's Facebook feed........
Many thanks to those who nominated and encouraged this one - a real find and a series I'm sure I will enjoy.

[Nigeyb]

Erin wrote: "I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and will (hopefully) be reading the next few volumes in the coming month."

I'm delighted to learn that you enjoyed it - and that you will be continuing with the series.

I look forward to reading your thoughts as you work through the series. This is our BYT hot books/small group reads > "A Dance To The Music Of Time" thread.

Erin wrote: "For me, the question about an unreliable narrator was slightly beside the point, as I think all teenagers make unreliable narrators - arguably all people are unreliable narrators, but I think teenagers are particularly hampered by a lack of experience of other ways of seeing the world, combined with a sometimes overwhelming sense of solipsism, which makes their unreliability a given."

Very well put Erin.

Erin wrote: "I am hoping that as the series unfold we see how Nick's opinions and views of people change with time (and how those people themselves change)."

I can conclusively confirm that your hopes will be realised Erin.

Erin wrote: "I particularly enjoyed the way Powell captured the sense of intimacy in teenage friendships - something that to date I had experienced as a teenage girl, but hadn't realised could equally apply to male friendships. The way in which particular friends can represent the entire landscape of your world, for intense periods, and then float off into the ether."

Another good point Erin. What's so compelling about the series is that, even though, in this instance, Stringham and Templar "float off", such is the nature of the dance they reappear from time to time and, to an extent, fulfil their destinies, however also confound expectations. It's a delight. Addictive, surprising, sometimes humorous - sometimes tragic, but always wonderful.

Erin wrote: "One of the ways I could see the world changing is that, nowadays, old friends can't edge their way out of life so completely anymore, as they pop up intermittently in one's Facebook feed........"

Another splendid point. Is this a good thing or not I wonder? Actually, my own experience is that the people with whom I had lost touch, whilst I may re-establish contact through social media, it is only ever occasional and does not result in a reignited friendship, just a quick glimpse into their lives before they dance off again (or "float off" if their dancing style is suitably deft).

Erin wrote: "Many thanks to those who nominated and encouraged this one - a real find and a series I'm sure I will enjoy."

That would be Susan who has also earned my eternal gratitude. As you say "a real find".

Thanks Susan.