Leicester Square to Baron's Court. Piccadilly Line. Takes about 25 minutes. If you are me, and the (only literary*) child of the Parent, you can get quite a lot of reading done. This week, I have read Joshua Ferris' second novel, The Unnamed. I prefer it to his first - Then We Came to the End. I think he has the potential to be incredibly good, but what I like most about him is that he seems to know that, too. You can sense him flexing muscles, building sinew, working hard. Using each novel as an opportunity to learn, and grow, and expand. And that - for all you 25-year-old Orange Prize winners out there - is how it Fucking Should Be.
Anyway, where was I?
Oh yes, the tube.
Next, I will be reading Naomi Alderman's second novel - The Lessons. I loved her first, Disobedience, and recommended it to anyone who would listen. This is clearly a time for second novels.
But the great joy of books on the tube is that with my ipod on and a book in my hand I can pretend that I am not stuck in a human sardine tin, vulnerable to terrorism, halitosis and BO. The time flies and suddenly we emerge into the sunlight and I disembark (or alight, I suppose) and all is well.
*Please note that I do not say 'literate' here. Both my brothers can read, they just don't, much. Of course the older one doesn't read much books, but he does read much scripts. The little one is pretty and charming enough to get away with only ever reading PG Wodehouse and Len Deighton.
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hehe. poor old littlest one! he is jolly pretty and charmant, though.
ReplyDeletethat will be the only downside of cycling - not as much time to read. you'll have to get some for the old ipod. no doubt read by stephen fry.