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Novels -- Page 2
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What is there we haven't said about John Irving? Not much. Along with Tom Robbins and T.
Coraghessan Boyle, Irving is among our favorite writers of fiction. In a way they are all very
similar -- master story tellers, fantasists who have an extremely weird but infinitely original
view of the world that continually produces surprises. Both great technicians and, to a greater
or lesser extent, great artists, Irving is perhaps the most accessible of the three; though all are
easy to read, entertaining and pretty unputdownable. 'The Cider House Rules' is, perhaps, not
the greatest book by John Irving but it stands head and shoulders above most other popular
authors for its rich characterisations and plotting.
Although 'Lust for Life' is written as a novel, it is actually a very well researched and fairly accur-
ate biography. As well as making the subject easy to get into, the novel form has the advantage
of allowing characters to describe themselves rather than having to be described. It really is a
cunning ruse to take a factual story and recast it as a novel. The fact that Vincent lived in one
of the most exciting times for art is purely coincidental. Irving Stone is an excellent researcher
and writer who manages to bring life and meaning to the demented and obtuse life of Van Gogh.
Never letting the story overwhelm the facts or vice versa, Stone brings immense knowledge of
his subject and the milieu in which he painted to bear. Not only a crash course in the life of
Vincent but also of the whole of Impressionism. Beautifully written. An excellent and informat-
ive read.
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The other 'must read' by Irving Stone. Like 'Lust for Life' this is a biographical novel but of
Michelangelo. Depicting the grandeur and the squalor of Renaissance Italy, it is rich with the
colours and smells of Medici Florence, Papal Rome and all points between. Against this
brilliant and compelling backdrop the legends of Renaissence art -- from Botticelli to Fra
Angelico -- compete in a bonanza of wheeling and dealing as they seek patronage or
commissions. It is interesting to note that while the language of 'Lust for Life' is restrained
and low key, 'The Agony and the Ecstasy' is a book that is full of Italian fire and flamboyance.
And, once again, Stone slips a tremendous amount of knowledge in under a wonderfully
gripping and descriptive tale. A brilliant book
Regarded by many as one of the greatest books ever written, Tolkein's epic trilogy is little
more than a classic adventure story. Although it is a deeply gripping, exciting and beauti-
fully written tale, it is the gigantic mythic world in which it is set that is Tolkein's most
impressive achievement. But, still, the sheer art of Tolkein's creation shines through. It
really is an immense and magnificent book that is truly epic in its conception and imple-
mentation. Since it was picked up in the grey-post hippy years, it has become one of
the best selling books ever -- even vying with that other fantasy epic, the Bible -- and the
characters who walk its pages have become engraved in the collective psyche. Although
it is strange, it is perhaps a reflection of these desperate times that a book in which the
main characters are elves and fairies should become such a runaway best seller.
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Although it is in 'The Hobbit' that Bilbo Baggins finds the Ring that is the subject of Tolkein's three
part masterwork, this fairly gentle and unassuming tale is not required reading before tackling
the biggie. But it is a nice little tale. Indeed, not that 'little' for it, too, has certain epic-ness. Many
who have been initially daunted by the 1200 pages of 'The Lord of the Rings' have found this
much slimmer volume an easier prospect. And it is a good introduction to Middle Earth and the
genre. Tolkein's characters are always charming and enticing but it is the wonderfully hissy
Gollum who comes out of this one the star.
Published four years after the death of the author, 'The Silmarillion' is the first of the books of myths relating to the earlier ages of Middle Earth than those dealt within the main works. Within 'The Lord of the Rings' there are many references to the myth and mythmakers of the earlier ages of Middle earth but few stories are told in full. 'The Silmarillion' contains all the missing parts. Here are the tales of Beren and Lúthien, of the ruin of Beleriand and the fall of Fingolin and of the making of the Rings of Power. As with all Tolkein's books, beautifully and cherishingly written. An excellent read.
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