We live in time - it holds us and moulds us - but I've ever felt I understood it very well. And I'm not referring to theories about how it bends and doubles back, or may exist elsewhere in parallel versions. No, I mean ordinary, everyday time, which clocks and watches assure us passes regularly: tick-tock, click-clock. And yet it takes only the smallest pleasure or pain to teach us time's malleability. Some emotions speed it up, others slow it down; occasionally, it seems to go missing - until the eventual point when it really does go missing, never to return.
The Sense of an Ending
I started this book last night and was immediately captivated by the gorgeous writing. Reading is top priority today and, at just over 160 pages, I'll easily finish this afternoon. Why have I waited so long to read Julian Barnes?
This is actually the second paragraph. Diane is reading the same book and has already posted the first paragraph. Visit her blog for more Tuesday Intros.
This one is at the top of my wish list right now along with the new Anne Enright. Have to dash out and pick up a few books this week before the TBR Double Dare begins. :) Happy for you today though that you have such a gem to enjoy.
ReplyDeleteThat is some gorgeous writing. I would love to just have a day of reading, but alas, my family will not allow it.
ReplyDeleteOkay, I have to admit that I like paragraph 2 better than paragraph 1. This book is looking more interesting to me now...
ReplyDeleteIt's so funny that we both chose the same book. I actually did not get any reading time in yet today, but I am loving the writing.
ReplyDeleteThis is my 1st experience with this author as well --enjoy JoAnn.
I've heard this is a good one and I love the excerpt you have printed here.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you're enjoying this! I'm waiting for a quiet evening alone when I can read it :)
ReplyDeleteI must get a copy of this at some point. Don't like the cover though (but then I always find the US covers much worse than the UK ones!).
ReplyDeleteFrances - I'm preparing for the TBR Dare this week, too! Just put a library hold on Enright's new novel.
ReplyDeleteSandy - Loved the writing in this one! I didn't get to spend as much time reading yesterday as I would have liked, but still managed to finish.
Col - I loved the second paragraph... much better than the first;-)
Diane - I finished the book last night & plan to reread it today!
Kathleen - I finished last night. It was excellent!
Marie - I loved he book. Can't wait to see what you think of it.
Tony - UK cover SO much better than US! Love it when I come across them at library sales, used book stores, etc. Finished this book last night & loved Barnes' writing.
That's a lovely quote. Can't wait to see what you think of the book as a whole.
ReplyDeleteGreat minds think alike! Look forward to both of your thoughts!
ReplyDeleteI look forward to your full review! Curious to know the 'questions' you mentioned in your Tweet. Have a Happy New Year and Good Reading through 2012!
ReplyDeleteArti
Sam - Loved the book! One of my favorites this year, but won't get a review until next month.
ReplyDeleteStaci - It was so funny to see Diane with the same book this week. Decided to post the second paragraph so we would have different posts... loved the quote, too.
Arti - The biggest question was about the 'blood money', but I found an excellent discussion in the comments on Mrs. B's blog and also on amazon.