Speaking of George Orwell, during our recent experience with lock-downs resulting from a new virus in our midst, I researched various viewpoints on what was actually happening hoping to a find 'the truth.' I was a bit confounded by the array of paths to travel in my search. Since Orwell's name appeared occasionally, and I hadn't read him, I decided to reserve a copy of 1984 at La Grande Bibliothèque de Montrèal. The book was in the library but not available for borrowing. I tried again. Still, no borrowing right was granted. How could this be? This was one of a series of events during this strange time that led me to just trust myself. I still haven't read 1984, but I did find a copy recently in one of the free tiny library boxes positioned throughout our local neighbourhoods. I will read it eventually, but currently I'm immersed in a book of short stories - Antarctica - by Claire Keegan, an Irish writer whose turns of phrase are helping me to understand my mother.
Forget Herbert Asquith … the real star in that firmament was Margot Asquith. When her two volume autobiography was published, Dorothy Parker remarked, “The affair between Margot Asquith and Margot Asquith will live as one of the prettiest love stories in all literature.“ I have read both volumes and Dotty got it right!
What an interesting column.A beautiful picture of you and your bride at Orwell’s grave AND Ondaatje’s tender poem!
Yes, I love the photo.
One Sunday afternoon, we did exactly what you did…drove out to Sutton Courtenay to pay homage too…not to Asquith, but to Catalonia..
Speaking of George Orwell, during our recent experience with lock-downs resulting from a new virus in our midst, I researched various viewpoints on what was actually happening hoping to a find 'the truth.' I was a bit confounded by the array of paths to travel in my search. Since Orwell's name appeared occasionally, and I hadn't read him, I decided to reserve a copy of 1984 at La Grande Bibliothèque de Montrèal. The book was in the library but not available for borrowing. I tried again. Still, no borrowing right was granted. How could this be? This was one of a series of events during this strange time that led me to just trust myself. I still haven't read 1984, but I did find a copy recently in one of the free tiny library boxes positioned throughout our local neighbourhoods. I will read it eventually, but currently I'm immersed in a book of short stories - Antarctica - by Claire Keegan, an Irish writer whose turns of phrase are helping me to understand my mother.
Forget Herbert Asquith … the real star in that firmament was Margot Asquith. When her two volume autobiography was published, Dorothy Parker remarked, “The affair between Margot Asquith and Margot Asquith will live as one of the prettiest love stories in all literature.“ I have read both volumes and Dotty got it right!