I originally bought this book from a charity stand at our local health centre. I chose it for the quality of the paper and, because it was a long book, I thought it was ideal for altering! What I did not appreciate at the time was by reading it, I was going to be introduced to the world of the professional literary academic conference goer and all their 'sad' little lives.
Small World is a satirical look at the pomposity and egocentric world of professional jet-setting literary academics who spend most of their working lives either delivering their high brow literary criticisms to their peers or being part of the vast audience of conference goers. Their world is indeed small in more ways than one. Attending conferences all over the world, usually meeting up with the same crowd of people at every venue, professional jealousy and marital infidelity are high on the agenda. Small World was shortlisted for the Booker prize in 1984 and serialized for TV by Granada.
I enjoyed reading about Professors Morris Zapp and Phillip Swallow but my favourite character was
Persse McGarrigle MA. University College, Limerick. I painted him in watercolours.
He saw a white, round, freckled face, snub nose, pale blue eyes, and a mop of red curly hair. "I wouldn't say you were handsome, exactly," he murmured, "But I've seen uglier mugs."
Thanks for stopping by and I do hope you will pop over to Art-and-Sole and see all the other book reviews and wonderful artwork.
Wow fabulous painting Janet.xxx
ReplyDeleteI like Persse with his freckles, turned up nose and mass of curly red hair - I wonder what kind of books he wrote. A real person, lifelike, and I like the touch of the green t-shirt for the Irish.
ReplyDeleteI haven't seen this book before, but I'll have a look for it on Kindle.
Persse was a poet and had a very thin volume recently published.
DeleteSince in a "previous life," I was also an academic, I'm sure I would love this book. However, I don't see where these people find time to write, since "Publish or Perish" is one of their mantras.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed the art, mainly because I can't draw, sketch, or paint a face. It was truly impressive and you portrayed the words well. That nose is what drew me in!!
Doesn't sound like it's my kind of book...except for altering (big smile!) Your painting is wonderful...he has so much personality. I wonder if he's a distant relative of Cyrano de Bergerac (big nose??????) :)
ReplyDeleteOh, such a fun painting! I would love to hang it on my wall!!! ♥
ReplyDeleteThe book doesn't sound like much fun and I will gladly pass on this one. That's a good thing since my list is getting longer andlonger every month! :)
Wonderful face,love the hair. How good are you painting faces. I am so impressed. Might give the book a miss though.
ReplyDeletelove from Cornwall
Jen x
Janet, your painting is adorable. I love the wonderful curly red hair and the freckles. You have done a difficult view of the face and done it admirably well.
ReplyDeletewhat a fantastic painting, he definitely has the look of a Limerick man!
ReplyDeleteI believe I would enjoy the book. I'm always intrigued by the way some scholars view the world of literature (and the world of words they don't consider 'literary') and the idea of seeing them interact with each other makes me chuckle.
ReplyDeleteLove the way you brought the description to life ;-)
This is a fab painting, I just love the personality that shines thru. sounds a bit of an odd read, but glad you found some interesting bits in it.
ReplyDeleteHahaha...that was a gem of a review :D I had assumed you were going to say what rot it all was, and how it was perfect for tearing up and altering. So glad you found it entertaining instead. Love your portrait, and the quote it is based on :D XXX
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like an entertaining read. :) Love how you portrayed that non handsome face. :)
ReplyDeleteSounds really interesting! Love your portrait from it!
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comments on my whimsical landscape, Janet. Today we actually have springlike weather. There's hope for you too. Yes, it was fulfilling to be able to blot out that horrible drawing with gesso. If only real life mistakes had some gesso! I am reading again too, but not as much as you. My book is George Orwell's 1984, which I read about 35 years ago. I am amazed that Orwell had envisioned the security cameras so far in advance. It's a bit dreary, and a bit disconcerting.
ReplyDeleteYour great watercolor definitely depicts the book quote about Persse...Thank you for this interesting review of "Small World".
ReplyDeleteWonderful portrait Janet... with such great expression... perfect I think, for the sounds of this book... great review...
ReplyDeleteJenny ♥
I love reading David Lodge, he really has a great way of making you smile a lot. Glad you enjoyed this book. Your water colour is brilliant, he looks just how he is described.
ReplyDeleteOh wonderful Janet those last words and painting just did it for me, you made me smile. Loved how you wrote this review!
ReplyDeleteManonX
Love the picture...you've captured him perfectly if my memory serves me...I read (and loved!) this book when it first came out.
ReplyDeleteHugs xx
Funny how you picked up the book for art and ended up creating art because of it!
ReplyDeleteLove the character you painted!
Love your comment Catie Dxx
DeleteOh the quote that inspired your art did make me laugh. I love your vision of the description - it fits so well!
ReplyDelete