This is so beautiful! I would say, not only do they cause less harm; the love we give another, give books, music, and maybe films as well, gives nutrition to a higher life -- puts flesh on someone growing in a further dimension.
Thank you very much for reading and for saying this!
I agree, and I'd be inclined (and I'm not just saying this because you're a musician) to say that music has that power perhaps more than any other art form.
We don't talk enough about Mickey Sabbath. That quote reminded me of this one from Houellebecq: “The texture of the world is painful, inadequate; unalterable, or so it seems to me. Really, I believe that an entire life spent reading would have suited me best. Such a life has not been granted me.”
Mickey Sabbath might be my favourite of all Roth's voices... I certainly hope more and more people will come to see the novel as the great work that it is. And the comparison with Houellebecq is definitely apt, you're right. I remember reading that Mario Vargas Llosa praised Houellebecq with the word 'insolent'... which would apply just as well to Sabbath (and to Roth)
This is so beautiful! I would say, not only do they cause less harm; the love we give another, give books, music, and maybe films as well, gives nutrition to a higher life -- puts flesh on someone growing in a further dimension.
Thank you very much for reading and for saying this!
I agree, and I'd be inclined (and I'm not just saying this because you're a musician) to say that music has that power perhaps more than any other art form.
You are very welcome; I could hardly overstate what a delight it was to read the essay.
Thoroughly enjoying the pressurised diamond-thinking intricacy of these launchpads.
I'm glad to hear that - thank you very much! Diamond-thinking intricacy is a great description of what I would like to achieve.
We don't talk enough about Mickey Sabbath. That quote reminded me of this one from Houellebecq: “The texture of the world is painful, inadequate; unalterable, or so it seems to me. Really, I believe that an entire life spent reading would have suited me best. Such a life has not been granted me.”
Thank you for reading!
Mickey Sabbath might be my favourite of all Roth's voices... I certainly hope more and more people will come to see the novel as the great work that it is. And the comparison with Houellebecq is definitely apt, you're right. I remember reading that Mario Vargas Llosa praised Houellebecq with the word 'insolent'... which would apply just as well to Sabbath (and to Roth)
Bravo!!
Thank you!
Beautiful review.
Thank you - I'm glad you enjoyed it!