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| Cover of J.K. Rowling |
Most
of us have heroes we look up to in one way or another. Sometimes it's simply
the creative output we admire, sometimes it's the person rather than the work,
and sometimes, just occasionally, it's both.
So,
who do you look up to, whose work do you admire?
I'll
start the ball rolling with my own listing.
I
grew up long before the Harry Potter
novels were written, let alone published, but I admire the story-telling,
imagination and range of language used by J.K.Rowling in these adventure tales
aimed at young people. I started out reading them to my daughter as she grew up
and ended up reading the last three because I was hooked on the adventure. I
also think JK is an admirable person; her struggle to get published under very
difficult circumstances and her generosity, once she was established, both make
her someone for me to admire.
The
work of William Golding is something I've enjoyed since I was introduced to it
with The Spire when I attended
evening classes during 1983 to take my English Literature A Level (which I
passed with a grade A, I'm pleased to say). Having discovered the multi-layered
story and accessible literary elements in The Spire, I went on to read the rest
of his canon, finding I enjoyed the lot and learning a great deal about writing
in the process. I particularly like The Pyramid, one of his works that's rarely
mentioned.
Several
of William Horwood's books have
impressed me. I enjoyed the pure fun and adventure of Duncton Wood and it's following episodes. But it was The Stonor Eagles that most resonated
with me. I felt real empathy with the sculptor who is the human protagonist in
this novel. The book details the struggles of Sea Eagles in and around the
Norwegian coast and the Scottish Islands, and contrasts their lives with the
problems faced by the artist commissioned to produce a sculpture of them to
commemorate their re-introduction to the UK. A book that was definitely a powerful
influence on my writing. The author's ability to enter the 'minds' of his flying
characters as effectively as he does the humans in the story is most
impressive.
Graham
Greene's work has been influential in my reading and writing, as has that of
Neville Shute. I've also enjoyed the work of Louis de Bernier. And, for reasons
I don't fully understand, I have a particular soft spot for Richards Adams' Shardik and, particularly, Maia.
There
are, of course, hundreds of other writers who have entertained and educated me
during a life of reading. Attached to this blog is a list of some of the books
I've yet to read. You'll find them on the tab, My To Read List' above. If
you're interested in other books I've read and enjoyed, or otherwise, you'll
also find a list of those I can actually remember on Goodreads,
an excellent site where readers can exchange information about their reading
experiences. There, you'll find a list of the 817 titles I've so far recalled,
along with reviews of 89 of the books. I estimate I've probably read in excess
of 3,000 books but so many are from the past and no longer held on my shelves (I
was forced to abandon a large number of my books when I divorced my first wife,
unfortunately) that I can't recall them now. All, however, have played their part
in developing my language skills, facility with the written word, and my
knowledge of the human story.
So, there's an idea of the
work and writers I admire. Perhaps you'll share some of your own influences
here?
Thank you for reading
this.
