The article depicts Annie Ernaux as a writer who pays utmost attention to the simple facts of life. The impression I receive is of a very sensitive person. All this is fine and her literary stile bodes well for readers who look for small things in life, small can be extremely beautiful and touchy.
For the same reason I find it hard to understand why a writer at this level is taking an adventurous approach in conflicts she does not know well enough in order to express an objective opinion.
I refer to her absolute condemnation of events in the Middle East. She takes sides ferociously against Israel at every possible occasion. I would expect a skilled writer to study carefully the complexity of the Middle Eastern situation before being so biased in her attitude.
It is not the first time that the Nobel Literature Commitee assign the prize to writers who have anti Israeli attitude bordering antisemitism. Another famous example is the Portuguese writer and Nobel, Jose Saramago.
A balanced approach is always the better one. As they say in Latin,’ in medio stat virtus’.
I disagree, read “The gospel according to Jesus Christ”, highly antisemitic.
In my opinion only Blindness is a good book. Deepen a bit your knowledge about his opinions.
It’s not unusual for people who are excellent in some field to take a default public stance on something else they know little about. By “default”, I mean “whatever their peer-group espouses” and the notion that somehow Israel is just randomly attacking Palestinians and stealing their land is unfortunately the default among the intelligentsia. Similarly with economics or environmental issues, there is no deep understanding among writers and artists about the implications of what they march for.
Very well put. You hit the matter right in the head. If only people were more humble.
Phil Richardson
1 year ago
I had never heard of Ernaux, nor am I likely to read her but I enjoyed this generous appraisal. Having worked in Crawley a number of years ago, I remembered making a conscious decision to like the place. And lo, it became likeable.
Nicky Samengo-Turner
1 year ago
Blimey! So now France has its own Kent? Pass the ‘ Hearl Gree and schooner of sweet sherry, Vicar!
The article depicts Annie Ernaux as a writer who pays utmost attention to the simple facts of life. The impression I receive is of a very sensitive person. All this is fine and her literary stile bodes well for readers who look for small things in life, small can be extremely beautiful and touchy.
For the same reason I find it hard to understand why a writer at this level is taking an adventurous approach in conflicts she does not know well enough in order to express an objective opinion.
I refer to her absolute condemnation of events in the Middle East. She takes sides ferociously against Israel at every possible occasion. I would expect a skilled writer to study carefully the complexity of the Middle Eastern situation before being so biased in her attitude.
It is not the first time that the Nobel Literature Commitee assign the prize to writers who have anti Israeli attitude bordering antisemitism. Another famous example is the Portuguese writer and Nobel, Jose Saramago.
A balanced approach is always the better one. As they say in Latin,’ in medio stat virtus’.
The work and the person are separate. Would I proclaim bad literature from somebody who is pro Israel? BTW, Saranago is an excellent writer.
I disagree, read “The gospel according to Jesus Christ”, highly antisemitic.
In my opinion only Blindness is a good book. Deepen a bit your knowledge about his opinions.
It’s not unusual for people who are excellent in some field to take a default public stance on something else they know little about. By “default”, I mean “whatever their peer-group espouses” and the notion that somehow Israel is just randomly attacking Palestinians and stealing their land is unfortunately the default among the intelligentsia. Similarly with economics or environmental issues, there is no deep understanding among writers and artists about the implications of what they march for.
Very well put. You hit the matter right in the head. If only people were more humble.
I had never heard of Ernaux, nor am I likely to read her but I enjoyed this generous appraisal. Having worked in Crawley a number of years ago, I remembered making a conscious decision to like the place. And lo, it became likeable.
Blimey! So now France has its own Kent? Pass the ‘ Hearl Gree and schooner of sweet sherry, Vicar!