Sir Vidia's Shadows
Claire Berlinski, Ed. ·
Aug 13, 2011 at 7:41am
The Atlantic redeems itself with a piece by Joseph O'Neil about Naipaul that kept my interest, not least for the opening line:
From time to time I fantasize about commissioning nonfiction books. Two writers—no others—figure in these fantasies: Janet Malcolm and V. S. Naipaul.
Then we have this observation:
But however far he journeys, he returns again and again, with never-ending distress and wonder, to himself and to the circumstances of his youth ...
As does Joseph O'Neil, you'll note. So, I suppose, do we all.
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Comments :
May '10
Re: Sir Vidia's Shadows
Well, write what you know I suppose. V.S. Naipaul I think, stands a chance of being declared by history the 20th Century's greatest English language novelist. He is capable of romance, comedy and adventure; no mean feat. I strongly recommend the darkly comic "A House for Mr. Biswas". He also delivered one of the strongest defences of Western civilization ever spoken or written in this 1990 Manhattan Institute lecture:
http://www.manhattan-institute.org/html/wl1990.htm
In the pre-internet days I ordered reprints and sent them to my liberal friends with the express purpose of annoying them. It usually worked.
Jul '11
Re: Sir Vidia's Shadows
? You mean, "greatest English language novelist from Trinidad, right?
May '10
Re: Sir Vidia's Shadows
grotiushug
? You mean, "greatest English language novelist from Trinidad, right? · Aug 13 at 6:19pm
No, I very much mean the 20th Century's greatest English language novelist.
Re: Sir Vidia's Shadows
Of everyone who might be said to be in Sir Vidia's shadow, Shiva Naipaul is the leading candidate. His reputation deserves reexamination. Perhaps by me, since it's been years since I've read him, but I remember at the time thinking so.