“Everyone has a novel in them, but in most cases that’s where it should stay.”
Some authors have one novel in them and, although many try, never write anything as good. I’m thinking of Kingsley Amis (Lucky Jim), his son (Money), Daisy Ashford (The Young Visiters), Maria Edgeworth (Castle Rackrent), Harper Lee (To Kill a Mockingbird), Charles Portis (True Grit) and you will think of others – that’s what the Comments box is for.
Other writers strive to find their style. It’s hard to credit but PG Wodehouse spent many years writing acceptable novels and short stories before he found his métier. The first volume of the Paul Kent trilogy explores his early work and looks at acorns that turned into a magnificent literary forest. Other authors are more consistent, hitting upon a genre and sticking with it; too many to list.
I’m reading Paul Micou’s first novel, The Music Programme, and enjoying it enormously. Golden Hill, by Francis Spufford, is another first novel. I have ordered it and see if it lives up to my high expectations.
Now for something completely different.
“Labour leader Keir Starmer has announced plans for a new British Recovery Bond to allow people to “take a stake in Britain’s future” by investing billions of pounds in savings built up during the pandemic in communities, jobs and businesses.
Sir Keir said the Bond would provide financial security for millions of people as well as raising funds for investment in the science, skills, technology and manufacturing of the future.” (independent.co.uk)
I wouldn’t pick a fight with Sir Keir over anything to do with the law. I will point out he is talking bollocks about ”Recovery Bonds”. NS&I does the job and suggesting a Recovery Bond is flummery. British governments have borrowed money from their citizens since 1751, when Consols were first issued. I lend money to Gov UK by holding Premium Bonds. If you want to invest in the UK’s economic recovery from the pandemic and need income, buy a high yield investment trust like The Merchants Trust – there are others but Robert says Merchants is good. On the other hand, if you want to tie up your money in a low-yield bond that will, at best, match inflation Sir Keir’s your man.
How about “Gone With the Wind” by Margaret Mitchell who never wrote (or had published) another novel. I read it when I was considered too young and was so thrilled by it. I loved the asterisks when my imagination could fill in the space.
Apropos some of your other blogs,I also have a copy of the story about the Gormanston Foxes.Lady Gormanston was my grandmother,s aunt and ended up living back in Kilkenny with her sister.Also ,Tom Moore,s song The Last Rose of summer was supposedly inspired by a rose from Jenkinstown