Russell Hoban

[altariel]

Sad to hear that Russell Hoban has died, aged 86.

Talking to the Guardian Book Club last year.

My short report of that event.

"Why is Punch crookit? Why wil he all ways kil the babby if he can? Parbly I wont never know its jus on me to think on it."
Russell Hoban, Riddley Walker

Comments

[communicator.livejournal.com]

Oh, very sorry to hear that. The Mouse and his Child was a book that affected me very deeply as a child.

[altariel.livejournal.com]

I only read it very recently, never got to it as a child. It's a wonderful book.

[communicator.livejournal.com]

'Out among the dots beyond the last dog...'

It made me realise that words have a force apart from what they actually signify.

[altariel.livejournal.com]

Have you read Riddley Walker? God, it's amazing. All about words, the power of words, finding that power wherever and whenever you are, cultivating and crafting that power.

[communicator.livejournal.com]

I don't know why I haven't: just hasn't happened yet. I will.

[altariel.livejournal.com]

It needs time. I think I took seven or eight years to build myself up to reading it.

[katlinel.livejournal.com]

I'm still building up to it. I think that quote is brilliantly heartbreaking, and every time I see it, it reminds me that I should read it sooner rather later.

[espresso-addict.livejournal.com]

I've been meaning to reread for a long while.

[wormwood-7.livejournal.com]

Sad to hear about his death, but he kept on writing until the very end and that is wonderful. I believe his last book will be published next year.