Wednesday, February 13, 2008

What is Justin D’Ath reading?

The latest contributor to Writers Read: Justin D’Ath, New Zealand-born author of over 20 books for children and young adults.

One book mentioned in his entry:
Paradise, by Scottish writer A.L. Kennedy. “Hannah Luckraft knows the taste of paradise. It’s hidden in the peace of open country, it’s sweet on her lover’s skin, it flavours every drink she’s ever taken, but it never seems to stay…” So runs the blurb of this extraordinary novel which takes you inside the mind, heart and skin of an alcoholic. I’m finding it an uncomfortable read because, despite her many flaws, Hannah is a sympathetic character, but she’s on a downward self-destructive spiral that can only end badly. The scene where Hannah visits her elderly mother and neither woman can express what she’s feeling because a third party is present is perhaps one of the most poignant pieces of writing I’ve ever encountered. [read on]
Visit Justin D’Ath's website.

Read Sue Bursztynski's Janaury Magazine review of Pool, D'Ath's latest novel.

Writers Read: Justin D’Ath.

--Marshal Zeringue