Rare personal reflections from “one of our most talented writers†(The New York Times Book Review)Look out for Penelope Lively’s new book; The Purple Swamp Hen and Other Stories.Memory and history have been Penelope Lively’s terrain in fiction throughout a career that has spanned five decades. In this “funny; smart; and poignant†(Los Angeles Times) memoir; she offers a glimpse into her influences and formative years; as well as a view of what life looks like from the vantage point of eighty years. Lively traces the arc of her own life; from early childhood in Cairo to boarding school in England to the sweeping social changes of Britain’s twentieth century. She reflects on her early love of archaeology; and on the fragments of the ancients that have accompanied her journey. She also takes an intimate look back at a life devoted to books and writes insightfully about aging.
#454117 in Books Lively Penelope 2015-06-23 2015-06-23Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 7.75 x .62 x 5.04l; 1.00 #File Name: 014312627X240 pagesDancing Fish and Ammonites A Memoir
Review
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. New to Penelope LivelyBy ZivaI read a book review of this book and since I had not read Penelope Lively -- and am also a women of a certain age -- though it would truly speak to me. She imparts some wisdom and makes several astute observations but then it seemed more like rambling that a thoughtful memoir.47 of 47 people found the following review helpful. "A view of old age itself; that place at which we arrive with a certain surprise."By Amelia GremelspacherLively has entered that time she feared; "that hazard light worn by the old- slow potentially boring; hard going." While I share that status with Lively; I also believe this book has much to inform those entering the ranks of the aged. After all; there appear to be a lot of us and more on the way. The task to place oneself in the world comes as a reality for us all. I agree with Lively that we are a bit invisible; out of the way; no longer the dominant. I also find it a relief. However; present we are; and Lively's thoughts are instructive and sprightly.I am quite charmed by the ways of viewing age in this book. In particular the review of treasured belongings. Of course I also share with her that legal addiction; reading. Her prose is witty; self deprecating; and literate. Lively's own works are part of my library; and it find enchanting the peppering of titles that share her own life. She has a dignity about diminishment that I admire; and a wry regret that I enjoy. Last; but not the least; the memoirs that apply to her own life come as illustrative of a life culminating in her present state.I would urge you to read this book. The thoughts have a comfort and a wisdom. After all; "the poor have always been with us; now the old are too."0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Penelope Lively is an excellent writer.By Eddie Casson; author of Farm Story - Coming Out of IndianaAn engaging memoir; with respect to memory and aging. Penelope Lively is an excellent writer.
