Dear Diary,
Just a little literary news today and on the musical front I have posted a video of a very moving song my daughter sent me this morning. It can be found below this post. She knows I am a lifelong Clapton fan and I’m pleased to say that both my children appreciate his genius as well. And my son shares his passion for playing the guitar.
But on the subject of books which is probably my number one passion (though music runs very close I have to say…).
The Wales Book of the Year is an annual literary award given to the best book written in English and the best book in Welsh in the fields of creative writing and literary criticism.
I am so pleased to report that the book I am currently reading and so enjoying - The Presence by Dannie Abse, written to help him overcome his grief after his wife died in a a car crash, has won the 2008 Wales Book of the Year. It is a fabulous book, by a great writer and poet and I heartily recommend it. When I find a good book I don’t want it to end and I am tempted to read it in small ‘doses’, this is one such book that I will no doubt read again.
Abse wrote The Presence in the aftermath of his wife Joan's death in June 2005. The Cardiff-born author, who lives in London, was also awarded a £10,000 prize. The results were announced in a ceremony at the Hilton Hotel, Cardiff on 1 July 2008.
The three final short listed books were:
Dannie Abse: The Presence (Hutchinson.
Tom Bullough: The Claude Glass (Sort Of Books).
Nia Wyn: Blue Sky July (Seren).
If you have read my blog you will know that I have been raving about Nia Wyn’s book Blue Sky July for a long time and have been forcing it on all and sundry, whether they think they fancy it or not. So I was really pleased when it was short listed for this award.
I am still waiting to read Tom Bullough’s book The Claude Glass as I have requested it through the library, there must be a waiting list so I can’t yet comment on that one. It sounds like a very well written novel of personal and 'local' interest, so is Something to Look Forward To, I'm sure. I will blog about it asap.
Bye for now,
Go mbeannai Dia duit,
Cait
7 comments:
Just catching up with your blog. Beautiful poem and some great pictures. And now a couple more books to put on my 'must buy' list:-)
Lovely poem, Cait thanks for sharing!
I have to tell you this:
When I lived in a Posh house in London in the 90's (vague relaitives - and I mean vague!!!) the chap was a composer and wrote alot of music for films, artists etc - he had his studio at home and it was a sort of open house life where all sorts of folk would come and go. One day I came home from work and wandered down to the kitchen to make a cuppa. At the end of the kitchen there was an informal dining area which looked out to the courtyard and communal gardens above. A bloke was sat at the table, but I couldn't see him in detail as he had the sun behind him, but I said gidday, and he said hi, and that he was waiting for Michael to finish something up in his studio. I said righto, I'm just making a cuppa did he want one? Yes, and so when it was made I brought them both over and said I may as well keep him company while he waited. Can you imagine how I nearly dropped the cups when I got close enough to recognise Eric????? Berlimey! Well I stuttered a bit and he smiled and told me to sit, we had a nice chat and a cup of tea together before Michael arrived back to whisk him away. I was always put on the Comp list after that for concerts - yay!!!! Most exciting for a girl from downunder!
I know Eric is the most unassuming bloke, we used to live not far from him before we escaped to Wales. He has helped me when I was fundraising and stuff, I could tell you lots of nice-funny stories about him (a bit like yours).
Cait, thanks for the recommendations. Hope you get the slideshow sorted out!!
CJ xx
Small world, really, isn't it???
Come over and grab an award from my place!
Thank you so much for the info on the books Cait, those I will add to my Library list, always exciting to hear of book recommendations that you love.
Have always had a keen interest in Eric Clapton, he is a wonderful musician, adore his music.
Thank you for the lovely Poem too Cait.
Camilla.xx
I;ve read the Nia Wyn, a very touching book indeed. I don't know the Tom Bullough, so will investigate the details on Amazon. Very sad abotu Dannie Abse. Have just heard that a man we know - mid 30s - has been diagnosed with terminal cancer, death amongst love is so hard.
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