Cathryn Smith- Literary Conversations Blog

Kind regards
Cathryn Smith
Hey Everyone I'm Cathryn Smith....Avid reader, short story writer and a dabbler in poetry. My holidays have to include going to Writers Festivals, meeting and listening to great writers (some well-known, some not) and being completely saturated in words. Books have been my life from childhood on. They are my magic carpet ride through all sorts of weather that comes with life. I have no preferred genre, happy to read any book or author and make up my own mind about its merit. ( I confess my judgement is based on emotional response and what I need at the time) I didn't realise how much of my time with friends is taken up with literary conversations, so in a nutshell my new blog will be focussed on reading, writing and magicians that take me on my carpet ride. I am not a literary critic so you won't find many negative remarks about the books which let's face it are the child of the authors. I admire anyone who has the guts to publish. Please note: There will be no mention of annoying partners, ditzy friends or cutesy reports on pets antics, but there may be a mention about other enhancements (music, food, booze and weather conditions)

BOOKS I LOVE RIGHT NOW -(December 2012)

I am the sort of reader who has at least 3 books on the go... usually a non-fiction, fiction and biography. Sometimes I add a slim volume of poetry. At the moment i have just finished a beautiful novel which I would class as a kind of biography of Ruth Blatt-

"All That I Am" by Anna Funder. She was a guest presenter at Ubud Writers Festival in October this year. What a beautiful speaker and not only drop-dead gorgeous, but intelligent, astute and sweet. The book of course has been around awhile, but it was meeting and listening to her that encouraged me to buy the book there (which she charmingly signed) Not only was I engrossed by the gripping story-line, but by her style of narrative. Her two main characters Ruth and Toller told their stories of events that lead up to Germany's involvement in both World Wars, but the real focus was around the love of their lives, Dora. Interestlingly, Funder did not try to give a voice to Dora, she was a charismatic enigma.  Boy she is one elegant writer a fine blend of simplicity and complexity when needed. I found myself quietly crying at certain stages through the book, and I read most of it under a doona on a grey rainy weekend (Love it) demolishing Cadbury mousse choc and mugs of coffee. All senses engaged.

Now, for something totally different and definitely irreverent, I'm reading Howard Jacobsen's Zoo Time. I loved Finklers Question so thought I'd read his latest because lucky me is off to the Jaipur Writers Festival organised by the irrepressible Will Dalrymple and Jacobsen is one of the many fabulous presenters. Is it possible to be in love with your wife and mother-inlaw simultaneously? I believe he is in love with an archetypal woman (represented by Vanessa) regardless of what her age is (Obviously from 16 - 66) i found myself laughing out loud while reading this, and driving frinds mad by reading passages aloud (even over my mobile.) I enjoy reading this book with a glass of white and a bit of brie. (Can't drink red or beer)

I recently found my battered volume of poetry by Garcia Lorca. I was 18 years old when I received it as a gift from an older male friend. I was so affected that I cut my wrist and made him cut his so that we could be "blood brothers'  for life. (Not in touch with him now). Blame Lorca, his passionate poetry is full of verses about little sharp knives, blood oranges and small fishes. I try to read it in the Spanish language (the English translation is included). I love Spanish poets and writers because most of them write crazy, sensual stuff. I found myself listening to Spanish guitar with howling singers all evening.  I admit I drank a mohito or 2).

Feel free to leave a comment of your own in the Guest Book (link on top left side)

Latest comments

21.10 | 10:12

Florence is a tremendous city in Italy. I have explored its magnificent sights before my https://www.goldenbustours.com/new-york-ny-tours/ and had alluring time

08.07 | 01:52

Fabulous Cath, good to see you blogging again, Can't wait for Leonardo!!