Writers Bloc Presents: Edward St. Aubyn | June 3, 2021
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 6 ก.ย. 2024
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Edward St. Aubyn‘s The Patrick Melrose novels are among the most acclaimed novels in recent memory for a reason: they’re thrilling, hilarious, wrenching, and brutally satirical- sometimes all on the same page. St. Aubyn’s novel, Lost for Words, is a wildly funny lampoon of literary awards and celebrity, and you will never again be able to take major arts awards seriously after reading it. Ever. Any new Edward St. Aubyn novel is cause for celebration. Double Blind, St. Aubyn’s latest, concerns some recent Oxford graduates, and the confounding choices they make. St. Aubyn, as always, delights us with his satire about excess, wealth, and posers, and takes us into deeper discussions about neuroscience, environmental issues, and venture capitalism. If you have never read Edward St. Aubyn, start right now. He is a breathtaking novelist.
I love the informality and the respectful way in which this interview is conducted. As far as I know this series is unique. The interviews have a quality that could not be achieved within the constraints of TV show and an intimacy that would be impossible in front of a live audience.
Thanks so much for this. A thrill to hear Teddy speak extensively with such a great reader and sensitive host. A real treat. Half way through Double Blind as we speak, looking forward to the Father Guido chapter!
I've just finished it. It's a masterpiece.
Such a lovely, warm and informative interview. Thanks so much!
“Teddy doesn’t do zoom”
Well, the author says that everybody in his book needs some healing--everybody with the exception of the two psychoanalysts, who somehow emerge as the healers above the fray. In a way, it's good to see so much faith put in psychoanalysis, but knowing the reality of the field, one wonders why this notable--albeit perfectly tolerable--exaggeration. Shrinks have one of the highest, if not the highest, suicide rate across the professional spectrum. I can see the connection with writers and writing, but enchanting the reader is one thing, and healing a patient another (some echoes of Adam Phillips's Promises, Promises cross my mind when reading the novel). The Lacanian, anagram-like ending of the story beat me, which significantly contributed to its charm. Is there a hint at incest between Olivia and her schizo brother, or I veered off? Anyway, I can't wait to read the sequel(s)! Deepest gratitude to the author for his exquisite piece of prose.
St. Aubyn was healed by psychoanalysis, so it makes sense that he writes psychoanalysts like ideal parents. It's also worth considering that there is only so much space to explore so many characters. And despite the messy realities of psychoanalysis, it is an admirable profession.
Brother Manfredi’s birthday party in the vegetable garden.
I loved that line so much. A whole story in one sentence.