He and his late brother Shiva were the first books I read about Africa back in the late 70s, “A Bend in the River” and “North of South.” I’m pretty certain I’ve read all of V.S.’s books and I tend to side with him in the controversy with Paul Theroux. Paul turned cranky in his old age!
A Writer’s People by V.S. Naipaul is one of my favorites and is about how our people are who help form what we write and who we become as writers. No one of us is an island.
He and his late brother Shiva were the first books I read about Africa back in the late 70s, “A Bend in the River” and “North of South.” I’m pretty certain I’ve read all of V.S.’s books and I tend to side with him in the controversy with Paul Theroux. Paul turned cranky in his old age!
You set the bar high for a successful life. “Try.” Henry David Thoreau observed, “The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation, and go to the grave with the song still in them.” Thank you for your inspiration, Reena.
BTW I realized the quote may seem like you have to do it all...as I read it I took away that just doing any of that was to "to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded!". Hope that made sense. Thanks again, Gary!
Thank you Gary! That is an amazing quote too, if a little pessimistic, but perhaps realistic. But I would like to believe that if we have loved even one - even if we're not loved back - and/or have expressed quite simply a kind word to anyone then that's a net positive. That quote always humbles me. Thank you for your kind words and thoughts...
Wonderful! And me too. It's such a lovely thought every time I look at them and make that connection. I never tire of the sight of entering my street for that reason. Thank you for your lovely comment Tara!
He and his late brother Shiva were the first books I read about Africa back in the late 70s, “A Bend in the River” and “North of South.” I’m pretty certain I’ve read all of V.S.’s books and I tend to side with him in the controversy with Paul Theroux. Paul turned cranky in his old age!
A Writer’s People by V.S. Naipaul is one of my favorites and is about how our people are who help form what we write and who we become as writers. No one of us is an island.
Naipaul was brilliant, self reflective, amazing. He’d be canceled in a heartbeat today. Haven’t read that - will find it.
He and his late brother Shiva were the first books I read about Africa back in the late 70s, “A Bend in the River” and “North of South.” I’m pretty certain I’ve read all of V.S.’s books and I tend to side with him in the controversy with Paul Theroux. Paul turned cranky in his old age!
Sweet Reena, you have left your share of sweet mangoes.
Aww, Tim. Thank you! You, your generosity and your contributions are inspiration.
Lovely, Reena! Your 100 word stories contain a world of wisdom.
Thank you so much dear Priya! I just wondered if there’s a connection with your take on “value” in your new story.
You set the bar high for a successful life. “Try.” Henry David Thoreau observed, “The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation, and go to the grave with the song still in them.” Thank you for your inspiration, Reena.
BTW I realized the quote may seem like you have to do it all...as I read it I took away that just doing any of that was to "to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded!". Hope that made sense. Thanks again, Gary!
Thank you Gary! That is an amazing quote too, if a little pessimistic, but perhaps realistic. But I would like to believe that if we have loved even one - even if we're not loved back - and/or have expressed quite simply a kind word to anyone then that's a net positive. That quote always humbles me. Thank you for your kind words and thoughts...
I am fortunate to live in a neighborhood where many trees planted in the 1950s still stand. They are majestic. Thank goodness for their planters. ❤️
Wonderful! And me too. It's such a lovely thought every time I look at them and make that connection. I never tire of the sight of entering my street for that reason. Thank you for your lovely comment Tara!
So good: Bradbury, Emerson, and especially YOU!
Thank you dear Mary!
Beautiful story and I appreciate you putting the Emerson quote back in front of us!
Thank you Brian! I love it too.
Love that Emerson quote, Reena. Thank you!
Thank you Paul! Yes. Isn't it so humble and genuine.
Lovely. It’s ironic how the trees remain after a family is long gone.
Thank you Carissa! Indeed.