It’s that time of year, my dears, where I’m about to head off to foreign parts for what’s known in various circles as “vacation,” “holidays,” or “days spent without LCD bathing.” I can’t believe it, either, actually, and am not sure I’ll be able to pull off things like “relaxing” and “not having much of anything to do,” which have only existed as very high level concepts in my foggy head. And there are so many things lined up when I return that I’ll probably never ever take time off again, which could be good for you, if your ears are burning. I’ll do the big reveal of a few of those things as soon as I return.
In the meantime, if you really need some sort of morbid fix, here are a few other scattered places where I’ve littered the internet with my sonant scraps. There’s a reading of Stella of the Angels at The Urban Sherpa. A recording of an Amy Meckler original poem at Revolving Floor. I can’t stress enough how pleased I am with the serial reading of The Man Who Can’t Die, which you’ll be able to catch up on while I’m away… And if long form’s your game, I still drop in and have a drink with Librivox from time to time. Have a listen to The Decameron or Moll Flanders, and honestly, if that doesn’t keep you busy for the next couple of weeks, you really should be reading to ME.
See you next month. Run through a sprinkler or open fire hydrant vicariously for me in the meantime.
You’re right. This is one of the strangest stories I’ve ever read and I do love it. I want more! Have a happy happy vacation Miette and I’ll be waiting for you to return.
What a lovely story! Very subtle observations; I think losing weight provides an occasion for reflection. I actually listened to it twice because I wanted to be sure I didn’t miss anything.
I think weight loss is more transformative for women for men. I lost 20 pounds and nobody seemed to notice or care (except family). When you are trying to lose weight, everything becomes a challenge, a temptation, an occasion to think about how others people perceive you.
A good counterpoint to the story is Kafka’s Hunger Artist (which is more solitary and existential). Wood’s story presents the issue within the context of a relationship, and so there is more drama and conflict.
By the way, shame on you for linking to the librovox version of Decameron. I’ve had that book setting on my shelf for several years (even though I have resolved to read it soon). For some books, listening to it seems like such a copout!
Monica Wood has a wonderful recommended reading page with annotations on her website . Lots of interesting titles.
Wonderful story. I could so relate to the character, and the narration was great as always. My favorite so far!