Dear Readers, a small note before we begin. Since my accident in December which left me without the use of my hands or legs - a considerable inconvenience - I have been writing, via dictation, a weekly dispatch, which you all read and respond to with such love and thoughtfulness. You have kept me a live. As we approach six months, I kindly ask that if you have the means, it would mean a great deal if could support my writing by becoming a paid subscriber, and keep this show on the road.
Hanif, I am so honored by your selection. I also wanted to let you know that Susie's "May" was added to the bottom of my "Surviving a Life Interrupted." Her piece begins with "It's exactly as you see it on TV." Should you be able to revise the post to separate the pieces to ensure Susie is credited, it would be greatly appreciated. Again, thank you for the recognition and for the Kureishi Chronicles.
Dear Hanif - I’m honored my story was chosen as I was moved by all of the stories that were shared.
As a post script - my sister Cathee finally made her way home. She spent 2 years wandering in the deserts of New Mexico - but that story is for a longer essay. I am just happy my middle sis is back.
There is a book I like called 'True Tales of American Life.' It is an anthology of 'true' stories (some seem more plausible than others) that were submitted to a radio show, hosted by the writer, Paul Auster.
What I enjoy most about this kind of biographical writing is the way that, no matter how stage-managed the piece, the humanity of the author and their subjects always shows through in the work. It may not always be flattering – one's humanity seldom is – but it is relatable.
'Life Hurts' is very well written. It came very easily off the page and configured itself into impressionistic snapshots of people, and glimpses of key events in their lives. It reminded me of an issue of Alan Moore's epic three-and-a half year tenure on 'The Saga of the Swamp Thing', for DC Comics. It is a genuine saga too – a love story stretching across the cosmos. The eponymous protagonist is, among other things, the distant biological echo of a man named Alec Holland, who wanders the swamplands of Louisiana in the form of what could charitably be described as an anthropomorphic compost heap. Issue 43 in Moore's run, opens with a growth resembling a sweet potato, breaking off from Alec's back as he ambles through the bayou.
This tuber is found by a hippie named Chester, who believes that it may possess psychotropic qualities. He cuts it into three pieces to study it. The largest of these is later taken by a scumbag named Milo, who eats it and finds his consciousness plunged into something akin to hell on earth – an experience that almost kills him.
Chester gives the second piece to the boyfriend of a woman named Sandy, who is dying from cancer. When she eats it, she is immersed in a world of great beaut,y where the human body is revealed as an imperfect vessel, and our true human essences as part of something larger and more unified. She dies embracing death as opposed to fearing it.
Chester concludes that the tuber is akin to cosmic litmus paper. It will tell you whether you are a good or a bad person. As he contemplates the remaining piece, he ponders his own character – is he a good man? In some regards perhaps, but in others areas, perhaps not. He considers eating it, but in the end he decides against doing so.
The Mojo in 'Life Hurts' presents itself as a short-cut to some of life's more intractable human problems – a means of bending the universe to the will of the person who wields it. However, it seems to me that its true purpose is to offer a glimpse into the soul of its user. If you possessed an object that would grant you power that could be directed towards whatever purpose you chose, would you use it? If so, how would you use it and what would the way that you use it say about you?
Once again, what a crop of fearless writers. Lovely to wake up on the other side of the world and read these lovely, aching stories that must not have been easy to write and send in. Congratulations to all of you.
These choices make sense- they are each riveting. Such a hard call, though, to select from so many good ones. When you announced your contest, I was thinking it was a call for an essay.
I really wasn't going to read these pieces (after all, I'm supposed to be working on my novel), but each one sucked me in. So happy to see so much thought and wonderful writing. I'm impressed. Thanks.
Thank you Hanif for sharing the winners - both very worthy indeed and have shared to my small group on FB. I am writing to you siting at my 'desk' which is an old dressing table with the back off it. so it has the bit in the middle for my office chair and two sets of drawers either side. ~Why sitting at a desk of any sort is conducive to writing who knows. I have just completed a boring bit of E-learning to do with my latest trick (volunteering for Mind) and being overly conceited scored 90% instead of 100% in the obligatory quiz at the end of one of the sessions. And at my right hand side is the telly on and an old riveting film 'Raid on Entebbe' with the star line-up you just can't get anymore. The image of you and your dog Cairo. He will miss you too. Being a dog and possessed of superior knowledge he should know what has happened though. Now just to cheer you on a tad, I will be totally honest with you about a recent post by your son, and all about my little pony (me being cruel) or, Paloma Faith. I could not as hard as I tried respond positively, - imagine someone you just cannot stand there is no rhyme or reason you just cannot abide them, well that is me and Paloma. It can't be helped. Anyway if it had been an interview with anyone else but it wasn't. Very sorry about that. Six months. Time to throw more cash at the wishing well. thank you again for letting me respond especially to the writing competition. Their good work is out there now. With lots of healing thoughts Hanif, from Maddi in deepest North Yorkshire.X
Hanif, I am so honored by your selection. I also wanted to let you know that Susie's "May" was added to the bottom of my "Surviving a Life Interrupted." Her piece begins with "It's exactly as you see it on TV." Should you be able to revise the post to separate the pieces to ensure Susie is credited, it would be greatly appreciated. Again, thank you for the recognition and for the Kureishi Chronicles.
Dear Hanif - I’m honored my story was chosen as I was moved by all of the stories that were shared.
As a post script - my sister Cathee finally made her way home. She spent 2 years wandering in the deserts of New Mexico - but that story is for a longer essay. I am just happy my middle sis is back.
Am hoping you too will be home soon.
Brilliant. Love the pic with the doggie. K x
There is a book I like called 'True Tales of American Life.' It is an anthology of 'true' stories (some seem more plausible than others) that were submitted to a radio show, hosted by the writer, Paul Auster.
What I enjoy most about this kind of biographical writing is the way that, no matter how stage-managed the piece, the humanity of the author and their subjects always shows through in the work. It may not always be flattering – one's humanity seldom is – but it is relatable.
'Life Hurts' is very well written. It came very easily off the page and configured itself into impressionistic snapshots of people, and glimpses of key events in their lives. It reminded me of an issue of Alan Moore's epic three-and-a half year tenure on 'The Saga of the Swamp Thing', for DC Comics. It is a genuine saga too – a love story stretching across the cosmos. The eponymous protagonist is, among other things, the distant biological echo of a man named Alec Holland, who wanders the swamplands of Louisiana in the form of what could charitably be described as an anthropomorphic compost heap. Issue 43 in Moore's run, opens with a growth resembling a sweet potato, breaking off from Alec's back as he ambles through the bayou.
This tuber is found by a hippie named Chester, who believes that it may possess psychotropic qualities. He cuts it into three pieces to study it. The largest of these is later taken by a scumbag named Milo, who eats it and finds his consciousness plunged into something akin to hell on earth – an experience that almost kills him.
Chester gives the second piece to the boyfriend of a woman named Sandy, who is dying from cancer. When she eats it, she is immersed in a world of great beaut,y where the human body is revealed as an imperfect vessel, and our true human essences as part of something larger and more unified. She dies embracing death as opposed to fearing it.
Chester concludes that the tuber is akin to cosmic litmus paper. It will tell you whether you are a good or a bad person. As he contemplates the remaining piece, he ponders his own character – is he a good man? In some regards perhaps, but in others areas, perhaps not. He considers eating it, but in the end he decides against doing so.
The Mojo in 'Life Hurts' presents itself as a short-cut to some of life's more intractable human problems – a means of bending the universe to the will of the person who wields it. However, it seems to me that its true purpose is to offer a glimpse into the soul of its user. If you possessed an object that would grant you power that could be directed towards whatever purpose you chose, would you use it? If so, how would you use it and what would the way that you use it say about you?
Congratulations to each of these wonderful writers. Such sharing! Such great, insightful, honest writing. Thank you xx
Wow, they are all my favorite!
Once again, what a crop of fearless writers. Lovely to wake up on the other side of the world and read these lovely, aching stories that must not have been easy to write and send in. Congratulations to all of you.
These choices make sense- they are each riveting. Such a hard call, though, to select from so many good ones. When you announced your contest, I was thinking it was a call for an essay.
I really wasn't going to read these pieces (after all, I'm supposed to be working on my novel), but each one sucked me in. So happy to see so much thought and wonderful writing. I'm impressed. Thanks.
Thank you Hanif for sharing the winners - both very worthy indeed and have shared to my small group on FB. I am writing to you siting at my 'desk' which is an old dressing table with the back off it. so it has the bit in the middle for my office chair and two sets of drawers either side. ~Why sitting at a desk of any sort is conducive to writing who knows. I have just completed a boring bit of E-learning to do with my latest trick (volunteering for Mind) and being overly conceited scored 90% instead of 100% in the obligatory quiz at the end of one of the sessions. And at my right hand side is the telly on and an old riveting film 'Raid on Entebbe' with the star line-up you just can't get anymore. The image of you and your dog Cairo. He will miss you too. Being a dog and possessed of superior knowledge he should know what has happened though. Now just to cheer you on a tad, I will be totally honest with you about a recent post by your son, and all about my little pony (me being cruel) or, Paloma Faith. I could not as hard as I tried respond positively, - imagine someone you just cannot stand there is no rhyme or reason you just cannot abide them, well that is me and Paloma. It can't be helped. Anyway if it had been an interview with anyone else but it wasn't. Very sorry about that. Six months. Time to throw more cash at the wishing well. thank you again for letting me respond especially to the writing competition. Their good work is out there now. With lots of healing thoughts Hanif, from Maddi in deepest North Yorkshire.X