The Ego Has Landed

Did I ever post this great review of Waiting for Gordo from Curtis Urness, on Goodreads?

Even if I did, I am still going to post it again (see heading of blog). Mr Urness says:

"When I first opened the pages of Waiting for Gordo, I was expecting a light-hearted vacation story, good for a few chuckles. While it certainly was that, the novel, like the mysterious island paradise that serves as its setting, turned out to be much more.

Miranda is on a diving holiday with her stalwart husband, Jim, and a group of expat British nationals (plus one American) at an Indian Ocean island resort. She is not there to explore the ocean deep with the others but to relax, enjoy the seclusion, and begin work on a novel. While she mines her friends’ gossip for story ideas, Miranda clearly prefers the company of her imaginary Hollywood alter-ego model for the heroine of her novel, Carmen Miranda, and Carmen’s equally imaginary suitor, Al Nino. Oh, and there’s also the Bathroom Cockroach, with whom she has negotiated a nonaggression treaty and who serves throughout the story as a winged objective correlative.

Just as every rose has its thorns, so does this island – plenty of them. It is called Small Island, but not only because it occupies a minute geographic space. There is some small terror lurking there that motivates the hired help to leave every evening rather than spend the night in its presence. Miranda senses it but cannot quite define its nature. Curious smells, such as sandalwood, permeate the air; curious creatures scuttle through the undergrowth. In the center of the atoll, the palatial estate of the isle’s owner, a wealthy Arab with a magical name, is surrounded by a gated wall overgrown with thorns. Yes, there are literal thorns, which the island groundskeepers struggle to keep under control, and which pierce Miranda’s tender skin.

Meanwhile the weather is idyllic, and the diving is great. Outside the periphery, a fierce storm rages, preventing Jim’s experienced diving partner, Gordo, and another group of tourists from arriving. Hence the title. Odd misfortunes start to befall the small group. The hired help and supplies become scarce. Miranda knows she has some measure of protection, thanks to her pact with the Bathroom Cockroach, but inevitably she must come to terms with the malevolent force that threatens her existence.

As the action progresses, the narrative becomes even more fanciful and absurd. I am reminded of the writings of Polish-Argentinian author Witold Gombrowicz. A more contemporary comparison would be with the works of Neil Gaiman. Knight guides the reader along with reserved wit and irony. This is the most fun book I’ve read in a long time. If you’re looking to for an enjoyable read, you can’t go wrong by Waiting for Gordo."

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35746959-waiting-for-gordo

Thank you Curtis.  I appreciate it so much. It is so good when people really enjoy reading the book.

And on that sad Tuesday last, I got Kathryn's beautiful Autumn card, with her news, and a photo of her two attractive grandchildren.  Her health is not at all good either. And that is the dilemma of age that all of us, the damaged children of disobedient Adam, are caught up in.   She also said that Disraeli Hall "certainly held me in its grip".   I do try to make people want to turn the page and find out what happens next.

Col had a good day yesterday.  He found a silver groat - in very good condition.  It will appear on his blog in time.  He also found a lovely little bronze bell - a harness bell - as in "jingle bells, jingle bells".

I had a Zoom hour with my siblings this morning - and Nute is feeling a lot better.  She and Pen are hoping to be able to go and get Janet's cats next week, if her recovery continues.  In the meantime, there is a good arrangement in place for their care at home.  It is so sad to think they might be waiting for Janet to return. Though I also suspect they may know she will not.

What a sad world system we live in now.  But not for much longer.  Here are some comforting verses from Psalm 37, which promise us exquisite delight in the abundance of peace, right here on the earth. And this is a promise from our Creator, Jehovah, who cannot and who does not lie, and whose every purpose is fulfilled.  He can and will achieve what no human government can.

• "Just a little while longer, and the wicked will be no more;

  You will look at where they were,

  And they will not be there.

  But the meek will possess the earth,

  And they will find exquisite delight in the abundance of peace."