Shortlisted for prestigious literary awards, this book showcases exceptional storytelling that resonates with themes significant to Australian culture and identity. It explores deep emotional landscapes and complex character dynamics, offering readers a rich and immersive experience. The narrative weaves together historical context and contemporary issues, making it a compelling read for those interested in Australian literature.
Aus seinem Hotelzimmer in Venedig schreibt ein Reisender Briefe an seinen Freund in Australien. Es ist eine Reise an das Ende des Lebens, Wegbegleiter ist der Tod. In Betrachtungen über Kunst und Literatur, in Geschichten umschreibt der Reisende Lebenssinn, Zeit, Glück und Liebe. Die Briefe sind Abschied vom Freund und vom Leben und zugleich eine Suche nach Erlösung in einer Welt ohne Erlöser.
The novel, recognized with the Australian Literature Society Gold Medal, offers a profound exploration of its characters' emotional landscapes and societal challenges. Set against a richly depicted backdrop, it delves into themes of identity, belonging, and resilience. The narrative weaves together personal struggles and broader cultural issues, providing a compelling commentary on the human experience. The author’s masterful prose and vivid imagery draw readers into a world that resonates with authenticity and depth.
Set in a secluded Normandy valley, the narrative follows Robert Dessaix as he discovers the castle where André Gide spent his childhood. This encounter reignites Dessaix's passion for Gide's work, prompting a reflective journey to explore the profound impact Gide had on him as a teenager. Through this exploration, Dessaix seeks to uncover the allure of Gide's enigmatic character and literary legacy.
Engaging in a lively dialogue, the author explores diverse topics such as travel, pets, sports, and the joys of leisure. Interspersed with his talks and sharp journalism, the narrative invites readers on a journey through his eclectic collection of experiences and curiosities gathered from around the world. Whether reflecting on his travels or contemplating art and literature, the author's intimate and thoughtful prose captivates, encouraging readers to seek out new insights and pleasures.
Turgenev (1818-1883) was one of Russia's most famous writers, friend of Flaubert, Dostoyevsky and Henry James. Turgenev's private life was, perhaps, as remarkable as his public. For forty years he was passionately devoted to Pauline Viardot, a singer, following her and her husband around Europe. Yet their relationship was completely chaste - both had affairs with other people - and at various stages Turgenev lived amicably next door or upstairs from the Viardots. In fact, he described M Viardot as one of his dearest friends. What, then, did Turgenev mean by the word 'love'? Robert Dessaix learned Russian as a young man in the 1960s, and has been reading Turgenev on and off ever since. Over the course of his own forty year relationship, he has come to see Turgenev's life and work as illustrating a turning point in the history of love, as much as the history of Russia - the moment the Romantic became the Modern, the moment love became sex, and sex became a commodity.
In today's crazily busy world the importance of making time for leisure is more vital than ever. Yet so many of us lack a talent for it. We are working longer hours, consuming more than ever before; technology erodes the work-life balance further; increasingly, people feel that only work gives existence meaning. In a world where time is money, what is the value of walking without purpose, socialising without networking, nesting when we could be on our laptops? Robert Dessaix shows, in this thoughtful and witty book, how taking leisure seriously givesus back our freedom - to enjoy life, to revel in it, in fact; to deepen our sense of who we are as human beings. He explains how we can reclaim our right to 'rest well', and to loaf, groom, nest and play, as he looks at leisure from many angles: reading, walking, travelling, learning languages, taking siestas and simply doing nothing. The result is a terrifically lively and engaging conversation that reminds us that at leisure we are at our most intensely and pleasurably human.
The book features a collection of sharp and humorous reflections from Robert Dessaix, showcasing his keen insights and literary prowess. Through his unique perspective, Dessaix explores various themes, offering readers a blend of wit and depth that highlights his status as one of Australia's premier writers.