The Death of Napoleon Simon Leys

-

 


To think, only a few weeks ago l had never heard of this book.

It's not a large book, only 128 pages long and published in 2006.

In this re-imaged history Napoleon escapes from St Helena and returns to Paris.It is such a clever tale and Leys uses wonderful descriptive writing to tell it. 

Sardonic is a word often used in reviews of this book and l would agree with that. I would also add that the journey back, and death, of Napoleon is so apt for a man considered so great. It is a parody and reflects so well on the grandiose people can give themselves. The ending, in particular, shows in such clarity the hubris of a man who was once crowned himself Emperor.

Well worth a read.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

It started with a happy bus driver....

-
Image
  It started with a happy bus driver singing along to the radio. Then followed a fruitless search to find a theatre. Just between you and me l am useless at reading maps and have a lousy sense of direction. So then l gave up and walked towards the library to see the 2 authors in conversation. Phillipa Kaye and Jodi Gibson are in the photo below.  What an interesting talk. Both authors have books out currently. Phillipa Kaye's book is Girl Detectives Just Wanna Have Fun: A Birdie Mealing Mystery. Phillipa is standing on the left. Jodi Gibson's book is called Reinventing Emily Brown. Jodi is standing on the right. They asked each other questions about their books and took questions from the audience. They went through the process of writing, editing and publishing. I think it's always interesting to hear the creative process that goes into writing a book. I haven't read either book but l am tempted by the mystery book. Jodi Gibson, in her own words, writes female feel goo...
Read more

Catch me if you can

-
Image
The doors opened and in they came, and kept on coming.  A full house, happy and cheerful crowd. Welcome to a PLOS show. This musical, l am told, is based on a film which was based on a book. I had not read the book or seen the film so it was all new to me. The story is based in the 1960's and l think the set was designed to look like a 60's variety show. The orchestra was on 2 levels and it's a real treat to have a live orchestra playing. What a triumph for PLOS. The constant high standard of their shows means l will see everything they stage. A real stand out is the singing.  Everyone sang so well and this happens with every show. There was a lot of dancing and costume changes. Everyone played their part well with all of them having American accents. The best performance was by Aidan Niarros as Carl Hanratty. He is a Primary School Teacher by day, but what a performance. Jordan Poyser as Frank Abagnale Jr was very good too as was Peter Noble Frank Snr. Emillie Toby as Bren...
Read more

I have to ask you a question

-
Image
Have any of you read Tolstoy? Do you have a favourite?  This is a very interesting documentary that l found this week. He was an interesting man and led an interesting life. He is regarding as one of the greatest Russian writers and l think it is a well deserved titile. What do you think?
Read more