Ammonites And Leaping Fish: A Life In Time (2013) - Plot & Excerpts
I read a book by this author as a book club read and wasn't thrilled. I then heard her talk about this book on NPR and was intrigued. I love this lady and would love to buy her tea and just listen to her talk. This isn't an exciting page turner, but a thoughtful mental journey through her life and the process of aging. On the last page is a very soft "conclusion." She has never been able to be totally satisfied with the present period and place, but has needed books and special "keepsakes" to allow her to "see" beyond her own time period and place in the world and to provide an important connection to the past. I share and envy this feeling of connection when I'm in Europe (just because everything is so much older) or near places that have a history long predating mine. Forever grateful to Penelope Lively for this wonderful phrase: "the tiresome holding pen of old age." I enjoyed her ruminations and reflections on the country that old age is (she wrote this at 80). Not exactly there yet myself, but I certainly know people who are and can see it off on the horizon. And it's not like the life stages that come before it, in ways not much spoken about. Or if it is- ignored. Fairly invisible population, the elderly. As a book person myself I of course agreed with her opinions about the importance of books, altho our histories and favorites are different. Also enjoyed reading about her childhood in Egypt, as well as what it was to arrive in England just after WWII. And her essay on memory. She is aptly named - her surname a good description of her writing style. Good read.
What do You think about Ammonites And Leaping Fish: A Life In Time (2013)?
This is a beautiful memoir with great writing and wisdom of a life lived eight decades.
—Sydney
Now this is a practiced writer! Beautifully written and surprisingly humorous.
—ankines
Not for me. Too rambling. Too inconsequential.
—bila
a little slow in some spots but i enjoyed it
—kevin
