The Thousand Autumns of Jacob de Zoet
‘This is about’ – the Irishman balances his hat on his thigh – ‘what we’d call, at home, a “skeleton in the cupboard”.’ ‘On Walcheren we say, “a body in the vegetable patch”.’ ‘Monster turnips, then, on Walcheren. May I speak in English?’ ‘Do so. If I need your help,...
How to Write the Great American Indian Novel
All of the Indians must have tragic features: tragic noses, eyes, and arms. Their hands and fingers must be tragic when they reach for tragic food. The hero must be a half-breed, half white and half Indian, preferably from a horse culture. He should often weep alone....
Burmese Days
‘Ah, doctor,’ said Flory, supine in the long chair, ‘what a joy to be here after that bloody Club. When I come to your house I feel like a Nonconformist minister dodging up to town and going home with a tart. Such a glorious holiday from THEM’ — he motioned with one...
“Why Do I Love” You, Sir?
“Why do I love” You, Sir? Because— The Wind does not require the Grass To answer—Wherefore when He pass She cannot keep Her place. Because He knows—and Do not You— And We know not— Enough for Us The Wisdom it be so— The Lightning—never asked an...