Penelope Fitzgerald has long been one of my favorite writers and she's a tribute to "ageless creativity" that I write about. Fitzgerald won The National Book Critics Circle Award in 1998 for _The Blue Flower_ that I also write about. Here's an excerpt from that post: For the National Book Critics Circle Award, her competition included some of the most acclaimed American fiction of 1997: American Pastoral by two-time NBCC winner Philip Roth; Underworld, the epic-length cold war novel by Don DeLillo; and Cold Mountain, the Civil War novel by first-time author Charles Frazier that was both an unexpected bestseller and winner in 1996 of the National Book Award.
So, yes, Henry, we must get the word out. So glad to read this post about her and congrats on your new book.
Just subscribed last week and here is an article on my favorite postwar novelist. I am in heaven. I am 72 and PF and Wayne Thiebaud are my heroes for reaching their peak at my current age.
A really well-written, well-researched essay. So great to have access to such good quality writing on substack. Thank you!
I have The Blue Flower on my shelf - you’ve reminded me of its existence. I must remember to read it.
Thank you so much! Yes do, it's a wonderful novel.
Penelope Fitzgerald has long been one of my favorite writers and she's a tribute to "ageless creativity" that I write about. Fitzgerald won The National Book Critics Circle Award in 1998 for _The Blue Flower_ that I also write about. Here's an excerpt from that post: For the National Book Critics Circle Award, her competition included some of the most acclaimed American fiction of 1997: American Pastoral by two-time NBCC winner Philip Roth; Underworld, the epic-length cold war novel by Don DeLillo; and Cold Mountain, the Civil War novel by first-time author Charles Frazier that was both an unexpected bestseller and winner in 1996 of the National Book Award.
So, yes, Henry, we must get the word out. So glad to read this post about her and congrats on your new book.
Excellent overview of her life and work.
Thanks!
Just subscribed last week and here is an article on my favorite postwar novelist. I am in heaven. I am 72 and PF and Wayne Thiebaud are my heroes for reaching their peak at my current age.
Ah good timing! Agreed, she's great. Under appreciated these days.
I found this fascinating, Henry. And that last line quoting Fitzgerald resonates so much.
Thank you! You can see why i love her so much
There’s a lot of truth in this read. And I do think reading is enriched by experience of living. Every single day
Yes that was my favourite part too :)