In The Country Of Last Things, 2012
In The Country Of Last Things is Paul Auster’s fifth novel (the fourth under his own name). It was published in 1987. It was preceded by The New York Trilogy (City of Glass (1985), Ghosts (1986), The Locked Room (1986)), which is my favourite of his books, but it’s not science fiction, so there’s no place for it here. In The Country Of Last Things takes the form of a letter written by Anna Blume. Anna has entered an unnamed city in search of her brother, William. Life in the city has descended into chaos and disorder. No industry takes place and most of the population scavenges for rubbish to resell. Bleak stuff. Good title, though.
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It’s Science Fiction Fortnight here at The Future is Papier Mâché.
I am indebted to John and Deanne who set this whole titling thing in motion. And to my collaborator and all-round cool dude, Richard over at CK Ponderings, who is cooking something interesting up at his blog.
Do yourself a favour and visit Theodora Brack’s blog, People, Places and Bling, and Cheryl Moore’s Unbound Boxes Limping Gods.
A chilling image as well.
Thanks very much, Deanne. I’m really glad it did something. Whatever he was watching, he was really absorbed – I took four or five shots. Not a flicker.
He has a kind of Hitchcockian grin.
Yes, and profile, I think.
Great character, looks a bit like Hitchcock himself, or some weird character you would find in the Adam’s family. Great find.
Thanks, Leanne. Yes, I think there’s definitely something of Alf in his profile.
Hitchcock is the first thing that came to my mind as well when I saw your photo.
Brilliant, thanks very much, Cardinal. I’m a big fan of AH. That’s given me an idea for another series too…
This is very strong and simple. even the bird droppings add something. am I going nuts?
Thanks so much – no, I don’t think so – what got me thinking I was going a bit funny was the writing on the poster – it makes no sense.
Was Joe Orton a boxer or a jazz singer? it looks like a mock-up of something old.
The only Joe Orton I know of was a playwright, famous for Prick Up Your Ears etc.
When I zoomed in, the poster was a bit incomplete, but I really enjoyed the expression on the man’s face!
Yes, I think the poster’s been deliberately “distressed” – thanks!
Great picture, I really like the composition! And again you prove good taste … I love Paul Auster. Probably my most-read author these days along with Sebald.
Thanks, Verena on all counts! Yes, I got seriously into PA a couple of years ago, but I’ve never read Sebald – must get round to it this summer. Thanks for the reminder.
Greta take on a portrait!
And the cooking is complete.. New blog is served!
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Thanks, Richard! I’ll head over there shortly and see what’s popped out of the oven.
wonderful image you related with the novel… Thank you dear Richard, love, nia
Thanks, Nia – that’s very nice of you. I’m really please with how this one turned out.
As someone mentions above, this immediately reminded me of Hitchcock and his infamous profile. Nicely framed shot.
Yes! Thanks, so much Stevie. I could carry on hearing this all day!
Por un momento pensé que era Hitchcock!!
Ah ha, yes, you are not alone in this (and I’m very pleased!)
Sí, jajajaja,ya me he dado cuenta que somos más!!