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Ammonites and Leaping Fish Penelope Lively

Ammonites and Leaping Fish By Penelope Lively

Ammonites and Leaping Fish by Penelope Lively


$15.49
Condition - Very Good
5 in stock

Summary

Reports from beyond the horizon of old age. This book looks at the context of a life and times, the history and archaeology that is actually being made as we live out our lives in real time, in her case World War II; post war penny-pinching Britain; the Suez crisis; the Cold War and up to the present day.

Ammonites and Leaping Fish Summary

Ammonites and Leaping Fish: A Life in Time by Penelope Lively

'One of the finest novelists writing in Britain today' Times Magazine A memoir that addresses ageing, memory, time and a life in the 20th century, by one of our greatest writers, Penelope Lively. 'This is not quite a memoir. Rather, it is the view from old age. And a view of old age itself, this place at which we arrive with a certain surprise - ambushed, or so it can seem. One of the few advantages of age is that you can report on it with a certain authority; you are a native now, and know what goes on here.' In this charming but powerful memoir, Penelope Lively reports from beyond the horizon of old age. She describes what old age feels like for those who have arrived there and considers the implications of this new demographic. She looks at the context of a life and times, the history and archaeology that is actually being made as we live out our lives in real time, in her case World War II; post war penny-pinching Britain; the Suez crisis; the Cold War and up to the present day. She examines the tricks and truths of memory. She looks back over a lifetime of reading and writing. And finally she looks at her identifying cargo of possessions - two ammonites, a cat, a pair of American ducks and a leaping fish sherd, amongst others. This is an elegant, moving and deeply enjoyable memoir by one of our most loved writers. 'Lively's memoir about age and the pleasures and pains of seniority is informative, instructive, unexpected and beautifully observed' Vogue 'Rich in observations and recollections. It should be read slowly because there is much to invite reflection' Herald Scotland 'An elegant and thoughtful dissection of a subject few writers dare dwell on' Times Magazine

Ammonites and Leaping Fish Reviews

Fascinating, lucid . . . Authority, yes; and wit, thoughtfulness, a tender attention to the natural world, an incisive but deeply humane imagination: Ammonites and Leaping Fish is full of all of these -- Helen Dunmore * The Times *
Like old age itself this book is not for sissies. Luckily for us Lively is one of our most gifted writers . . . This is Lively at her best * Sunday Express *
Lively's memoir about age and the pleasures and pains of seniority is informative, instructive, unexpected and beautifully observed * Vogue *
Rich in observations and recollections. It should be read slowly because there is much to invite reflection * Herald Scotland *
An elegant and thoughtful dissection of a subject few writers dare dwell on * Times Magazine *
A fascinating portrait not only of the author but of the times through which she has lived . . . sharp, unsentimental and ruefully funny * Daily Telegraph *
Other brilliant women writers (Joyce Carol Oates, Joan Didion . . .) have written whole volumes on widowhood, but Penelope Lively's description of that condition is all the more affecting by being sparse . . . Will delight all those who love Lively's novels . . . It's all enthralling: autobiography in miniature * Daily Mail *
Ammonites & Leaping Fish is powerfully consoling. Lively is certainly sagacious, her words careful and freighted. But there is girlishness here, too. Things still catch her eye, her attention. New books. Old stories. Another day for the taking -- Rachel Cooke * Observer *

About Penelope Lively

Penelope Lively is the author of many prize-winning novels and short-story collections for both adults and children. She has twice been shortlisted for the Booker Prize: once in 1977 for her first novel, The Road to Lichfield, and again in 1984 for According to Mark. She later won the 1987 Booker Prize for her highly acclaimed novel Moon Tiger. Her other books include Going Back; Judgement Day; Next to Nature, Art; Perfect Happiness; Passing On; City of the Mind; Beyond the Blue Mountains; Oleander, Jacaranda; Spiderweb; A House Unlocked; The Photograph; Making It Up; Consequences; Family Album, which was shortlisted for the 2009 Costa Novel Award, and How It All Began. She was appointed CBE in the 2001 New Year's Honours List, and DBE in 2012.

Additional information

GOR005258616
9780241146385
0241146380
Ammonites and Leaping Fish: A Life in Time by Penelope Lively
Used - Very Good
Hardback
Penguin Books Ltd
2013-10-10
240
Short-listed for PEN/Ackerley Prize 2014
Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.
This is a used book - there is no escaping the fact it has been read by someone else and it will show signs of wear and previous use. Overall we expect it to be in very good condition, but if you are not entirely satisfied please get in touch with us

Customer Reviews - Ammonites and Leaping Fish