the impressionist

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Wed, 2003-08-06 10:39
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stephen_d-(unve...
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the impressionist

by hari Kunzru.

..Riveting..
The times

..Outstanding..
Guardian

..Engrossing..
LA Times

..Dazzling..
Independant on sunday

..Brilliant..
the times of India

..Magical, written in poetical prose and probably the best book written in the last fifty years..

In india, at the birth of of the last century, an infant is born howling into the world, his remarkable paleness marking him out from his brown skinned fellows. Revered at first, he is later cast out from his wealthy home when his true parentage is revealed. So begins pran Naths odyssey of self discovery-a journey that will take him from the streets of Agra, via the red light district of Bombay, to the red brick cloisters of Oxford and beyond- as he struggles to understand who he really is.

this is a must.

6.99 penguin fiction.

Stephen Daly

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Peter
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It is actually quite good too - I was predisposed to dislike The Impressionist (Hari Kunzru always looks so smug in photos - he looks like the kind of guy who sits with his legs open, the intention being to suggest what unfeasibly big balls he has) but - it's pretty good.
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Rachel
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How funny. Someone lent me a copy just this morning. I have a 14 hour bus journey to Cork this evening (don't ask) and I'm looking forward to it rather more now!
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Peter
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I once interviewed a young Manchester writer called Gwendoline Riley (she wrote an interesting if slight novel called Cold Water) - she was voted one of the Guardian's 5 best debuts last year (along with Hari and Louise Welch and 2 other blokes) and there was a photoshoot and Hari and the 2 other blokes sat round bragging about the length of their respective novels (I @!#$ you not) which I just thought was incredibly funny . . .
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d.beswetherick
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I WILL ask. How can it take fourteen hours to get to Cork by bus from anywhere? I don't expect a quick reply, of course.
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mississippi
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Well I pondered this too, but then realised that being Ireleand the bus probably left Skibbereen, stopped at Tralee, on to Limerick, Galway and Knockmore, passed through Ballinagleragh, Drumquin and stopped in Londonderry for Lunch. Then onwards to Belfast, Ballyjamesduff and Mullingar. Finally to Carlow, Wexford and Cork. The driver apologised for the detour but it was out of his hands as there was an accident in Skibbereen High Street which meant he had to turn left instead of right. He realised that Mrs Murphy had missed her dental appointment and refunded everyones fare and bought them all a pint in O'Caseys bar. In the circumstances all the passengers felt sorry for the driver and asked what time the bus home would be leaving.
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Rachel
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OK - it took 8 hours from London to Fishgard, 4 hours on the ferry to Rosslaire, then a further 4 hours to Cork. Wasn't too painful although rather smelly. Wish I had a job! Cork was superb though, had a great time.
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mississippi
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Oh I see, you caught the 69 from Leicester Square! Would have been far quicker on the 328 from Hyde Park Corner my dear.
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Rachel
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Don't know - it smelled like I caught the 13 from Ringaskiddy at times! Still, was an adventure...
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