I stumbled across this website about author Russell Hoban the other day and became instantly fascinated. I ordered his novels The Medusa Frequency and Kleinzeit from Amazon zShops and now can’t decide which to read first–so I’m reading both. I plan on picking up Riddley Walker from my local library when I finish with these two.
Hoban’s writing is great. He interweaves philosophical and psychological insights with mythical imagery and caustic (often silly) humor (I’ve laughed out loud several times and I’ve only just begone reading his books). Here’s a sample from Kleinzeit that I just finished reading:
I was going to start this thread, but as I haven’t read all the novels by a long shot I thought I wasn’t the right person for the job. I’m only too happy to reply, though.
My own favourite so far is Amaryllis Night and Day. I suppose because it was the first one I read. I was in that world for days after finishing it. Reviews often say a novels “reverberates” or “lingers” but that was one of the very few that actually did that for me. It really messed with my mind in a good way.
We also share a favourite artists: Odilon Redon. I was amazed he mention him, as I’ve always loved his paintings but he is not that wellknown. Worth checking this painter out as he crops up in many of Hoban’s novels.
The Medusa Frequency* I read just a week ago. It reminded me of my beloved Amaryllis in some of the themes.
I sadly haven’t read Ridley Walker. Must order it one of these days. I think it is a bit of a different kettle of fish from the other ones but I cannot conceive of not appreciating one of Mr. Hoban’s novels.
Are you aware he writes for children too? The Mouse and His Child is probably more famous than his books for adults. I’m one of the few people who read the adult books first and was very surprised to hear he wrote for children as well, since a lot of his books are quite x-rated. Try *Angelica’s Grotto * for a good example of what I mean there.
I know what you mean about the lingering quality of his work – it’s insidious like that. The way he blurs the line between the minds of his characters and inanimate objects puts you in an unfamiliar place, and it tends to affect you’re thinking (sigh, says the couch as I sit on it). Not to mention the mythical, from-the-unconscious imagery he conjurs.
I’m already somewhat familiar with Redon but Hoban drops names like crazy. So far he’s tipped me off to Gislebertus, Rilke, and others.
I’ve only read some excerpts of his children’s work but it looks like fun (I guess I have an excuse to get kids now, or maybe I’ll just read them to myself).
I notice you’re from Ireland, Pookah. From what I gather, Hoban is much more known in the UK than elsewhere. I’m curious to know if there are other fans out there from the States like me.