Items related to Diary of a Bad Year
An eminent, seventy-two-year-old Australian writer is invited to contribute to a book entitled Strong Opinions. It is a chance to air some urgent concerns. He writes short essays on the origins of the state, on Machiavelli, on anarchism, on al Qaida, on intelligent design, on music. What, he asks, is the origin of the state and the nature of the relationship between citizen and state? How should the citizen of a modern democracy react to the state's willingness to set aside moral considerations and civil liberties in its war on terror, a war that includes the use of torture? He is troubled by Australia's complicity with America and Britain in their wars in the Middle East; an obscure sense of dishonour clings to him.
In the laundry-room of his apartment block he encounters an alluring young woman. When he discovers she is 'between jobs' he claims failing eyesight and offers her work typing up his manuscript. Anya has no interest in politics but the job provides a distraction, as does the writer's evident and not unwelcome attraction toward her.
Her boyfriend, Alan, an investment consultant who understands the world in harsh neo-liberal economic terms, has reservations about his trophy girlfriend spending time with this 1960s throwback. Taking a lively interest in his affairs, Alan begins to formulate a plan.
In the laundry-room of his apartment block he encounters an alluring young woman. When he discovers she is 'between jobs' he claims failing eyesight and offers her work typing up his manuscript. Anya has no interest in politics but the job provides a distraction, as does the writer's evident and not unwelcome attraction toward her.
Her boyfriend, Alan, an investment consultant who understands the world in harsh neo-liberal economic terms, has reservations about his trophy girlfriend spending time with this 1960s throwback. Taking a lively interest in his affairs, Alan begins to formulate a plan.
"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
Review:
"Do not miss this book...may be the greatest living writer in English" -- Sunday Times: Culture
"Funnier than anything else he's written...it eventually becomes unexpectedly moving" -- Saturday Guardian
"To witness new possibilities flowering in this cross-pollination between fiction and non-fiction, to listen to its reframing of the question `how does one live', and to its answers, is to be exhilarated" -- The Times
`If you are interested in literature, ideas and the reach of art deep into the heart of humanity, you must read this book.' -- Independent
'This novel's a lovely three-part invention, the work of a master of counterpoint...Coetzee's writing is a gift in itself' -- Evening Standard
'a complex and ultimately moving portrait of the writer wrestling with thoughts...a thoroughly unselfpitying portrayal of loneliness' -- Sunday Telegraph
'a fascinating piece of writing' -- Spectator
'as always with Coetzee, there are those devastating moments of truth and insights of austere beauty'
-- Irish Times
`Coetzee is not really interested in sex, but in power...the power of the novelist over his creation'
-- TLS
`like listening to several fascinating conversations at once.'
-- The Good Book Guide
Book Description:
"Funnier than anything else he's written...it eventually becomes unexpectedly moving" -- Saturday Guardian
"To witness new possibilities flowering in this cross-pollination between fiction and non-fiction, to listen to its reframing of the question `how does one live', and to its answers, is to be exhilarated" -- The Times
`If you are interested in literature, ideas and the reach of art deep into the heart of humanity, you must read this book.' -- Independent
'This novel's a lovely three-part invention, the work of a master of counterpoint...Coetzee's writing is a gift in itself' -- Evening Standard
'a complex and ultimately moving portrait of the writer wrestling with thoughts...a thoroughly unselfpitying portrayal of loneliness' -- Sunday Telegraph
'a fascinating piece of writing' -- Spectator
'as always with Coetzee, there are those devastating moments of truth and insights of austere beauty'
-- Irish Times
`Coetzee is not really interested in sex, but in power...the power of the novelist over his creation'
-- TLS
`like listening to several fascinating conversations at once.'
-- The Good Book Guide
Diary of a Bad Year is an utterly contemporary work of fiction from one of our greatest writers and deepest thinkers. It addresses the profound unease of countless people in democracies across the world.
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
- PublisherHarvill Secker
- Publication date2007
- ISBN 10 184655120X
- ISBN 13 9781846551208
- BindingHardcover
- Edition number1
- Number of pages240
- Rating
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Book Description Hardcover. Condition: Très bon. Ancien livre de bibliothèque. Légères traces d'usure sur la couverture. Salissures sur la tranche. Ammareal reverse jusqu'à 15% du prix net de cet article à des organisations caritatives. ENGLISH DESCRIPTION Book Condition: Used, Very good. Former library book. Slight signs of wear on the cover. Stains on the edge. Ammareal gives back up to 15% of this item's net price to charity organizations. Seller Inventory # E-574-781
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Book Description Hardcover. Condition: Very Good-. Dust Jacket Condition: Very Good-. Corners bumped on both DJ and Book. Small tear on bottom corner of DJ. Pages toned. Seller Inventory # 472765
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Book Description Condition: Very Good. Shipped within 24 hours from our UK warehouse. Clean, undamaged book with no damage to pages and minimal wear to the cover. Spine still tight, in very good condition. Remember if you are not happy, you are covered by our 100% money back guarantee. Seller Inventory # 6545-9781846551208
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Book Description Condition: Very Good. First Edition. Ships from the UK. Former library book; may include library markings. Used book that is in excellent condition. May show signs of wear or have minor defects. Seller Inventory # GRP63490742
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