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After finishing the edits on my novels in Decemeber 2003, I read Zorba The Greek by Nikos Kazantzakis, (translation: Wildman). Had I read it earlier, I would have aspired to do as well. If the novel is 'dead', as some say, it may be because too many modern 'novels' are more like documentary vehicles for social issues. One can learn more about the experience of life from one great novel than dozens of information tomes.
Read excerpts from Zorba The Greek - here -
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I didn't grow up on Bob Dylan, I was first curious through a David Bowie lyric - 'now hear this Robert Zimmerman', and first impressed by the song 'Tangled Up In Blue' which got airplay although it didn't make the UK chart (at the time Benny Hill was #1! 1975: A dire year for pop music). Later, when Thatcher was wrecking the UK, 'Maggies Farm' (from 1965) became my favourite, but it wasn't until '89 that I caught up with the genius. These lyrics stunned me:
One day you'll be in the ditch, flies buzzin' around your eyes,
Blood on your saddle.
Idiot wind, blowing through the flowers on your tomb,
Blowing through the curtains in your room.
Idiot wind, blowing every time you move your teeth,
You're an idiot, babe.
It's a wonder that you still know how to breathe.
Read the whole song: - here -
The album that 'Idiot Wind' comes from is 'Blood On The Tracks'. I recommend it to everyone.
The book, 'Lyrics 1962-1985', is invaluable: ISBN 0-394-54278-9
The Bob Dylan website
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