An Argument with Mrs. S.

You might think this is a post about one of my books. Yes and no. It’s also about an argument with Mrs. S. concerning tombstone inscriptions; who Canada’s best authors are; and whether that should include Canadian poets and songwriters.

Let’s start with my book, Naarlen. It’s my fifth novel and the black sheep of them all. Most readers hate the book. It’s only redeeming feature is that a small number of determined readers love it. Fanatically. I would say “cult” but I think you need more than nine for a cult.

One of my New Zealand readers, Arthur, told me that he’s been on a tear enjoying Canadian authors, specifically my Illyrian Voyages series and Canadian author, Robertson Davies.

I was surprised. Why Robertson Davies?

I suggested that Arthur should give Canadian author Timothy Findley’s wonderful “Not Wanted on the Voyage” a go. [This is the part where you can argue with me about Canada’s best writers. ] If I’d been thinking straight, I would have added Sid Marty’s “Men for the Mountains” or maybe Leonard Cohen’s lyrics, but I wasn’t and didn’t. Anyway, IMO Findley’s a great place to start.

 

At the same time, I cautioned Arthur against my own Naarlen, which he hadn’t read. I’m sick of apologizing to readers who complain to me about Naarlen, so I told Arthur clearly:

“I do **NOT** recommend Naarlen.”

Well, I just saw Arthur’s review on Amazon.com. I think I’ll have his review chiselled on my tombstone, instead of “Loving Husband and Father.” Negotiations with my wife on this are not going well, or in diplomatic parlance “Negotiations have been frank and vigorous”.

But here’s Arthur’s review. You’ll see why I want it on my tombstone.