John Julius Norwich
has sadly passed away since I read his history of France. It reminded me of
George Macdonald Fraser's last books - very indulgent, personal, irreverent and
from a man out of step with the modern world. Very uncharitable view and in both
cases I wonder if their publishers knew they were on the way out and either
waived normal editorial standards or rushed through publication. 'An American
Tragedy' was the dark side of the American Dream, and stands with 'Ragtime'
with its claim to be the Great American Novel because it explores the
exploitation, the social barriers, the ambition and drive of those without who
are prepared to go to any lengths to enter the gilded world they see.
Read most of it in
Hay at the festival, where I had a wonderful time with Helen. I've been excited
about it for months - it was great for the two of us to get away, and we stayed
in a gypsy caravan next to Stewart Lee. Him recognising me at a talk he was
chairing and saying 'oh, hello there!' may be one of the highlights of my life.
