h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

A wonderful summary of the man's work. I finished "On The Black Hill" last night. It's one of the saddest books I've ever read, a very moving book. For me, "Songlines" is his best- it's fascinating to follow his train of thought.
PS Is it worth mentioning the film versions of "Utz" and "On the Black Hill"? I've seen the latter- well worth checking out.

Hi Norton

I'm glad you liked it! Thanks

I've not seen the film versions of any of his books (there's a version of the Viceroy of Ouidah as well) but I suppose it might be worth mentioning them. Someone might say "That sounds just like a film I've seen" when it was!

The article's in the editing process at the moment, so I can't alter it myself. But I'll suggest it to the editor.

On the Black Hill is an exceptionally good book and, as you say, very sad. I finished Madame Bovary last night which is worse!

Thanks for your comments!

deemikay

Madame Bovary is the saddest book I ever read.

The Songlines is one of the most inspired.

Thanks! Lovely article!

I agree about Madam Bovary.... so, so sad. But at no point did I find it depressing. It's sad and tragic yes, but (dare I say it?) beautifully so.

deemikay

I generally don't find books depressing -- Beckett and so on, no worries -- but Bovary brought me down quite low. It seemed so true, so inevitable; the old doctor was the only voice of reason, and nobody listened . . . the others without being exceptional all mangled up their own and each others' lives, and then Flaubert pursued them beyond the grave like an avenging god. Still get shivers to think of it, and it was over 20 years ago, maybe 30, when I read it.