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

I like Jostein Gaarder too, although I've not read The Solitaire Mystery. I have a couple of very nice children's books that he wrote. One of them sparked off a huge seam of very thoughtful discussion between myself and my daughter. She was only about 8 at the time. He has some very neat ways of illustrating an idea.

Well, this is a good question. I suppose when we read something, we assume the writer has strong views on the subject. Although, not always. We don't assume that speechwriters or journalists necessarily believe in everything they write. Maybe because we know they're doing it for a living. I don't know. Perhaps it's difficult for non-writers like me to imagine writing as an exercise\entertainment in it's own right.

Nobody believes that Dr. Deckchair Funderlik really wanted the Sun moved back a bit to prevent Cliff Richard doing summer concerts, although everybody probably believes he really doesn't like Cliff Richard. Probably that bit really is true, but we don't know.

Incidentally, actors can suffer too. There's lots of soap-opera baddies who've been attacked for the crimes of their characters. Of course that only involves really weird people.

It happens with novels too, doesn't it. Everybody thinks Helen Fielding is really Bridget Jones. I like those Kazuo Ishiguro novels. He makes use of the fact that we always trust the narrator. We take it for granted that he's giving a reliable account, and we assume his actions are justified. Why? If a real person was recounting an event, you wouldn't necessarily assume his version was gospel.

You in the Post again this week?

Looks like I am. She's picking the unfinished ones now!

I confess to never having read anything my Ishiguro. That's a neat idea, an unreliable narrator. What do you recommend?

And I think you're onto something as regards the general point. People take you on trust either to inform them or to entertain them, I guess. If you're ambivalent about which of the two you're doing, that's when they don't like it.

Probably one reason why most modern politicians finish up getting despised.

Hmmm...think I might write something playing with this idea. If that's OK with you, that is...

Unfinished? Is that some kind of Time-travelling, back to the future joke?

I suppose that's right. People judge the intentions of the author by the tone of the writing. Your 'voice' is quite deliberate and authoritative (as I read it) so maybe that's why you can be taken more seriously than you intended. I've been thinking about this quite a lot. I'm trying to work out whether, when I see a film, I think the writer/director was making a point that they entirely believed in, or do I think they were just making a piece of art or entertainment, or just making a living.

The last film I saw was Finding Nemo. The message was about the dangers of parents being overprotective. It's a very good message in such a paranoid society, but I still didn't expect the writers or directors or producers of the film to be wholehearted believers in it. I don't know why.

Anyway, thanks for giving me something new to think about.

.........probably it's because it's just not possible to take a Disney film seriously, but that's a bit snobbish really.

As for Ishiguro, I liked Remains of the Day and Artist in a Floating World. However, I would love you to read The Unconsoled, because then you could explain to me what it's all about.

Only if you promise to explain what Finding Nemo is all about.

No. Sorry. That was a childish, facetious remark. Snigger.

Some Disney is very nearly profound. It isn't quite, because it lacks a dark side, and so 'provocatively homespun' is about the best it ever manages.

Nearest approach for me was the character of Frollo in the Hunchback of Notre Dame; the sadistic cleric repelled by his own lust for Esmerelda.

Probably a good job my own kids refuse to watch such stuff, on the whole...

Hi Cleo
Just to forewarn you that Pingu's needed.
You know Waz?
Listen carefully to her, and her friends. That's all I ask. It's your choice whether you turn the little b*gger over.
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(and if you're up for a little RP, you're welcome yourself! Lurk and ye shall find...)

Thanks Cleo!
Everyone's waiting you to get off that bus now, mind...
No obligations here. Just let us know one way or the other, yeah?

Right. The bus. I am SO out of my depth with this role play stuff, and don't things move fast? I'll do that next.

I didn't like Disney's Hunchback. They can't pull off a dark story like that. The characters are too shallow and the cute animals mess it up. However, Toy Story 1 & 2 are among my favourite films ever. I think the characters had more shades, rather than the usual Good or Evil. Or maybe I've just been watching too much of this stuff.

I think this is why kids are so keen on Harry Potter. In Harry Potter, the school bully does come out on top, best friends fall out through jealousy and irritation, and life isn't fair. They recognise that stuff from real life.

Hi Cleo.
Don't fear the RP. We're all winging it. Just go for it.
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Wow. I saw you on line. Just missed catching you...
Anyway - how are you doing?
Still haven't read "The Unconsoled", I'm sorry to say.
That bus went a long way, btw. In fact, it might even be about to ride again.
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I still drop in occasionally to see how you're all getting on and find out what you're all talking about. I try not to get involved tough. I find that visiting this site has a way of soaking up all my time. Once I start I can't stay away.

Nice to hear from you again, anyway.