Comments on: Running, by Jean Echenoz

By: KevinfromCanada

KevinfromCanada — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 15:36:35 +0000

Sigrun: I don't think Echenoz requires s systematic approach -- each of the ones that I have read so far seems to be pretty much self-contained. For me, he has become a very reliable friend -- when I want a short work that is both entertaining and thought-provoking, he has always delivered. I just ordered a couple more (Double Jeopardy and Big Blondes) to make sure I have some Echenoz available when the mood strikes.

By: Sigrun

Sigrun — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 10:36:16 +0000

Thanks for a great review. I’ve just read this book in Norwegian, and I really enjoyed it.
I’ve read his book «I’m gone» ten years ago, and had almost forgotten how much I love Echenoz’s style. He is so economical with his words, still he manages to convey a grand historical situation through the life of a single man. I find it very literary impressive.
I’ve ordered «Ravel», as a follow up … there really is no systematic approach here -.

By: KevinfromCanada

KevinfromCanada — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 18:05:43 +0000

A comparison with Thorpe would be very interesting. Let me know how the two turn out.

By: Maggie

Maggie — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 17:52:00 +0000

Thanks. I’ve ordered this book. It will go nicely with Joseph Bruchac’s ‘Jim Thorpe” which I’m ‘doing’ with them now.

By: KevinfromCanada

KevinfromCanada — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 18:42:22 +0000

Maggie: No need for permission — use anything from this blog that is convenient for you. While I don’t think young people were Echenoz’s target audience, I do think the subject and the way that he approaches it (and the way he portrays the broader political atmosphere) make it accessible. My best wishes in your efforts to give it some attention — one advantage is that it is very concisely written. And, assuming some of your teens are female, there is an interesting feminine angle that I did not explore in my review.

By: Maggie

Maggie — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 18:04:43 +0000

Thanks for this review – I work with teens and this is definitely a book I could booktalk with them (borrowing with permission from this review). A good book to get then into as the Olympics approach our fair city here.

By: My Favorite Lit-Blog Things: January 6, 2010 « Hungry Like the Woolf

My Favorite Lit-Blog Things: January 6, 2010 « Hungry Like the Woolf — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 17:12:35 +0000

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By: Max Cairnduff

Max Cairnduff — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 11:58:06 +0000

Indeed, happy anniversary Kevin and I’m very glad you took up blogging.

I still have an unread Echenoz at home (bought due to your blog I’d add, though not one you’ve yet covered) so this will have to wait. Still, clearly I should bump the one I have up the pile.

By: KevinfromCanada

KevinfromCanada — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 00:57:57 +0000

JoAnne: Thanks for the comment and kind words. I had a great time in year one and intend to have an even better one in year two. I’ll do my best to try to make your list longer. Happy New Year.

By: JoAnne Jones

JoAnne Jones — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 22:04:49 +0000

Congratulations on the approaching first anniversary of this blog. My own list of must reads and take another look at has grown significantly this year. I appreciate all of the reviews and even if the book doesn’t interest me, your reviews are always engaging, entertaining and educational.
JoAnne Jones