with Pete: Recent Episodes
Peter
This story really grew on me. Aren't You Happy for Me? by Richard Bausch (1975) has a fun premise carried by well paced dialogue. I love the bittersweetness in this story and I'm glad it reaches for more than jokes.
I love when old stuff is good. I try to help summarize the plot as I go because the old tyme writing is a bit of a barrier to a great story. The Lady or the Tiger? by Frank R. Stockton (1882) is short and has a nice clear premise with a trick.
This is part 2 of 2. You're with Peter and I'm reading chapter 5 "Shipwreck" from Julian Barnes' The History of the World in 10 1/2 Chapters (1989).
In this segment, Barnes gives a brilliant breakdown of the making of the painting. His thoughts on what Gericault left out and what made the final cut. It's a bold walk through the artist's process that will leave a deep impression about the amount of decisions/inspirations contained in a piece of art.
You're with Pete as I read chapter 5 from The History of the World in 10 1/2 Chapters by Julian Barnes (1989).
I split it into two parts because it's long but discovered I still love this writing. The topic is excellent. Barnes tells the story of the disaster of the frigate Medusa and Gericault's choice to paint it. In this first part, he describes the shipwreck off the coast of West Africa which was, in French politics of the early 1800s, a national tragedy and political scandal..
The research is strong, he's read the firsthand accounts. His insights are powerful. I often think he's overreaching on his swing but then he cranks another home run. Barnes' fancy wording gives him the distinct voice of an English writer living in London.
The Wall by Jean-Paul Sartre (1939) is about three prisoners who learn they will be executed. It's a story well told through a character's perspective, an insightful meditation on death, and a worthy ending of a classic short story.
Peter reads The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas by Ursula K. Le Guin (1973). The story starts like an old school fantasy/sci-fi but stick with it because it pivots to unforgettable.
Peter reads To Build a Fire by Jack London (1908). It's cocky guy vs. arctic cold in this unforgettable classic that I think about every time I strike a match.