Måndagsmöte: Jenny Diski

God jul bäste Bokhoreläsare! Jag ger er mitt finaste måndagsmöte av silvergranar och nötknäppare:

Jag är inte helt säker på vilken slags presentation man skriver när kommer kastanjetårtan Jenny Diski på måndagsbesök – ni vet den perfekta pagen på svalaste kvinnan huserar varje bokhoras författarinnealtare? Kanske bättre istället läsa om när jag föll i sympati med henne i juli, när jag rapporterade ”Den Motvillige resenären” i augusti, eller kanske allra helst hennes egen blogg.

What genre do you prefer to read and why?

I don’t read genres as such. Whatever comes along and seems interesting. Though I have read a lot of science fiction, and I’m keen on good thrillers. Mostly though I read for something I’m writing. Very strange but reading contemporary fiction is quite rare for me these days.

What are you reading right now?

Now, I’m contradicting myself, as usual. I’m about to start the new Roth, ”Exit Ghost”, because I’m always interested in what he writes. Also reading ”On Ugliness” edited by Umberto Eco – for review. Also reading ”White Light” by Dominic Sandbrook about the Sixties for a book I’m about to start.

Do you read differently when you read to review, compared to when you read for pleasure?

Yes, though I keep having to remind myself that I’m reading for pleasure. Taking notes is the main difference.

Is there a specific book or writer that has changed, or at least affected, the way you look upon the world?

Too many to mention. All of them, cumulatively. The Alice books set a tone going in my head about the way the world hums. ”Lolita” read when I was fourteen made me see how books could be treasure troves of language and play games. ”Ulysses” gave me a sense of the commonality of humanity and also ditto language and playing games. And on and on.

Do you read a lot of translated literature, and if so, what are your favorites?

I always read more translated literature when I was young. 19th century French, Russian, German – somehow never got round to the 19th English novelists until much later (if at all in some cases). These days as I say I read much less of all kinds of fiction than I suppose I should. I am an admirer of the work of Sebald.

What book do you suggest be the first of the new year for the readers of Bokhora to dive into?

It doesn’t matter (except to the authors). The diving into is important. I’ve been enjoying reading Elizabeth Taylor, an English writer of fine prose and sharp perception, for example ”Mrs Palfrey at the Claremont”.