Play It Again, Sam

Ah, yes.  Contemporary but traditional fiction.  When it’s well done, it does please, doesn’t it?  Penelope Lively.  A British author who’s been around for quite a while, cranking out novels one after another.  She has a Booker prize on her mantel.  Compared to the avant-garde writing that gets so much attention today she’s almost Victorian.  But she can write in a way that gives pleasure.  Read her for pleasure. 

And in her latest, “How It All Began”, there are observations on aging, on time, and on coincidence vs. cause-and effect that ring true.  Every so often it’s nice to read something that confirms our thoughts and suspicions, as opposed to something that challenges us with a contrarian’s approach.  The plot is fun if not innovative.  The structure is straightforward; the writing is tight.  Few surprises.  An older Lionel Shriver.  No need to break the mould.  Just do it well.

Ah, yes. Cheese souffle.  Duck a l'orange.  I’m getting old.