The Life and Times of Michael K, J.M. Coetzee - Review

[@steventregilgas5016]

Hi Grant I have read Disgrace by JM Coetzee it’s very good although harrowing.A fun fact JM Coetzee migrated to Australia and lives in Adelaide South Australia where I’m from he’s quite elderly now cheers Steve

[@grantlovesbooks]

He must like those dry hot desert landscapes! The last few years I've read quite a lot of Coetzee, having discovered him rather late in my reading life. I'm looking forward to going back and re-reading Disgrace and Barbarians, try to look a little deeper now that I am familiar with the story. Hope you are well Steven!

[@debpalm8667]

Thanks, Grant. Have a great day!

[@grantlovesbooks]

My pleasure Deb, thanks for writing! Hope you are doing well and having a great day!

[@nikkivenable73]

I've read 2 Coetzee books and both remain very clear in my mind even though it's been a few years since i read them. I'd like to read this one now, as well. Also, I would be a ok with a cave and an occasional pumpkin, especially these days.😂 Hi Grant, btw! I hope you are well.

[@grantlovesbooks]

Hello Nikki! Glad to hear from you. I'm a little bit frantic with all the stuff I've got to do, but generally well. This is kind of a strange book, it's OK. A little disappointing, but the writing is so sharp and clear. And even though I didn't love it, it is quite short and very easy to read. It does stick with me though. His absolute longing to be left alone to grow his tiny patch of pumpkins. And that scene where he eats the first one is incredible!

[@Ellisss_]

I love your videos! This sounds like a very interesting book, definitely plan on reading it now!

[@grantlovesbooks]

Hello Ellisss, thanks for writing! If you are new to Coetzee I wouldn't start with this one. Rather, Disgrace or Barbarians At The Gate. This novel is good, but I felt a bit indifferent when I finished with it. It is short, so it won't take too much time, and it does give me a feeling about South Africa which I didn't have before.

[@Ellisss_]

@@grantlovesbooks I see, thank you for letting me know! 😄

[@TheSalMaris]

Read Disgrace and Barbarians but not this particular Coetzee. Sounds suspiciously like the plot of As I Lay Dying. Thank you for this recommendation.

[@grantlovesbooks]

Hello Sal, maybe I made it sound like As I Lay Dying, transporting the dead/dying mother, but I while I was reading it I didn't make that connection. I feel it is more about race and segregation, the South African apartheid. I wouldn't say it is as good as Disgrace or Barbarians, but I wanted to read this one because it won the Booker award. And just generally I think Coetzee is an amazing writer. It's a short one, so even if you don't love it, it doesn't take very long. (I should have checked who were the other authors on the Booker shortlist. It could have made the video more interesting.) Hope you are well!

[@TheSalMaris]

@@grantlovesbooks Yes, obviously Coteze is to fine a write to have aped Billy Faulkner, but I couldn’t help make the connection. Weren’t one of the sons slow in the Faulkner story? Speaking of those Booker nominees that did not win ( but won later) was Peter Carey for Illywhacker. What a good and funny book that is. Highly recommended and I think the sort of literature you are drawn to. All the best as always.

[@grantlovesbooks]

@@TheSalMaris That's right! It was the 'crazy' son, who was actually the only one who realized they were on a fool's mission, and tried to burn the barn with the coffin in it. Which got him sent to the loony-bin. I'm starting to warm to the As I Lay Dying connection! I'm sure I've seen Illywhacker a hundred times in all the used books shops, but the title puts me off. I'll pick it up the next time I see it on your recommendation. Thanks Sal!

[@beatricemkhambe3091]

Thanks for the video Grant! I would like to recommend you ‘Season of Migration to the North’ by Tayeb Salih. It’s a very interesting novel, I think you will like it.

[@grantlovesbooks]

Thank you for the recommendation Beatrice, I think it has been recommended to me in the past, so I am glad you reminded me to look for it the next time I go shopping for books!

[@parthaacharjee5350]

This is good 👍🏻

[@debpalm8667]

I just realized Mothers Day may not be today in Canada. I'll leave the comment for the algorithm.😂

[@grantlovesbooks]

It is Mother's Day in Canada. It was a week earlier for some reason when I lived in Budapest, so I would always get a one-week notification so that I wouldn't forget to call home!

[@debpalm8667]

Please tell your wife Happy Mother's Day. South Africa... apartheid... diamond mines...

[@grantlovesbooks]

Thanks Deb! I made her a salmon and brie omelette for breakfast, she was very happy!