10 Comments
User's avatar
Janey Thompson's avatar

Thank you for that thoughtful piece - I like the idea of trying different approaches to a 'story'. Have you read Claire Kilroy's little novel 'Soldier Sailor'?

I read it in one sitting, and am now reading it aloud in nightly installments to a friend. It approaches the mother/bond in a part-internal monologue - and I wonder if she took tried various ways of approach 😊

Expand full comment
Sarah Whiteside's avatar

Thanks for the recommendation. I don't know that book and will look out for it.

I'm interested in what you say about internal monologue. That's often what I'm most drawn to writing, but when I'm reading I sometimes like it when stuff happens!

I love that you're reading the novel aloud to a friend each night.

Expand full comment
Janey Thompson's avatar

Yes, it's addressed to her small son, but really a monologue...moving and funny by turns.

My friend has pain issues and sleeps badly - sleep clinic recommended 'the voice of a trusted friend'. A win-win, because I LOVE reading aloud, and we both love great books - we are 3 1/2 years and about 25 books in now. I send them as voice-recordings on WhatsApp, simples 😊

Expand full comment
Janey Thompson's avatar

35 books...

Expand full comment
Sarah Whiteside's avatar

35 books! What a lovely way to stay in touch with a friend.

Your description of Soldier Sailor reminds me of one of my favourite books of all time, Marilynne Robinson's Gilead, in which an older dad writes an extended letter to his young son, for him to read when he reaches adulthood. It's moving and wonderful. Maybe you and your friend would like it! (If you don't know it already.)

Expand full comment
Janey Thompson's avatar

Mm, I tried it once, isn't it 'religious'?

Expand full comment
Sarah Whiteside's avatar

I didn't think of it that way but the protagonist is a minister of the church, so I suppose in a way it is. Sounds like it wasn't your cup of tea!

Expand full comment
Janey Thompson's avatar

I'll take another look, though, next time I see it - thanks😊

Expand full comment
Maj-Britt Johnson's avatar

What a beautifully written story. That alone would’ve kept me reading. But then there are four or five sentences in need to return to for reflection. And thank you for the prompts!

Expand full comment
Sarah Whiteside's avatar

Thanks Maj-Britt, I always enjoy reading your reflective newsletter, so now I'm wondering which sentences and what reflections they led to!

Expand full comment