Hello
Gentle Reader
2020
has proven itself as being one of the most memorable and misbegotten years of
recent memory. With the global pandemic still raging; the ludicrous incompetency
of politicians mismanaging efforts to control the diseases transmissions, or exercise
any sense of public health authority; and economics increasingly on the verge
of collapse; one could say with conviction that 2020 been the most disastrous year
in contemporary history, with little reprieve from its continual usurping coup
of daily life and its miniscule pleasures. Even literature has become a failed
refuge from the continued restraints the world is under. Mainly because in the
absence of otherwise daily concerns, people are more concerned now then ever
with the abject thought of survival. a degrading condition which demands that
they reduce themselves to almost instinctual level of cognitive thought in
order to put food on the table or keep the roof over their head. In its early stages
the pandemic called for increased kindness to one another, but has proven that kindness
is a finite resource, while self-interest is continual in surplus. You’d be forgiven
missing the otherwise muted announcement or reactions of the recent Booker
Prize Winner for 2020; as increased interest is turned elsewhere, such as the
basics of living.
The
Scottish born American writer, Douglas Stewart has won the Booker Prize with his
debut novel: “Shuggie Bain,” an autobiographical and personal narrative of a
young boy growing up in 80’s Glasgow, which has been preemptively declared: “a
future classic.” “Shuggie Bain,” may be described as perhaps the perfect Booker
Prize winning novel in alignment with the current events of the year. The novel
details unpleasant circumstances, social settings, dissatisfaction, the state
of dispossession and disenfranchisement; but its tempered with a unique social community,
humour, and cautious optimism. Being the
second Scottish writer to receive the award, Douglas Stewart, showcases the
unique literary sensibility of the Scottish people, their language, identity,
and perspective, which is riddled with resilience when faced with despair. The
Booker Prize judges praised the novel for being acutely aware of its geographical
urban landscape, as well the social structure which exists within the physical
space. They also praised the novels grit, challenging content, candor, as well
as its humour and continued optimism.
Congratulations
are certainly in order for Douglas Stewart!
Thank-you
For Reading Gentle Reader
Take Care
And As Always
Stay Well Read
M.
Mary
Take Care
And As Always
Stay Well Read
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