Dabbler Book Club member Shona give us her views on those of Clive (previous features on Mr James’ latest book can be found here and here).
A Point of View is just that. For those of us who remember Clive James’ ten minute talks on BBC Radio Four, it is a welcome return to the thoughts of a witty and somewhat iconoclastic Antipodean. For those who have not encountered James’ take on world affairs, it is something of an encouragement to ‘go and think likewise’. Because each of the original episodes is published as originally written, James follows them all up with a distinctly 21st century coda, sometimes apologetic (sometimes deliberately not so!), sometimes allowing his musings to reflect that ‘plus ca change’ in the ‘Way of the World’. The, perforce, episodic nature of the book makes it perfect for ‘snatch’ reading – ie when one has a quick five minutes in which to snatch a bit of time to oneself, or for those last few waking minutes in bed, when sleep is on the way, but one has a good five to ten minutes until oblivion; although, there are a few ‘laugh out loud moments’ which would probably preclude a gentle drift into the land of nod! It is a witty, interesting, quirky take on the world and life in general and the words spring from page to mind’s ear with the droll, Australian tones of James himself. It’s a lovely read, made even lovelier by its arrival on my doormat only a few days after my birthday!
