Every morning at 9:45 Radio 4 offers a 'Book of the Week.' Usually it is some women's book, often concerning how hard their lives are, while occasionally something interesting drops by. I thought this week the book sounded quite good at first sight, 'Coventry,' a book by Rachel Cusk, the Radio schedule tells us the book is a 'new collection of witty and clear sighted essays.' I looked forward to something other than the usual. Having heard the first, read by an Amelia Bullmore, a woman who's voice indicates she is on the verge of suicide, and cogitated on the fifteen minutes of grumbling about other people's driving habits I found myself not over happy with the results. Her driving, mostly around narrow roads near the sea appeared hindered by slow drivers, tourists gazing at the view, people wondering where the next turning was and then she ventured onto the motorway somewhat reluctantly. Her moaning continued, everybody was at fault, and I was wondering if possibly she herself could be a problem on the road. Other people getting in the way are indeed a nuisance. The 'wtty' bit was lacking and her 'clear sight' blocked by 40 ton lorries I think.
This morning I gave her another chance, however the second programme is one in which she labours on about how her parents kept 'sending her to Coventry,' something she claims they have done all her life. Fifteen minutes with none of the 'witty or clear sighted' writing hove into view. Depression, desolation, gloom and wrist slashing while throwing oneself of a railway bridge certainly did however. Is it part of the female psyche to consider such things witty I ask? A combination of the tale of woe with a melancholic reader do not in my mind result in 'witty and clear sighted' essays. There are three more programmes like this and by Friday I expect the Samaritans will be calling out for more volunteers to answer the phones!
Last weeks book, 'Mudlarking,' by Lara Maiklem was similarly spoiled by her revealing her personality all the way through and then reading her own book with an unsuitable voice. The actions of the 'Mudlarks' are often very interesting in themselves but their broken lives are revealed all to easily in five 15 minute programmes.
I spent a very relaxing day after this downloading lots of 'Podcasts' from the BBC. Thanks to 'BBC Sounds' replacing the 'BBC iPlayer' it took long enough to find 'Podcasts' but find it I did. I then wandered about therein seeking items that have been heard before, many I had not known existed and others that will require listening to soon. I will put them in the 'Brexit hoard' as after then there will be a shortage of programmes as the only thing to be heard will be wailing and gnashing of teeth!
2 comments:
There's a type of woman, usually comfortably off, who enjoys 'misery lit'...it gives them a vicarious thrill. Personally I loathe both it and them. They could better spend their time helping to alleviate real misery.
The call centre made me laugh!
Fly, I know what you mean. Wednesdays programme was just as miserable but I agreed with her. She grumbled about the pig ignorance of staff in airports. I agree, airport employees specialise in being angry, rude and unhelpful, and I only use local ones.
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