Discussion

Hector Abad is proof that the best food writers probably wouldn't call themselves food writers. Marvelous piece. Especially enjoyed the section on panela - and learning that alchemists gave us the term 'spirits' for hard alcohol.

On that feeling.

Only that
sunshine is
a beautiful
feeling calling
your nature
and a delicate
thought.

Francesco Sinibaldi

A very imaginative and haunting piece. Thanks.

samuel, the question was not as silly or parochial as you think. I'm interested in the power of imaginative language, and in particular where and whether the arts and sciences can meet to speak to/with, each other.
The author introduced metaphorical language in her article, which was helpful to both her and the reader, but said it belonged to the 'middle world'. Since imaginative language expresses the ever-expanding human imagination, I was interested in whether the conceit could be carried further in 'imagining' a Higgs Boson Universe, which would help the lay person understand its beauty and function - especially since it's now a 'goddamm particle' and not the 'god particle', and hence part of its initial imaginative puissance is based on a linguistic error. Physicists are imaginative scientists, and metaphor allows us to leap out of a restricted mental world, I think, ie. if it can be 'imagined', it can be imagined. My mistake was thinking this an interactive site and that the author could reply.

The concepts of middle world etc., and info. about origins of name 'god-particle' fantastically illuminating for this unscientific reader. Shows the infinite (sic) power of marketing to cause confusion and needless problems!
However, one thing still puzzles me with your snowy field analogy. Is the Higgs Boson particle what fills hitherto 'empty' space and thus makes a field (snow) to 'cross over' or 'through'. Or is it what makes skis, snow-shoes, boots, make different marks in snow, ie space? Or is it both - ie. is it somehow obvious to scientists that if space is full of tiny 'Higgs Bosons', they will decide how we travel over it - ie. decide whether we need skis, snow-shoes, or boots to traverse it? And is that 'snow' of variable depth, kind, or everywhere? Is my imagination just stuck in the middle world; running away with your simile; or the analogy not hold up all the way through your explanation, and so dropped? I lose my bearings a little there You see your simile starts my imagination flying - then you drop it/me. Can you help me a little further please, to land somewhere?

very effective. great job!

El pensar liviano.

En el
liviano y
candoroso
canto veo
la tristeza
pasar donde
el viento
entonces
regresa.

Francesco Sinibaldi

L'hirondelle dans la roseraie.

Avec une
douceur qui
chante l'harmonie
de la pluie en été,
quand le son
de la vie rappelle
la jeunesse et
un tendre oiseau.

Francesco Sinibaldi

"But there is that word : 'perfect'. My father did not give much advice, hoping we would find our own way perhaps, but I do remember him once sitting me down telling me not to be a perfectionist. He thought it was the one characteristic to keep in check, because that perfect state does not exist, and that the failure of attaining it can destroy. .. Perfectionism and obsessiveness often go hand-in-hand. I think that many creative people are obsessive, and it is often that element that takes the work to an interesting place. Some of the obsessions that channel into compulsive behavior seem to me to be very destructive. It's like mismanaged and misguided obsession that needs an outlet. So yes, the photographs, the book - I see them as little ways of channeling my own deeply obsessive nature." So touching. So intimate. So true. And, of course, so enlightening an interview. Thanks.

If your sunshine....

In a lyrical
verse a fine
day remains
touching the
dream of
an intense
emotion...

Francesco Sinibaldi

Dear Gillian,

your poem "Blue Sky Thinking" is so beautiful.

If only it could all become a reality!

Loved reading it.

Regards,

Avijeet.

I'm really quite excited by these poems - and enjoyed the interview. Have just ordered The Children. It's great to discover a fine voice I haven't heard before.

Sobre la sensación.

Un canto
infinito y una
dulce poesía
donde vive
el pasado
y una hoja
regresa regalando
el amor.

Francesco Sinibaldi

This comment has been removed by the moderators.

I don't know if this is really 'without nostalgia or idealisation',but it certainly is well-written story. The use of dialect does not detract from its appeal, it heightens it.

You have chosen a theme that is, and is likely to remain, somewhat controversial, but your handling of it is superb. The story has therefore an unexpected sensitivity and delicacy.

Rich, vital, and eminently laudable ... what I like above all is the combination of scope and intensity.

A story that introduces a whole culture to the world... since I have already read quite a bit of African literature, it was enjoyable to draw parallels, and to contemplate differences as well.
Nice writing, anyway...

Decidedly unusual treatment of an ancient practice and an ancient theme.

Innovative Creativity and intelligence. Good works. Waiting to read an expanded version.

Duplicated comment.

Dutch Landscapes is away form sky, so when you walk into it, what happen?

A ghost marriage is also a cultural practice in some parts of Nigeria. Its amazing how different places have similar practices

This is one of the best short stories I've read in a very long time.
Beautiful, haunting prose; perfect pacing, and just the right depth of emotion that left me wanting more.
All the best with the Commonwealth Prize Emma.

Hi Emma,

Enjoyed reading this. The first line made me wonder if it was going to take off like Murakami's story "Sleep" (hope I got that right). But then, it developed into something else. I enjoyed the soft, touching tale and of course the way you chose to end it. The only crib I might have is that the protagonist seems to be meeting too many lovely people! :-)))

Cheerio...all the best with the Commonwealth Prize...