Intimacy and Midnight All Day: A Novel and Stories

Book Description

Together in one volume -- Hanif Kureishi's highly acclaimed and controversial novel, Intimacy, and, available for the first time, his latest collection of provocative short stories, Midnight All Day.

Jay, the narrator of Intimacy, tells his story on the night he is preparing to leave his lover, Susan, and their two boys. Stripping away all posturing and self-justification, Hanif Kureishi explores the fears and desires that drive a man to leave a woman. Midnight All Day is an astonishing, darkly comic collection of new stories, in which Kureishi confirms his reputation as one of our foremost chroniclers of the loveless, the lost and the dispossessed. The characters are familiar in the cultural landscape of the nineties: frustrated and intoxicated, melancholic and sensitive, yet capable of great cruelty, and if necessary, willing to break the constraints of an old life to make way for the new.

Download Description

Together in one volume -- Hanif Kureishi's highly acclaimed and controversial novel, Intimacy, and, available for the first time, his latest collection of provocative short stories, Midnight All Day. Jay, the narrator of Intimacy, tells his story on the night he is preparing to leave his lover, Susan, and their two boys. Stripping away all posturing and self-justification, Hanif Kureishi explores the fears and desires that drive a man to leave a woman. Midnight All Day is an astonishing, darkly comic collection of new stories, in which Kureishi confirms his reputation as one of our foremost chroniclers of the loveless, the lost and the dispossessed. The characters are familiar in the cultural landscape of the nineties: frustrated and intoxicated, melancholic and sensitive, yet capable of great cruelty, and if necessary, willing to break the constraints of an old life to make way for the new.

Customer Reviews:

Intimacy.......2007-06-01

Excellent!!!!.-It's one of the best book I've read lately.-Kureishi let us enter into a phase of crisis in a man of his generation.-Love, pasion,friendship, sex,are some of the items that permit us to share the turning point in the life of a man that is seeking for more....Fully recomended.

A serious writer.......2004-10-01

This is the only book I have read by Hanif Kureishi and I can say that he writes about serious issues in life, the kind that most people like to avoid because they are considered a taboo in our society. The book is composed of one long story and a couple of other short ones. The main story is about a married couple in which the wife is engaged in an extra marital affair and Kureishi has tried to analyze this problem that what makes married couples look elsewhere for happiness. I won't call it a sizzling story but it was a good timepass.

Revealing and thought provoking.......2004-09-30

I read 'Intimacy' a number of years ago. I'm a slow reader, but I found myself on its last pages a mere two days after picking it up for the first time. I have since read it several more times, and sometimes still pick it up at random to read a page or two in passing. This book (its hardcover edition) inspired me to read more, and I searched for other novels that might touch me as 'Intimacy' did, but it wasn't until recently that I found another.

I like Kureishi's tone, I like this story: depressing and hopeful at the same time. It does feel, as others have said, very autobiographical, but I believe that's what allows the reader to relate so easily.

I admire the protagonist, and I believe that a great many readers will as well. Why? He does something which many of us think about at one point or another, but do not have the courage to do. He refuses to settle, to be trapped by a life devoid of true happiness and fulfillment. He believes that betrayal can be a hopeful act, that life goes on and has a greater than ever potential of being what we've always hoped it could be. He defies convention.

But whether you admire or hate him, your reaction to the main character and his choices in life will surely unveil to you something about yourself, and that is the true beauty of any good book... at least for me.

CLEAR SHARP AND INTROSPECTIVE.......2003-07-10

This is the 2nd book I have read by this author and although it does not entertain to the same extent as BUDDHA the writing is clear sharp, honest and original. The story of INTIMACY is very one dimensional and therefore reads very autobiographical. There is very little characterisation of anyone in the book except the protagonist, which almost confirms the autobiographic theory. I liked the honesty, the weakness, the selfishness, the sheer madness of the thoughts and situation - it all rings very true from what I felt. It was like reading someones diary almost so the voyeurs out there will love it. There is plenty to dislike in the book but I read it in a day and a half and i dont do that often, the ending for example is weak, pathetic and superficial, bit like the author really, I am not saying this in a bad way, the character is just not very likable, no wonder his life is a disaster! Read it and be glad that you are not him.

Life begins at 40?.......2002-11-19

This set of stories from Kureishi is concerned with the onset of middle age. A series of characters all reach a stage in their lives (around 40 years of age) where they hit a crisis: previous certainties disintegrate, whether they are expressed in the form of their marriages (as in "Intimacy") or in their careers (as in "Sucking Stones"). Throughout the stories, Kureishi's characters experience disillusionment, a sense of failure or underachievement and a desperate urge to start anew.

Although the final story, "The Penis", is more light-hearted, this is a deeply introspective collection of stories. I seem to recall when I first read "Intimacy", which was published originally as a novella, that Kureishi had been going through a huge disruption in his personal life. If my memory is correct, then that would explain the confessional feel of "Intimacy", and indeed would go some way to understanding the author's exploration of this particularly difficult time of life in the other stories.

So, if you're searching for something to uplift your spirits, this collection might not be for you. On the other hand, if you've experienced any of the difficulties Kureishi explores, there might be solace in the fact that others go through similar trials. If neither of the above apply, this is still an interesting collection from a skilled writer, perhaps at a key stage in his development.

Of course, the stories are of variable quality. I thought that "Intimacy" was by far the best, as it felt (achingly at times) very personal. Others are somewhat inconclusive, but mood and exploration of emotions seemed to be Kureishi's main aim rather than plot resolution.

G Rodgers

Amazon.com

Sean Russell writes for people who prefer books to movies. No snappy dialogue or nonstop action sequences, just a mesmerizing tale, multifaceted characters, and lyrical descriptive prose. Beneath the Vaulted Hills is the first part of Russel's River Into Darkness series, which is itself a two-part prequel to Russell's Moontide and Magic Rise series. Each series stands alone, despite some characters in common.

Both series are set in the first half of an alternative 19th century. In Beneath the Vaulted Hills, Lord Eldrich, the last Mage, seeks to suppress all knowledge of magical powers. Two young men, Hayes and Kehler, and the beautiful Countess of Chilton have discovered clues to a possible trove of magical lore. It's concealed in a labyrinthine cave system behind a mysterious "crypt" linked to Teller, a renegade mage apprentice who founded a society to preserve magic. Erasmus Flattery, once a student in Eldrich's household, knows how dangerous the Mage can be, but finds himself joining the investigation. Both the Tellerites and Lord Eldrich follow, determined to control their discoveries.

Russell has the rare ability to immerse his readers so completely in his tale that reaching the end feels like waking from a particularly vivid dream. Fortunately the second volume of the series, The Compass of the Soul, continues it. --Nona Vero

Book Description

The last of the world's great mages, the enigmatic Lord Eldrich has dedicated his life to eradicating all remaining vestiges of magic in the world. But the fanatical Tellerites--followers of a long-dead mage-apprentice--oppose Eldrich, desiring the hidden knowledge of the magical arts and with it the coveted key to immortality. Drawn into this conflict against his will is Erasmus Flattery, who as a boy dwelt with Eldrich, and is still haunted by the memories of what transpired during his stay with the mage. Now Erasmus must lead as expedition to search for a secret taht has remained hidden since the time of the first Mages!

Customer Reviews:

Amazing.......2007-01-07

In the Sean Russell's book Beneath the Vaulted Hills, he arguably creates one of the deepest fantasy stories ever contrived in a long while. Throughout the book Russell's style is unparalleled as he weaves an enchanting tale about a European-esque world. Reinventing the overly done concept of magic and mages, while setting it to an engrossing fictional world, creates an amazing atmosphere that will keep you on the edge of Russell's every word. Sean Russell continues to best himself though as he also creates memorable characters with gripping inner conflicts with actually believable personalities. Russell, in writing such a fine novel, proves himself worthy to sit in the Pantheon of fantasy greats with the likes of Tolkien and the lot.

uniquely satisfying.......2003-05-08

This was my first Sean Russell book and, like most of my favorite books, just came out of left field.
Rather than give details of the story, let me describe the reading experience.
Fantasy is so often placed in 'mud and thatch' medieval settings, which in reality leaves little to work with. Swords, fire, magic, horse-riding and running from the enemy are all one can play with. Ok, maybe elves and castles. Groveling beggars populate the masses.
Russell picks the perfect setting here. Elegance, style, pre-industrial but post-literate, old enough to have a shadowy history but young enough to be just awakening to the excitement of the 'renaissance'. I would place the culture as somewhere between 1700 and 1800, though there are obvious deviations.
As a sub-genre this might be called Alternate History Fantasy, as the environment is very 'real', almost contemporary, and magic is very, well, magical, and rare.
The energy of the characters following the 'magi' reminds me of contemporaries studying the Sphinx, though in fantasy something real can actually develop. This story is probably 80% academic mystery, and the depth of the plot and the mostly standout characters swirling around the unknown make for uncomparable fun.
The book diverges halfway through, and this is what really captures me.
I use to be a spelunker and Russell seems to have actually done some himself, because the second half of his book is so intense and real that he fully captures the sheer rigurousness and challenge of negotioting a real cave system. The combined sense of isolation, claustophobia and mystery that is unique to caving is captured perfectly, and really makes you feel like you've journeyed somewhere, rather than the few miles that in reality one has moved. (one does not journey lightly underground for long: bone-sucking chill, nowhere to go to the bathroom that somebody might not crawl through later, one must pack extremely light, you can't build a fire, its almost impossible to adequately respond to an medical emergency, etc)
Lots of good, intellectually-paced dialogue and very atmospheric.
All four are worth reading, but 'Vaulted' was my favorite. Hardly a cliche in the whole series.

Excellent Find!.......2003-01-01

This is one of the best finds in my reading for 2002. A great introduction to Sean Russell's great stories and deep plots it has everything a great story needs. After reading this I couldn't help myself but get his other books and I am not dissapointed! If you like fantasy or science fiction then this book is a must.

While the characters are slow to be introduced it is a problem every writer faces and is well made up for by there human-like qualities in a world completely believable. Great work Sean Russell!

Intriguing Beginning to a Masterful Fantasy.......2002-07-11

Beneath the Vaulted Hills is a beautifully-conceived fantasy tale. Written by Sean Russell, author of the Moontide and Magic Rise duology, the story follows Erasmus Flattery-a man of science once fostered in the home of Lord Eldrich, the last of Farrland's magi. Erasmus is called upon to aide his friend, Samual Hayes, in escaping capture by both men of the Admiralty and a group of mysterious strangers.

Erasmus, haunted by demons from his past, has spent his life seeking knowledge of the arcane. His relationship with Hayes brings him closer than ever to realizing his goal. But he is not the only player in this game of intrigue. The Tellerites, a band of renegade magi long thought dead, seek knowledge now known only by Lord Eldrich. Eldrich, a figure of mystery and legend, more feared than admired, will stop at nothing to remove the last vestiges of magic from the world before he, too, is forced to leave. Each character has a role in the story, and the dramatic, cliff-hanger ending leaves the reader wondering which characters move the pieces, and which are the pawns.

The concepts of empiricism and natural science, strongly woven throughout Beneath the Vaulted Hills, are rarely considered in fantasy works, and the setting-a late-medieval society, empowered through the use of the recently-developed cannon-is one not often explored by fantasy writers. Nevertheless, Russell manages to instill both personality and believability into his characters and their countries. Fans of both science and magic will delight in Russell's work.

A bore.......2002-02-15

I purchased this book based on all the good reviews, however, I was very disappointed in this book and could barely finish it. I found the characters to be very vague and unfriendly. I did not care for them nor cared what happened to them. I found myself knowing as little at the ending of the book as I did at the beginning. I realize that this is only the first book however, my interest was never sparked and I have little curosity in the outcome of the story. I, for one, will not be searching for the next book in the series.

Product Description

The Olivet Discourse sounds a bit stodgy to sometoo scholarly for other people. Well, imagine if you had a private tutor (who also happened to be a best-selling author) who would sit down with you over a cup of coffee and explain Christs words in everyday language. Thats exactly what Ray Stedman has done, bringing the mysterious realm of end-times theology down-to-earth. In 13 chapters, youll explore the prophetic words of Matthew 24 and 25 in a whole new way.

Customer Reviews:

A Profound Study of the Olivet Discourse.......2006-01-26

Ray Stedman has quietly unravelled the mystery of the role and place of the church during the coming Tribulation period. This careful study of Matthew 24-25 is actually dynamite, yet still widely neglected by Bible prophecy students. Ray makes the case for Pre-Mill, Pre-Trib eschatology all the more reasonable--and also all the more exciting to look forward to. Those of us who knew Ray well have yet to find any errors in his thinking on most anything he taught.

Pretty good..........2004-02-05

This is one of the much better End Times outlines. A christian's personal attitude's the focus here making this outline one of a kind.

Average customer rating:

Thoughtful look at UFO's from a different viewpoint.

UFO's: What on earth is happening?
John Weldon , and Zola Levitt
Manufacturer: Harvest House Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Reference | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0890810109

Customer Reviews:

Thoughtful look at UFO's from a different viewpoint........1999-10-27

Although this book is well over 20 years old, it has some very interesting information. I first read this book almost 10 years ago and found its explanaiton of the UFO phenom. refreshing. The appendix is filled with scientific information that help one understand the topic presented. If you read this book and keep reminding youself how old it is you can better appreciate it. I wish there were more current books like it. The best recent book like it that I can recommend is "Alien Encounters" by Chuck Missler and Mark Eastman, which I recommend if you are seeking a different view of UFO's.

Average customer rating:

At the Seaside (What's Happening?)
Heather Amery , and Stephen Cartwright
Manufacturer: E.D.C. Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Picture Books | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0746015402

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UFO's - What On Earth Is Happening?
John Weldon with Zola Levitt
Manufacturer: Bantam Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000QRGHCC

UFO's - What On Earth Is Happening? - The Coming Invasion

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UFO's - What On Earth Is Happening? - The Coming Invasion
John Weldon , and Zola Levitt
Manufacturer: Bantam Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000I714D2

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UFO's : What on Earth is Happening?
John ; Levitt, Zola Weldon
Manufacturer: Bantam
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: 0055302793

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Ufo's What On Earth Is Happening
John Weldon
Manufacturer: Bantam
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000W6V6VO

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ufo's, what on earth is happening, the coming invasion
john weldon
Manufacturer: Bantam
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000KEYDT0

Average customer rating:

UFOs What on Earth is Happening? The Coming Invasion
Zola Weldonjohn; levitt
Manufacturer: Bantam Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000LDX2WY

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UFOs: What on Earth is Happening? The Coming Invasion
John & Levitt, Zola Weldon
Manufacturer: Bantam Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000W8021C

Average customer rating:

My favorite cookbook for nutritious & delicious meals!

Gainer's Gourmet: Recipes for Mass (Ironman Cookbook)
Faith Walker
Manufacturer: Lion Attitude
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
General | Exercise & Fitness | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0963387901

Customer Reviews:

My favorite cookbook for nutritious & delicious meals!.......2001-05-04

Has easy to prepare recipes geared towards people trying to supplement a weight training or other resistance type program and need fast meals loaded with protein, carbs, vitamins and minerals to gain muscle and burn fat!

Book Description

Packed with over 1,000 photographs of inkwells and inkstands, circa 1750 to 1920, by makers in the United States, Europe, and Asia, including Tiffany, Wedgwood, Quimper, Staffordshire, Sandwich and Vaseline glass, majolica, art pottery, fai**ence, milk glass, and Delft. Examples made from porcelain, sterling silver, pewter, cast iron, brass, wood, and other natural materials, and some adorned with precious and semi-precious stones are featured as well, along with combination pieces appealing to collectors of paperweights, candle holders, and desk accessories. With detailed descriptions, a historical perspective, tables on United States patents and designs, an up-to-date price guide, and an index, this book is a necessary source of information for collectors and dealers of writing instruments.

Customer Reviews:

An indispensable, beautifully presented reference.......2001-02-16

Featuring more than 1,000 photographs of inkwells and inkstands, The Collector's World Of Inkwells is a benchmark publication and a "must" for all inkwell collectors. Included are examples spanning the mid-eighteenth century to the early twentieth century by drawn from American, European, and Asian manufacturers and artists. Here are to be found examples from Tiffany, Wedgwood, Quimper, Staffordshire, Sandwich, and Vaseline glass, majolica, art pottery, faience, milk glass, and Delft. Examples are also provided of inkwells of porcelain, sterling silver, pewter, cast iron, brass, wood, and other natural materials. Some are decorated with precious and semi-precious stones, others are combination pieces. Jean and Franklin Hunting draw upon their considerable expertise to provide detailed descriptions, an historical perspective, tables on United States patents and designs, an up-to-date price guide, and an index. The Collector's World Of Inkwells is an invaluable, indispensable, beautifully presented reference work that could well become a collector's item in and of itself!

Disappointing.......2000-11-25

As an avid inkwell collector I was very excited about a new book coming out on the subject. The last books I got on inkwells were the Badders' books from 1995, so I was ready for an update. Wow, was I disappointed! First, the book is not organized in any way. It seems they may have tried to organize by subject matter (lion, girl, etc.)but this system is erratic. Secondly, they have obviously not taken into account the market fluctuations due to online auctions. I have seen mint inkwells sell for $250 where this book estimates values at $300-$500. On the other hand, I have seen an estimate of a $200 inkwell selling for $400. These examples are not a "one time" situation, they are consistant. I realize that this is probably a difficult factor to add into estimating, but if you are going to call yourself an expert and publish a book about it, you should consider all factors.

Book Description

Here, in a clearly-written, thoroughly researched treatment are over 500 illustrations of chairs in a wide variety of styles and periods: Tudor, Renaissance, Chippendale, Sheraton, Hepplewhite, Empire, American, Louis XIV, more. Brief essays detail the highlights of each style. Introduction. Glossary.

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Fascinating book

Madame Blavatsky, the woman behind the myth
Marion Meade
Manufacturer: Putnam
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

Women | Specific Groups | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
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H. P. B.: The Extraordinary Life & Influence of Helena Blavatsky, Founder of the Modern Theosophical Movement

Helena Petrovna Blavatsky (Western Esoteric Masters Series)

The Secret Doctrine : The Synthesis of Science, Religion, and Philosophy (Volumes 1 and 2)

ASIN: 0399123768

Book Description

Madame Helena Blavatsky, the founder of Theosophy, was the granddaughter of a White Russian princess. She became the first internationally famous professional psychic and she was also a brilliant occult con artist who drew such figures as G. B. Shaw and William Butler Yeats into her bizarre web. A fervent flower child, she journeyed to the East in search of enlightenment almost 100 years before the hippie hegira of the 1960s.

Customer Reviews:

Fascinating book.......2006-03-25

Very good and interesting book. A lot of new information about Helena's life, and mostly realistic view of the author, in my opinion.
It is nice to hear all the facts from neutral side, rather then only reading those who were pro or against her.
There should be a movie about Helena, and it would be quite a drama and exciting, and long too.

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