You help me see the world more. It’s quite extraordinary, even though I think I am paying close attention, you provide quite a lens. E.g., now I see that I DO have some optimism—while I expect nothing but doom on the one hand, I regularly think things like I can garden like Vida Sackville West, etc. Reading your writing is a little bit like looking at art. After I spend some time looking at art, I suddenly start to see differently. Then it fades because awareness demands so much. But it’s what living fully requires.
You weave such a wonderful tapestry of words, Tom, and your capitalization of your dad’s speech of course reminds me of Terry Pratchett’s way of implying the booming tones of Death. I hope that doesn’t freak you out, but if you ever find your dad riding a horse called Binky, if I were you, I’d run.
I also want to say that nobody makes me think about the family I’ve lost in quite the way you do. I always find your tales strangely moving.
Another lover of Pratchett offering you reading advice you didn't ask for. ;) I adore his collaboration with Neil Gaiman (Good Omens), and devoured with great delight the entire Tiffany Aching series.
Here to add to the vote for reading Terry Pratchett! Although your writing styles are different, I think you share a way of observing humans, animals and landscapes that is shrewd, humane and thoroughly appealing. And you have both made me laugh loudly and immoderately on public transport, so there's that.
I recommend starting at the beginning so you can experience the full joy of how the Discworld and its inhabitants develop over the years. I love all of them, but have a special place in my heart for the witches.
I think Pratchett’s quirky (and sometimes downright oh-my-god-my-sides-hurt) humour would appeal to you. I’d start with “Guards! Guards!” (because I think you’d love the character Vimes) or “The Colour of Magic” or perhaps “Mort”.
Mum and I used to read aloud to each other, until she died nearly 5 years ago. I was re-reading some Margaret Atwood and wishing I could read it aloud to her when my phone buzzed, and I checked it and found this. I may just read it aloud into the Void and hope it connects with some of her residual atoms.
Lovely essay, Tom. It reminded me of conversations with my dad, and mum. Maybe I'll say more later, but I'm on a train using my phone, and with a bike, and there are some dodgy looking blokes eyeing me up.
I love the picture of your dad reading your book. My parents have always been the first readers of my novels though traditionally I’ve always read them chapters over the phone as I’ve written them.
They are the best audience for new untested ideas and, looking back, I think all that episodic reading was practice for serializing and narrating my novels here on Substack. I really enjoyed this piece, thanks for making it free.
Sooo much to say and I don’t want to waffle but I so relate to the being a big old mixed bag. I can feel the giddy joy of a six year old when finding a feather with raindrops resting on it and yet in the same instant feel like its the end of the world if I accidentally stand on a snail. It’s an exquisite and painful existence and I’m here for it all.
Suffice to say….this was just MAGICKS. MAGICKS! 🙏🏻🪄👌🏻✨🤓
This of mine doesn’t matter, just connections in my head but… there’s a painting at the Art Gallery of NSW (Australia), a popular one, by Elioth Gruner, called 'Spring Frost', though my literal-minded husband just calls it 'Cows in the Mist'. It’s popular, tours the state occasionally, and I think the people who like it would like your Dad’s painting. I certainly do. It might be a presumption and a stretch to say your dad might like Gruner’s, but I thought, you never know, might as well say. Anyway If you’re tempted or’ve time for a look, take a close look at the farmer’s ears, it’s a notable delight. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spring_Frost
Your father’s paintings are lovely. The Disaster PingPong struck such a distant chord, it must be in the DNA. In deep gratitude that you share your lovely life and wondrous people with us.
Thank you for the gift of this, Tom! What a beautiful and poignant essay, I loved it. And though I don't know your parents personally but only through the window of your writing, I feel as fond of them as if I did (I hope this isn't creepy!), and wish them both well.
Also, my family did the 'three rings when you get home' thing for years! Even when I lived literally three doors down the street from my parents - if I forgot, I'd get an indignant call from my Mum asking where I'd got to :D
You pay such attention to people, and animals, and all things. Thank goodness you are a writer.
Thank you!
You help me see the world more. It’s quite extraordinary, even though I think I am paying close attention, you provide quite a lens. E.g., now I see that I DO have some optimism—while I expect nothing but doom on the one hand, I regularly think things like I can garden like Vida Sackville West, etc. Reading your writing is a little bit like looking at art. After I spend some time looking at art, I suddenly start to see differently. Then it fades because awareness demands so much. But it’s what living fully requires.
Well said.
Paying close attention is surely a prerequisite for the job.
You weave such a wonderful tapestry of words, Tom, and your capitalization of your dad’s speech of course reminds me of Terry Pratchett’s way of implying the booming tones of Death. I hope that doesn’t freak you out, but if you ever find your dad riding a horse called Binky, if I were you, I’d run.
I also want to say that nobody makes me think about the family I’ve lost in quite the way you do. I always find your tales strangely moving.
So nice of you to say so, Henry. Thank you. I still have never read Terry Pratchett. Maybe I will one day!
Tom! Read Pratchett! You will love him! I guarantee! It's right up your alley. My favourite is The Wee Free Men
Anyone with Death in it👍though Vimes is a good second:)
Another lover of Pratchett offering you reading advice you didn't ask for. ;) I adore his collaboration with Neil Gaiman (Good Omens), and devoured with great delight the entire Tiffany Aching series.
Here to add to the vote for reading Terry Pratchett! Although your writing styles are different, I think you share a way of observing humans, animals and landscapes that is shrewd, humane and thoroughly appealing. And you have both made me laugh loudly and immoderately on public transport, so there's that.
I recommend starting at the beginning so you can experience the full joy of how the Discworld and its inhabitants develop over the years. I love all of them, but have a special place in my heart for the witches.
I think Pratchett’s quirky (and sometimes downright oh-my-god-my-sides-hurt) humour would appeal to you. I’d start with “Guards! Guards!” (because I think you’d love the character Vimes) or “The Colour of Magic” or perhaps “Mort”.
GASP! Never read Pratchett?!?! Turn in your quill and inkwell, sir!
Mum and I used to read aloud to each other, until she died nearly 5 years ago. I was re-reading some Margaret Atwood and wishing I could read it aloud to her when my phone buzzed, and I checked it and found this. I may just read it aloud into the Void and hope it connects with some of her residual atoms.
Do it. Those atoms ARE out there and they will start dancing:)
Lovely essay, Tom. It reminded me of conversations with my dad, and mum. Maybe I'll say more later, but I'm on a train using my phone, and with a bike, and there are some dodgy looking blokes eyeing me up.
Haha. Thanks Terry. IF YOU’RE WEARING A FANCY JACKET MAKE SURE YOU TAKE IT OFF.
...but only if you have a shirt on under it? :#
Fear not, Camilla. I am jacketless, not shirtless 😁
Hahaha that's probably safest :D
😁
🤣
Yeah, LOONIES AND FUCKWITS no doubt
😂 definitely!
I love the picture of your dad reading your book. My parents have always been the first readers of my novels though traditionally I’ve always read them chapters over the phone as I’ve written them.
They are the best audience for new untested ideas and, looking back, I think all that episodic reading was practice for serializing and narrating my novels here on Substack. I really enjoyed this piece, thanks for making it free.
Thanks Ben!
I love your dad. He is my kind of people. Will bookmark and save this to reread when feeling blue.
Ohhh the MAGIC of this. I fricking love your dad!
Sooo much to say and I don’t want to waffle but I so relate to the being a big old mixed bag. I can feel the giddy joy of a six year old when finding a feather with raindrops resting on it and yet in the same instant feel like its the end of the world if I accidentally stand on a snail. It’s an exquisite and painful existence and I’m here for it all.
Suffice to say….this was just MAGICKS. MAGICKS! 🙏🏻🪄👌🏻✨🤓
Thanks Suzy! Nice to know I’m not the only one who feels like that. I’m still feeling terrible about a snail I stood on in autumn 2018.
The light in your dad's landscape paintings is amazing. I want to be in them.
I think he would be a delight to know.
Your dad is a treasure. From now on, I will try to remember to watch out for fuckwits and loonies.
This of mine doesn’t matter, just connections in my head but… there’s a painting at the Art Gallery of NSW (Australia), a popular one, by Elioth Gruner, called 'Spring Frost', though my literal-minded husband just calls it 'Cows in the Mist'. It’s popular, tours the state occasionally, and I think the people who like it would like your Dad’s painting. I certainly do. It might be a presumption and a stretch to say your dad might like Gruner’s, but I thought, you never know, might as well say. Anyway If you’re tempted or’ve time for a look, take a close look at the farmer’s ears, it’s a notable delight. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spring_Frost
My day turns out so much nicer when I start it with a coffee and your newsletter.
Thanks Anne!
Your father’s paintings are lovely. The Disaster PingPong struck such a distant chord, it must be in the DNA. In deep gratitude that you share your lovely life and wondrous people with us.
Thank you, Liz!
Thank you for the gift of this, Tom! What a beautiful and poignant essay, I loved it. And though I don't know your parents personally but only through the window of your writing, I feel as fond of them as if I did (I hope this isn't creepy!), and wish them both well.
Also, my family did the 'three rings when you get home' thing for years! Even when I lived literally three doors down the street from my parents - if I forgot, I'd get an indignant call from my Mum asking where I'd got to :D
I'm really looking forward to reading 1983!
Thanks Camilla. Nice to know it wasn’t just me!
what a talented family. Your dad obviously knew his art history, too, judging by the "Bridget" example https://www.tate.org.uk/art/artworks/waterhouse-the-lady-of-shalott-n01543
I loved this. Plus, your dad is an amazing artist.
Thanks Priscilla. He is!
WOFFAL bumper stickers or t-shirts, what do you think?