Is is just me or is anyone else noticed references to Hofstader’s Godel, Escher, Bach (GEB) in this book? A tortoise named Achilles, The Art Of Fugue?

I read this on holiday (along with three other books) and while a big fan of Hoban’s, I thought that this was merely ok, even bordering on the slightly disappointing. Perhaps it’s me, perhaps it deserves a second read, but I found the narrative lacking somewhat.

Russell Hoban shows his total mastery of language in this quirky and shortish story. I’d recommend you read another Hoban before this one, say, The Medusa Frequency, or a later one such as Amaryllis Night And Day.

There’s an interconnectedness to the ideas and muses in Hoban’s world; as a node in the graph, Kleinzeit is no exception.

A ‘mind-lateralising’ collection of one-chapter stories; easy reading that stimulates the brain too.

A classic tale told in great detail. The language is rather dated (written in 1950s) but adds to rather than detracts from the overall effect.

Dan Hill has a blog entry pointing to a realaudio recording of Ackroyd discussing his book Hawksmoor – on the BBC’s Book Club, from St. George’s Church in Bloomsbury.

I haven’t fully clicked with this book yet; quite hard going in places but worthwhile, and I’m getting there. Renewed my interest in central London / City buildings and history.

This is certainly my favourite non-fiction book. A treasure trove of ideas and inspiration that is great to dip into and then walk around wondering about things. Like my favourite fiction book (Russell Hoban’s “Riddley Walker“), I don’t have my original copy any more, having lent it out never for it to be returned. Luckily, my good friend Robert gave me another copy.

If you like this, then look at Metamagical Themas, and also The Mind’s I. Similarly inspiring, though not as powerfully.

I’ve completed this book for multiple values of the word “complete”. Phew.

A comparatively ‘straightforward’ read, nevertheless full of Hoban gems that make you stop, think, and smile.