As Nicholas Shakespeare writes: "These were private and religious farmers whose ancestors had come to Patagonia expressly to get away from the kind of Englishman represented by a young man with a socking great forehead and blue staring eyes who bowled into their village wearing green Bermuda shorts and announced himself in a ringing public-school accent as Bruce Chatwin."
How we do identify people by class, there I was yesterday not knowing a thing about this man, and then I find, his interpretation of truth, whether it be fact or fiction leaves a lot be desired. For a start he lived in the 20th century, and died of that unfortunate illness called Aids at a young age. What you read about him is that his storytelling beat the boundary betwixt fact and fiction. Excellent writer but prone to tell lies, this was the general view, but a bloody good writer. Given that their was still a stigma attached to homosexuality during the 20th century, his fibbing that he only had a 'fungal disease' might be excused. It was his habit though to embellish his travel stories with extra detail.
" was interested in asking big questions about human existence, sharing unusual tales, and making connections between ideas from various sources. His friend and fellow writer Robyn Davidson said, "He posed questions we all want answered and perhaps gave the illusion they were answerable."
Chatwin is a colourful character of that there is no doubt, he encapsulates the modern 20th century, his dashing appearance no doubt helping in the cause, almost a Lawrence of Arabia figure, perhaps that was his hero. Isn't it funny that in the early part of the 20th century we had begun to discover sex, and it, by its discovery, became the focus of much literary art from that time.
He inspired Rory Stewart, a lesser tory member of parliament, so whenever you see Rory's angular face on television on one of his journeys, remember it was reading Chatwin that set him off.
Well this small amount of research has all been done on my computer, I started off with a thought and found along the way, his book which I am listening to now,
On the Black hill by Bruce Chatwin
It's place of origin has it in the near the village of Craswall, and is the tale of twins and how they grew up in their Welsh valley. From what I have listened to very evocative for a writer who had never lived in Wales except for a holiday.
I have always found Chatwin to be a rather dull travel writer. I can't quite pin down why bored, but there we have it. I couldn't even finish In Patagonia it bored me so... But On Black Hill was someewhat of an exception - its real setting is the black mountains near Llanthony abbey - perhaps I like it for that, as I know those hills well. Raymond Williams book Border Country, is finer I think.
ReplyDeleteThere is long tradition of half truth in travel writing if only because the cat of writing require sus to shape and chose, but invention is another matter; I rather think Chatwin thought nothing of the latter - he would have liked our PM I expect.
Well two people who have read Chatwin. I must admit travel books are not my thing, MacFarlane is perhaps the nearest I get to travel. Embellishing the truth though is a problem (hollow laughter) and probably it has always been so.
DeleteTravel writing is probably my most favourite kind of writing and my taste tends to change from book to book. I remember this coming out and being captivated by it at the time - but tasts change. I have just read - for the nth time - Michael Palin's Sahara - - I never tire of reaing it and am there with him the whole way.
ReplyDeleteYes I know that Pat and your love affairs with Michael Palin and Monty Don ;) I presume the Patagonia book was to do with the Welsh immigration there, must look it up.
ReplyDeleteI love good travel writing. It can transport you. I have read every travel book by Bill Bryson and Paul Theroux. It was time well spent in my opinion. Chatwin's "In Patagonia" did not inspire or entertain me in the same way. It was a bit of a slog as they say.
ReplyDeleteAnother who has read Chatwin and is disgruntled with him. I suppose in his heyday he could have been surrounded by a lot of 'loveys'. Bill Bryson is a favourite, I love his humour.
ReplyDeleteI love Bill Bryson too, Thelma. I picked up The Songlines when I went to the libary today to pick up a book that I'd requested to be sent from another library. It was the only book by Chatwin that they had.
ReplyDeletehow funny Debby talking in one country about a book and the next day you go and pick up a different book by the same author in America. Looking at the criticisms on 'Songlines' and the same impressions seem to be felt, good writer but Chatwin muddies the water between telling the tale and truth.
DeleteThannk you for being you
ReplyDelete