Thanks for the review, Allison. I'm anxious to read what the unusually imaginative child has come up with.:-)

Thanks, Allison! I hope we are not disappointed. Did they give the title to his story?

Thanks for spotting the article, Allison. Am also anxious to read the story by "Bridget Jones's beloved and unreformable great-aunt" who lies prone on the bathroom floor. ;-D Will email you about difficulties in posting and pasting.

Thank you for spotting the article Alison and for letting us know it's now there Aishling. Off to take a peek!

oops Allison! Another one no good at fast typing.

BFF programme is now on line. DQ has one screening at 3.00pm on Sunday 19 November. Sorry cannot link but Bethan gave URL earlier.

Here's the url: http://www.film-tv-festival.org.uk/

The RV tape- train leaves today...I have several .If you want it yell (via email). ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ I really like him in this...great one-liners and good timing.He does comedy well and seems to be going in that genre. Good career move, dramatic parts are far and few between (except for TV) and Rafe seems to get the first pick.

Here's the new cover for the reissued Valmont:

purely by chance* LOL! Just happened to be browsing in the authors "F"! (Allison) No, really, scouts honour, cross my heart and hope to die! It's a secondhand/academic bookshop, used mainly by students, which doesn't recognise alphabetical order (the best stuff is on the floor!) Colin's mother is the author of that scholarly book (it is basically her doctoral dissertation). (Lassie) Aha. Thought so. Looked way over my head! Good career move, dramatic parts are far and few between (except for TV) and Rafe seems to get the first pick. (Evelyn) Versatility is the key to survival. Good actors should be able to do Shakespeare and sitcom. And I agree, the big dramatic roles on screen are few and far between, and tend to go to other actors (naming no names!) I'm anxious to read what the unusually imaginative child has come up with.:-) (Mari) Intriguing (and how will he read this, as an adult or child?). I can think of innumerable examples of adult authors writing in the first person as an adolescent (Catcher in the Rye, Adrian Mole etc), but not in the first person as a child (as opposed to an adult looking back and writing in the first person of his/her childhood)

(Lassie) Colin's mother is the author of that scholarly book (it is basically her doctoral dissertation). How do you know this, Lassie? Do tell! (Mari) I'm anxious to read what the unusually imaginative child has come up with.:-) Me too! (Bethan) and how will he read this, as an adult or child?) Ooh, good question.

(Bethan) and how will he read this, as an adult or child?) (Eileen)Ooh, good question. I'm sure it will be charming.... I just don't want him to bring up that school in St. Louis again...

(Bethan) I can think of innumerable examples of adult authors writing in the first person as an adolescent (Catcher in the Rye, Adrian Mole etc), but not in the first person as a child (as opposed to an adult looking back and writing in the first person of his/her childhood) Ok, I've got one--the *only* one I could think of. Wait for it . . . "Singing Songs" by Meg Tilly. Published around '94 I think, written first person as a child, about living in an abusive household. Hmmm . . . Do we know for sure that CF is reading his own story on the audiotape? I got a notice from amazon that my book has been shipped; I didn't order the audio, figuring I'd wait to make sure he was reading.

(Bethan) I can think of innumerable examples of adult authors writing in the first person as an adolescent (Catcher in the Rye, Adrian Mole etc), but not in the first person as a child (as opposed to an adult looking back and writing in the first person of his/her childhood) Even excluding children's books and things like 'Great Expectations', where Pip begins as a child, I think this is a frequently attempted genre. Having said that, only 'Paddy Clarke Ha Ha Ha' by Roddy Doyle (1993 Booker prize) springs to mind.

Mari -Do we know for sure that CF is reading his own story on the audiotape? I've ordered the audio tape but according to Amazon it's got a release date of 7 December so unless anyone gets a sneak preview (or is in the know) we're going to have to wait a bit longer. ;-(

Mari -Do we know for sure that CF is reading his own story on the audiotape? Perhaps someone can ask him during the Q&A segment at the poetry reading.

Ladies, I do have some questions for the reading at the Italian Institute: 1) When you read a book for pleasure, do you find yourself more times than not, picking a specific character as a possible role? 2) When reading to an audience is it helpful to over do it a bit (over act), to set the scene? 3) Did you chose to read Sciacia or did Livia twist your arm to do it. (Just kidding) 4)What was the last book you have read for pleasure. (If he answers Armadillo hit him with: 5) Are you playing Milo in Armadillo? ;-) 6) Aside from Sciacia, is there another Italian author you enjoy reading? 7)Are you reading your own story on the audiotape of NHs book? 8) What inspired you to write it through a child's POV. 9) Do you have other stories locked away or was this your first one? 10) Will you be working in Carlos Saura's MoB? I hope he gives everyone a chance to ask questions, they usually do. We look forward to your reports. Have fun!

Just a little note: Last night on ABC TV's Once and Again (I'm a fan of The 30 Something guys), there was a "book lovers meet" evening in one character's book store. Voice-overs were naming favorite books, and out popped "Bridget Jones Diary.

Great questions, Moon! I guess this is more of a prose reading, isn't it? Oops. Leave it to me to get it wrong. :-( Mary,I heard that voiceover of BJD last night on Once and Again, too. I am also a fan of the 30 Something team.

I'm sure it will be charming.... I just don't want him to bring up that school in St. Louis again.. (Evelyn) LOL! Many a true word spoken... Maybe we'll get the tale of a young sensitive English lad, newly out of short trousers, with the grass still green on his knees, rudely transported from his rural primary school in Hampshire to a ghastly high school in St Louis, etcetera, etcetera :-) Mind you, I think the penny has dropped with him that he has gone on a tad too much about his schooldays! (His comment about his former headmaster writing to his parents to complain!) Good questions, Moon!

I see that Blackadder - Back and Forth will be released on PAL video on November 20 for �11.99 (preorder price at Blackstar) http://www.blackstar.co.uk/video/item/7000000059555

Shakespeare didn't make the cover...alas..

(Karen)Shakespeare didn't make the cover...alas.. Are you surprised? ;-) Love the Valmont cover, though, thank you Karen. Also, great questions you came up with Moon, hope somebody gets an answer to some of them. (BTW; have started reading Armadillo). Mari, thanks for posting Mickie's text. Must go and visit Murph's interactive page :-)

At the Telegraph, there are photographs from a gallery exhibit entitled, "On Set," which is on display at a London Gallery and is also in book form. These are behind the scenes pics taken during filming of British movies. You will see one of Stephen Fry in the car from Relative Values. Wonder if there are other shots from RV's filming at the art gallery or in the book? Anybody want to drop by and check? http://www.telegraph.co.uk:80/et?ac=000576481449931&rtmo=asHXbwpL&atmo=rrrrrrrq&pg=/et/00/10/26/bgsetp0.html There's also one showing a bunch of feet (identified as belonging to Sadie Frost) from the other "An Ideal Husband," the modern-day, Jonathan Firth version.

I shall try and pop in sometime this week.

The publisher's site has expanded its coverage of the book's release. There's info on the charity event, plus bio info (and pics) of the authors. Colin's is the same as on our main Drool page (albeit without his personal message to us - *hee hee*) but the funniest thing is the spelling. Hornby's intro is on the site, as well as the stories by Zadie Smith and Robert Harris. http://prod2.uk.penguin.com/static/packages/uk/articles/hornby/hornby.html

I don't want to get political here..but that's shocking that autistic children can't get adequate professional attention in a public school environment. Karen, under contributors, on my computer Colin's pic is deformed...yours too? and I couldn't find the misspelling... Does Penguin have a chat? Maybe Nick Hornby (and a special guest author) could get on sometime. (Dream on, E.)

I had to view the penguin site with Explorer. That happens when website developers are sloppy with their syntax. Netscape can't handle errors. You couldn't find the misspelling? It's there twice...under Colin and under Helen Fielding. And, Allison, looking forward to hearing your assessment of the exhibit.

Found it...Explorer is good for something. A pity it couldn't handle the misspelling ;-) LOL...Helen Fielding and I share the same obsession!!

Did Penguin ask your permission to use our picture? ;-)

I've just read Colin's story, entitled "The Department Of Nothing," and I think he's done a great job. It's funny, touching without being sappy, and he's fairly successful at capturing the voice of an 11-year old. Some of it is more mature than you'd expect from a boy that age, but I think that's a necessity to keep an adult reader interested. Reminded me a bit of Holden Caulfield from Catcher In The Rye, insofar as some of the expressions, attitude, and precociousness. Haven't read all the others yet, but of those I have, Hornby's is the best--a real winner. Anyway, big kudos to Colin for trying something different, and for coming through for a good cause.

I've just picked up my copy of the book from a local bookshop...very prompt, I only ordered it yesterday. They've ordered another dozen copies. I don't know if I'm repeating news, but Colin's story is called "The Department of Nothing", it's long (26 pages), and, IMHO, without any bias,it's very good. He *can* write. His story is much better than HF's ....the only other one I've read so far. He's very perceptive about children and also very funny. Well structured as well. Has anyone else had the chance to read it?

Mari, our posts overlapped. Funnily enough, I was also going to post the Holden Caulfield comparison (only I couldn't remember how to spell his name!)

Book arrived a few minutes ago (literally). Will try to read later today.

Thanks for the feedback on CF's short story, Bethan and Mari. My copy has not arrived yet. :-( I was hoping for a good story from him, as he is well read, articulate, and intelligent. (No bias on my part, of course.)

Great news! I hope to have my copy soon. A strange title. I wonder how it relates to the story. I am glad to hear that you liked it, Mari and Bethan. I am sure we will be discussing it soon. :-D

I've just read it again, and, without any reservations, I can say that he writes well and I would like to read more by him. I haven't read the other stories, except HF's, but I'm sure he more than holds his own. Not really spoilers......but I wouldn't say that CF isn't writing in the voice of a child, more a young adolescent. Henry is a very sparky, imaginative, observant eleven year old, who happens to like stories, and the comments he makes about his life, his family etc, are sometimes funny, sometimes quite profound. There's depth and humour to this story. There was an anti-racism/pro asylum seekers rally in London today, called "Hands around the Home Office", with a march to the Home Office. It's a continuation of the protest CF made, with others, in front of the Houses of Parliament, when they formed a human paper chain. The main thrust of the campaign is to protest against the way the media and some politicians are whipping up hatred of immigrants and provoking racist attacks. Links (hope they work) http://www.defend-asylum-seekers.freeserve.co.uk or http://www.ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/aa_r/ Nick Hornby is one of the sponsors of the campaign.

Sorry.....double negative. Should be "I wouldn't say.....is writing"

I bought my copy of Speaking with the Angels" and have just finished "The Department of Nothing" having not been able to put it down. I would agree with you, Bethan, he certainly appears to have an affinity with children and puts this across with gusto. Henry's tale rushes on in a torrent of excitability, and whilst some of the language is perhaps more mature (definite echoes of FP's Paul here), the thought processes are very much that of a child...I love the idea of TTPUYL! The story within a story gives a happy contrast of styles and adds another dimension to the writing. In summary it's got humour, it's got pathos and if this(presumably) first shot is anything to go by I'd certainly want to read more.

I love the way the class bully is called Roy Hattersley! Made me laugh everytime. (For non-Brits, Roy Hattersley is a Labour politician, now retired, quite a non-threatening, amiable cove!)

Moon, the title "Department Of Nothing" refers to real life--the sort of distasteful and meaningless (to a kid) things we all have to do like go to school, eat veggies, etc. Evelyn, you'll be happy to hear that he doesn't complain about school too much (but has a funny name for his teacher:-) Have read most of the other stories, and there is quite a range of quality. Colin's is certainly one of the best, as is Nick's. Another good one is Robert Harris's PMQ--he is Nick's brother-in-law--very funny stuff. Irvine Welsh's and Patrick Marber's are predictably profane--yawn. Helen's, I'm sorry to say, is a disappointment.

We plan to start the AZ discussion on Thursday Nov. 9th at our CF film discussion topic. I hope you will all join us.

Have read Colin's story. Can't comment on whether the story captures an 11-year-old boy's POV accurately, as have no basis or foundation for such, but on several occasions it did strike me as expressing more mature thoughts. Was nicely done, all in all. Reminded me of Hornby's style. (heavy editing, perhaps??) Will read again, when eyelids not inclined to close. ;-D Have only read Robert Harris' thus far. It was a hoot. I remember reading an article in the newspaper about Nick's exwife's efforts on behalf of the school recently, but couldn't find it. Was sure it was in The Times (news in brief or similar). But here's another from The Telegraph you might find interesting: http://www.telegraph.co.uk:80/et?ac=000576481449931&rtmo=psh1hpee&atmo=rrrrrrrq&pg=/et/99/4/27/tldan27.html

If it wouldn't be too much of a spoiler, could one of you post a few choice quotes from Colin's story? I'd love to "see" a bit of his style. Robert Harris is one of my favorite authors. I can highly recommend Enigma and Archangel. Both literate thrillers, and great reads.

Murph, you can read Harris' story at the Penguin site, as is v. short: http://prod2.uk.penguin.com/static/packages/uk/articles/hornby/hornby2.html

Telegrah story v. interesting Karen...sounds a lot like Sarah and Paul ...

Reminded me of Hornby's style. (heavy editing, perhaps?? Oh, I'm sure it's all his own work! It's not so much in the style of Nick Hornby but in the style of contemporary first person young adolescent (which is a voice NH often uses) Some of the other stories have the same style. Robert Harris's story reads differently because he's adopted a different kind of persona. Can't comment on whether the story captures an 11-year-old boy's POV accurately, as have no basis or foundation for such, but on several occasions it did strike me as expressing more mature thoughts. I think he captures the POV very well, but there has to be that extra degree of maturity to give poignancy and substance to the narrative. Just been reading about the London Film Festival. I see that two other new British films which are being shown with DQ in the much less prestigious Birmingham fest have been selected for a West End screening in the London fest (one is a low budget comedy set in North London, about a man who can't commit to his girlfriend (yawn),the other is a twenty-something relationships drama, based on improvisation (yawn, yawn, Y-aw-n, snore). Was DQ actually submitted/turned down? If so, I give up totally on the British film industry (and so should CF!!!)

Was DQ actually submitted/turned down? If so, I give up totally on the British film industry (and so should CF!!!) Simmer down, Bethan;-) DQ was not submitted...I asked.Donna Franceschild said that at the time it was still in the hands of BBC. It's BBC that you and Colin should give up on. IMHO they continuously exploit him.

(Bethan) Oh, I'm sure it's all his own work! Did I imply otherwise? ;-D It just read like a younger version of Marcus from AAB, although Marcus isn't with it enough to come up with TTPUYL. The Cairo Film Festival has put up its 2000 site...finally! It starts tomorrow. Donovan Quick is in a category called Festival of Festivals, films which were shown at festivals over the past year. So it is NOT in competition. However, the site gives no further info on the film or even the date to be shown. The schedule link does not work yet. http://www.cairofilmfest.com/index.htm

We are really desperate for some news. The Cairo FF, does Colin write well, BBC or no BBC... Could someone in the UK just call his agent and ask about Armadillo? If filming is to start on Monday, he must be able to confirm it. Off to read ODBs story.

Hmmm, I swear I didn't lay out my 1st paragraph that way. Oh well.

Even though Heide did fix her tags in the next message, the itsy bitsy bold type was so difficult to read. So I am reposting Heide's message: Heide: I know the man doesn't live in a vacuum but I found it kind of funny to read references to Pokemon cards and Ricky Martin. Did I think he eschews (gesundheit) fame so much for himself that he's blissfully unaware of what's hot at the moment? Silly me. I can say that I'm not embarrassed for him in the slightest. He has some nice turns of phrases and imho thought he did very well with descriptions of the teacher and brother.

Doesn't he have a 9 year old son ? Having a kid probably means he is much more in tune with current fads and trends ( Pokemon etc) than he would be if he was just the O so serious actor ?

His son is probably 11 by now. I too was surprised to find the references to Pokemon cards and Ricky Martin. Loved his Walden Bridge. Lucien Lothair sounds so familiar I will have to ask my boys about that name. I LOL several times, which is more than I can say for NHs story which was clever but not funny. I have three boys, two are ages 9 and 11 and I found some of it was not very realistic. Henry was oftentimes too much like an adult. And in those cases, it was a bit forced. One thing he probably got from Will is Henry's repeated used of: "it's like", as many kids do today instead of just saying what it is. (That is something my boys have been warned against repeatedly). The fairy tale was so good, I wish he would have stuck to it. Of course, he would have lost the laughs. Maybe next time. :-D Bravo, Colin!

I asked.Donna Franceschild said that at the time it was still in the hands of BBC. It's BBC that you and Colin should give up on. IMHO they continuously exploit him. Now don't get me started on the Beeb! They really are TTPUYL! Colin's story will be one that reads very well out loud (Two different stories, different characters, some dialogue, humour.) On a more serious note, he captures a child's reaction to serious illness and dying, very well. I like the contemporary cultural references, although do Tintin and gobstoppers hark back more to his own childhood? Or perhaps Henry is a slightly old-fashioned child.

Heide: I know the man doesn't live in a vacuum but..... I too was struck by the contemporary refs - even Westlife & All Saints got a look in but would concede that, for all these, Henry is perhaps an 11 year old of another time. I found the characterisation of Max (Henry's 14 year old brother) to be spot on. I can remember two of my brothers at Max and Henry's ages interacting in exactly the same way, it was given that the eldest could knock seven kinds of nastiness out of the younger, woebetide anyone else who laid a finger on him. There were many phrases that I identified with.."pants" being the one which stood out, as in TTPUYL ("things that pants up your life"). I'm willing to admit that I have been known to go ever so slightly postal during where's my car keys (an irksome version of "where's my glasses"). To those who wonder what I'm rambling about then you haven't had the pleasure of reading ODB's meisterwerk yet...... blatantly!!

Is *blatantly* a word an 11 year old would know? How about *irksome*? A very smart 11 year old, a voracious reader, maybe.

(Lassie)Is *blatantly* a word an 11 year old would know? How about *irksome*? A very smart 11 year old, a voracious reader, maybe. Or maybe he learned them from his Gram:-) evelyn*who hasn't read it yet* Hey Lassie....I thought you would have given us your review by now;-))

(Tracy) There were many phrases that I identified with.."pants" being the one which stood out You identified with the "pants" thing, right? You'd never heard that expression before. Have read a few more (as I'm not a jumper-arounder) and have liked them all. Definitely recommend Melissa Banks' "Bridget dates a younger man" story, though Banks' didn't stretch on this one. Surprisingly, the "Last Requests" one I found v. well done and intriguing. ******* Another article on Hornby and the book (no mention of Colin) in The Scotsman (Nov 6, 2000) Living with Danny Nick Hornby enjoys the success that three best-selling books can bring. His novels are loved by readers and critics alike, prompting a pounds 2 million publishing contract and a film deal worth a similar amount for the rights to his third book. But all the literary success and acclaim cannot compare to the joy that Hornby feels when his only child, seven-year-old Danny, looks into his eyes and smiles. While most fathers would take such bonding for granted, Hornby can't. His son Danny is profoundly autistic, caught in his own private world and out of reach of even the simplest communication at times. "There are great frustrations in parenting Danny," says Hornby, "but then he will be very loving and affectionate and it's worth all the pain." Hornby is one of the most successful writers of his generation. His books Fever Pitch, High Fidelity and About a Boy continue to sell by the thousands. Although in control of his work, Hornby finds Danny's condition a source of much frustration. "It's inevitable that you feel everything's much more of a hassle than it is for anybody else," he admits. "Of course I resent it at times - you wish your life was easier." Hornby is divorced from Virginia Bovell, Danny's mother, their marriage having suffered under the strain of bringing up their autistic child. But they remain close. It was Virginia who helped found TreeHouse, a specialist school in London for autistic children where Danny has blossomed into a little boy who can hug his dad. Hornby knows that Danny will always suffer from this condition but he is doing what he can to make his life the best it can be. That includes using his contacts to persuade best-selling authors to contribute a short story for a book to raise funds for his son's school. The result is Speaking with the Angel, a compilation of one-offs from Roddy Doyle, Irvine Welsh and Zadie Smith, among others. A donation of Pounds 1 from each copy sold will go to the TreeHouse school. "I wanted to use my position to do whatever I could," says Hornby. "I do think a book like this is a good way of raising consciousness and money." Danny was a beautiful baby but a nagging suspicion that something was wrong haunted Hornby and his wife. Their son was wonderfully loving with them but withdrawn and indifferent to strangers, unable to connect with unfamiliar people or places. At 18 months old, he "crashed like a computer", in Hornby's words, and regressed. "There is a kind of long, slow dawning realisation that something is terribly amiss, during which time everyone tells you that there is nothing amiss," says Hornby. "Everyone tries to be supportive and says, 'Oh, Einstein didn't speak until he was five,' and all this sort of thing, but there's something I think that tells you that your child is not Einstein. You are torn between believing the worst and hoping for the best." Danny was eventually diagnosed autistic aged three. He was lucky. Some parents wait six or seven years before their fears are confirmed by the experts. "It feels like the worst nightmare for a parent," admits Hornby, speaking at his north London home. "Then you start to readjust and think of all the other things it could be. "Very quickly you start to adjust to the situation, trying to find out more about the condition and what can be done. Autism is a weird thing because actually the child doesn't need help, they don't want to be helped. They want to live in their own world and they don't want that world penetrated and part of the hard thing as a parent is knowing that you have to if he's going to make any progress at all. "It's not like Danny's suffering in any way, but you know on the other hand that you can't just let him twirl round and round in a room, or look at his hands - which is probably what he'd like to do if he was left to his own devices. "The burden is on the parents to do something about that, so you do end up feeling quite guilty if you're just too fed up or tired to stop it, but that is what you have to do." Hornby believes education has been vital for his son's progress. At TreeHouse, he is developing with a special educational therapy which sets attainable goals and helps him achieve them. Sadly, very few schools offer similar intensive help. At present, there are only 3,306 specialist places for the estimated 73,600 children with autistic problems. Many children are just not receiving the help they need. Hornby is passionate about his crusade to highlight the lack of provision. "There's no way the child can learn about the world if he won't look at it. All children learn by looking and copying and a child that won't look or won't copy, is going to remain stuck with the same skills. You have to break that cycle. "Danny is more sociable than he's ever been before. He loves his teachers and he has a friend Toby, who he loves, which is an incredible step forward. I would say it's 100 per cent down to the kind of education that he's getting. Governments are legally obliged to provide school places for children and that's not happening in the case of autism. I think there's a crisis in this particular area." Hornby is busy with his work. He is finishing his fourth book, How to Be Good, narrated by a woman whose husband has a spiritual conversion (it's due out next May), and he is working with Emma Thompson on a screenplay for a romantic comedy. But it won't stop him continuing to speak about Danny or all the other autistic children who remain trapped in their own little worlds. "I do think that I have a responsibility given my position to do what I can. Danny has this condition and I want to talk about the condition and what's not being done about it because I can see how much grief it causes other people. "Autism is so much a part of Danny's personality and character that you kind of learn to love the condition in the way that you love the child," says Nick Hornby. "It is him, all his quirks and rituals, it's hard to imagine him without them." Speaking With The Angel, edited by Nick Hornby (Penguin), Pounds 7.99 (Pounds 1 donation to TreeHouse) The unlucky 1 per cent One in 500 children in Britain is autistic, and the National Autistic Society estimates that the condition affects 91 people in every 10,000, almost one per cent of the population. Autism is usually diagnosed when the child is between 18 months and three years old, it is characterised by obsessive, repetitive behaviour and a strong resistance to change. Fear or frustration can cause severely challenging behaviour.

Lassie (Lassie) * Tue, Nov 7, 2000 (16:46) * 1 lines Is *blatantly* a word an 11 year old would know? How about *irksome*? A very smart 11 year old, a voracious reader, maybe. Topic 134 of 137 [drool]: Colin Firth (Part 8) Response 1159 of 1160: Evelyn (lafn) * Tue, Nov 7, 2000 (17:09) * 6 lines (Lassie)Is *blatantly* a word an 11 year old would know? How about *irksome*? A very smart 11 year old, a voracious reader, maybe. (Evelyn) Or maybe he learned them from his Gram:-) Wonderful points. Maybe "blatantly" and "irksome" were words the 11 year old Colin knew. He was the son of academics; so he probably grew up in a book filled household.

Just to say that the GUARDIAN today has a similar feature as the one so kindly reproduced for us by Karen from Scotsman. Guess the same old publicity needs to do the rounds! Again NO mention of ODB's contribution to the book. The end of the feature mentions the bash in the last week of November (tickets �15)where readings from the book feature. Remind me........! Did some far more alert drooler not say ODB does not feature in the programme of excerpts?

Here's a link to the Guardian's interview with Nick: http://www.booksunlimited.co.uk/departments/generalfiction/story/0,6000,394220,00.html Lizza, none of the publicity for the charity bash has mentioned Colin as attending. Insofar as the book is concerned...reread in between hourly/half hourly election projections. Quite a few of you know how "blantantly irksome" I found certain things. ;-D However, on reflection, I think those words are used very intentionally to show a boy, who learns new words from his grandmother each day and from doing crosswords, but doesn't use them exactly right. To me, they never seem to fit in with the rest of the narrative. Henry's recounting of his granny's story is another problem area for me. Storytelling is a gift. It has to be compelling and grab the reader. Perhaps, because it is "retold" through Henry, who may not have The Gift, that it doesn't for me. Perhaps it is because another author I admire does this so much better. Unfair comparison, I know. As Heide said, CF has acquitted himself well for a first effort.

Thanks for confirming that for me Karen. Also ENGLISH PATIENT is showing on C4 at 9pm on Sunday.

(Tracy) I'm willing to admit that I have been known to go ever so slightly postal during where's my car keys (an irksome version of "where's my glasses"). To those who wonder what I'm rambling about then you haven't had the pleasure of reading ODB's meisterwerk yet...... blatantly!! LOL, Tracy! The 'pants' expression was a new one on me. I know the word is generally used differently in the UK vs. the US but I'd not heard it used in the 'screw' or 'eff-up' sense. (Karen) Quite a few of you know how "blantantly irksome" I found certain things. Hee hee! ...I think those words are used very intentionally to show a boy, who learns new words from his grandmother each day and from doing crosswords, but doesn't use them exactly right. Good point about the crosswords. Felt that the word 'luminous' occurring to an 11-year old was a bit ludicrous. ;-) But overall thought it was a v. good story, v. creative. CF was spot-on about kids of this age and their bathroom humor ('bottom-cough'? I was LOL). (Karen) Perhaps it is because another author I admire does this so much better. What, you want 'The Fairy Melusina'? ;-D

Have just finished reading "The Dept. of Nothing"....sorry, Henry is not Holden Caulfield to me.Holden is far more coherent...older too, I think. Though I found the story OK..parts v. funny..esp "where's my glasses mum.. and the Evil Shed .The prose was awkward at times and confused me to visualize Henry...til I realized that he probably was mimicking his granma using her vocabulary ( no kid, no matter how much he reads will use those multi-syllable words), and perhaps the past generation popular tin tin books. If so, if the words had been in italics, then it would have alerted the reader that they were not Henry's words... As Heide said, CF has acquitted himself well for a first effort. Agree...but I wouldn't be too hasty in giving up his day-job...

Agree...but I wouldn't be too hasty in giving up his day-job... Speaking of his day job... ;-)

This is a reminder that we will start discussing Apartment Zero tomorrow at Topic 98, and look forward to all your comments.

(Karen) Perhaps it is because another author I admire does this so much better. (Eileen)What, you want 'The Fairy Melusina'? ;-D LOL...Incidentally, is the inscription above the door the author's attempt at poetry? It's sweet...esp.when the man with whom Emma has fallen in love asks her to dance and she thought" 'if the heart but hesitate" and she took his hand..." ~~~~~~```` (Ev)Agree...but I wouldn't be too hasty in giving up his day-job... (Moon)Speaking of his day job... ;-) You mean...."The Waiting Room of Nothing" ;-)

He's writing in the voice of a ten year old, not in his own voice. He recounts the fairy story as Henry would have remembered/told it (explaining what "garb" means, for example.) Henry doesn't quite recall the wording of the inscription, hence the repeated "something something". If CF told the story as himself, a 40 year old man, I'm sure it would be completely different in style. But the actual narrative also has to have a more mature perspective and vocabulary, if it is to hold the attention of an adult readership. To write convincingly in the first person as a child (as opposed to a 16-17 year old )is very difficult. (It would have been much easier to write in the third person.) I think he's caught the tone very well.

Due to weather, flooding, Rail Track and transport problems we now have spare tickets for the reading at the Italian Institute this Sunday so if anyone would like to go just let me know.

(Evelyn) You mean...."The Waiting Room of Nothing" ;-) *snort* How apropos. Hope the waiting room session is ending soon.

...He's writing in the voice of a ten year old, not in his own voice... ......If CF told the story as himself, a 40 year old man, I'm sure it would be completely different in style. Thank you, Bethan . I think we all realize that. And moreover, we all are v. complimentary of the story as a first-time author.

(Evelyn) You mean...."The Waiting Room of Nothing" ;-) Now we know the real meaning behind the title. ;-) (Eileen), *snort* How apropos. Hope the waiting room session is ending soon. And if it does, I doubt that that he would want us to know about it. ;-)

The programme for the 16th Birmingham Film and TV Festival arrived today and as Aishling has already said DQ is being shown at 3pm on Sunday 19th November, at the Midland Arts Centre. (Nothing is ever simple when trying to see a CF film, instead of being screened just up the road from where we are staying at the Odean, where some films are showing, it is 6 miles out of Birmingham, oh well, just hope it stops raining, I am sure it will be worth it though!!)

What is 6 miles of good road?

(Lassie)What is 6 miles of good road? Not much, unless it's flooded... (Karen)...reread in between hourly/half hourly election projections. Ha! Knew you would be watching those ;-)

(Gi) Ha! Knew you would be watching those ;-) She's not alone. Now back to my prayer vigil...;-)

(Ann) Nothing is ever simple when trying to see a CF film Ain't it the truth! ;-D Maybe the sun will come out by this weekend for you. Fingers crossed for both you and Aishling. BTW, many films are showing at the MAC, so DQ hasn't been singled out for exile. The MAC website says it is 2 miles from city centre: http://www.birminghamarts.org.uk/mac.html

I too received my Film festival prog this morning, not much blurb on DQ but then it is a very small programme. Whether I make it is v much dependent upon whether: A) We have another fuel crisis, B) We have more flooding C) We have trains travelling at 00.1mph (as they seem to be doing at the moment!) As I've been spending more time on the train lately ;-( I got to read all of the tales in Speaking with the Angel. All had their merits - NippleJesus (NH) and Dave Eggers' efforts stand out as those that I would recommend. To say that I enjoyed Catholic Guilt (You Know You Love It) - Irvine Welsh is probably going a bit far, his style is so 'in your face', but the story itself with the clever twisty ending certainly had me thinking! (Ev)Agree...but I wouldn't be too hasty in giving up his day-job... (Moon)Speaking of his day job... ;-) (Ev)You mean...."The Waiting Room of Nothing" ;-) LOL! How cutting, but oh so sadly true!

Ann, MAC is very near the city centre. We spent about 18 months in the Birmingham area, and I have vague memories of Cannon Hill Park. It's in Edgbaston, certainly under 2 miles from the centre. "The Waiting Room of Nothing" ;-) Ah, chin up! We've got the videos of RV and MLSF in just over two weeks in the UK! (Amazingly, MLSF was filmed three and a half years ago!!) And theyll start prompting BJD soon. And hopefully he'll answer questions at the Institute!

and he is supposed to be starting filming on something this coming Monday, fingers crossed that it is Armadillo, when oh when are A&E going to confirm it!! It is so frustrating. Thanks Karen and Bethan, I am glad to hear it is only 2 miles from the City Centre, I was told 6 miles anda 15mins bus ride. As Tracey says I too am keeping my fingers crossed on all of the above, I hope we can report back that all has been fine and are as enthusiatic as Karen at seeing DQ on the big screen.

(Ann W.)I hope we can report back that all has been fine and are as enthusiatic as Karen at seeing DQ on the big screen. (Bethan)And hopefully he'll answer questions at the Institute! I shall be honoured to lend my Colin Firth tee shirt to anyone going to the Birmingham FF or the Italian Institute. Besides making a fashion statement , you'll really stand out during the Q&A ;-))

Ann, did you know that David Blair is listed as Director/Speaker for DQ? So should be available for questions. http://www.birminghamarts.org.uk/mac.html Click on current events. Scroll down to November 19. I'd love to know why the BBC aren't promoting DQ. And when it will be more accessible (TV or Big Screen)

Thanks Bethan, although I can't promise to ask any questions, I am a bit of a coward when it comes to asking questions in public.

I shall be honoured to lend my Colin Firth tee shirt to anyone going to the Birmingham FF Pfffffttt! ;-D Hey, don't give anyone any ideas...

Where is everyone? Isn't the reading tomorrow? I've been lurking for almost a year now after briefly introducing myself, and now a lack of drool has forced me to de-lurk again. I am happy to report that I have that Lifetime movie channel, so I will be able to watch SLOW on Monday (but unable to tape, as my VCR is not working). Also by happy circumstance I was browsing my channels last month, noticed I had STARZ, and that RV was on THAT NIGHT!!!! I rather enjoyed it for the campy comedy it was, and HE got quite a lot of screen time, although, admittedly, not as many lines. Ah, well, I shall check back tomorrow.

Welcome Noelle, yes the Reading is today and I can't wait to hear all about it and whether or not someone has found out what he is filuning on Monday. What a dearth of Firth, it is about time we had some really meaty news.

Nice to see you delurk again, Noelle. Lack of news can be frustrating, but we will hear about the reading later today. I think the ladies are going out afterward, so there could be a delay in posting their impressions. Too bad about the VCR and what bad timing, with both RV and SLOW being shown, but like you, I enjoyed Colin's part in RV. He does some absolutely great, OTT acting. One of my favorite bits has got to be when Miranda comes into the drawing room before dinner and is going on about waking up in a different world. Colin is mimicing (spelling looks v. wrong) her behind her back. Is too funny.

Carrying on behind Miranda's back! I agree! The funniest bit!

Nice to have you back, Noelle.RV is fastly becoming one of my favorites...he's getting better at this comedy bit.I like the part that he answers the telephone from Lord Marshwood.."knew you had the king...". Then later...Oh I wanted to say good-bye" (With the limp wrist!). Of course the "Bogie" part is still #1.

I agree with you, Karen, about the fantastic OTT acting. Some others might have thought it too much, but we knew what he was doing, and what he is capable of. I didn't know how I would handle him playing "family", but actually, that could be quite overlooked in most of the scenes, and one could kinda pretend he was just a "foppish English gentleman". I thought he was spot on in every scene, and I know a few guys like him (unfortunately, not any that look like him, but as they would be gay, perhaps that's a good thing!). On to other things. I just discovered to my joy that my mother has a copy of "Camille", which I promptly requisitioned. I know some of you (all?) don't like it, but I haven't seen it yet, and didn't think I could get a copy, and right now, any new (meaning I haven't seen it yet)CF movie is a blessing to me. My collection has really grown lately, especially with the addition of 7 movies which I have recently acquired, then promptly sat down and watched in a film festival, from earliest on. Now, I am off to watch "Camille". Thank God for gray Sundays.

Have gotten an early report from the reading; seems that Colin is doing a film with Ken Branagh, set in Nazi Germany. Found this at a Branagh fansite; seems like it fits the bill. Maybe our ladies who went to the reading will have more info: "After Rabbit Proof Fence, Ken will film HBO's Conspiracy , the true story of a secret meeting of the Third Reich at Wannsee in 1942 where the "Final Solution" for the extermination of the Jews was drafted. He will star with Stanley Tucci as Reinhard Heydrich, the second-in-command to Heinrich Himmler and the boss of Adolf Eichmann (Tucci)."

Mari you got there first! Yes this is what I have deduced from what I heard at the reading. He dashed off as soon as he had finished the actual reading without waiting for a question and answer session or to join us for drinks upstairs. One of our number asked Livia where he was and she said he had had to go to the filming. The personal filming the reading had already told us some rough details about the film he is now shooting but not the part Colin is playing nor the title of the film. The only clue was it starred KB - hence I came to the same conclusion as Mari. The reading was good but we were all disappointed not to have a chance to talk to Colin, take photos or get any autographs. He read four pieces from selected Italian authors. The second one was particularly good. I'm afraid I cannot give more details as I was unable to catch the names of the authors or the pieces except there was an extract from The Leopard. I hope one of the others is more familiar with the Italian names and can fill in the gaps.

Noelle, sounds like quite a filmfest you're having. Since you do get all those obscure cable channels, Camille is being shown on it all the time plus that version has much better color than the commercial copy, which had additional scenes deleted. Thanks for the news, Mari. I remember seeing the project being announced and thinking about KB being on television. Poor guy isn't doing very well on the big screen these days. Anyway, here's the article from the Hollywood Reporter: Branagh, Tucci join 'Conspiracy' (Sept. 14, 2000) by Cathy Dunkley Kenneth Branagh and Stanley Tucci have signed on to star in HBO Films' "Conspiracy," expected to start shooting in Europe in the fall. The project, to be directed by Frank Pierson and written by Loring Mandel, chronicles the secret meeting in 1942 of the Third Reich at Wannsee, where Hitler and his senior advisers drew up plans for the Final Solution for the extermination of the Jews. The project will be produced by Nick Gillott and executive produced by Pierson, Peter Zinner and Frank Doelger, a former HBO executive who now serves as a consultant to the company. Branagh, whose participation marks a departure for the actor who is usually featured on film, will play the role of Reinhard Heydrich, the second in command to Heinrich Himmler and the boss of Adolf Eichmann, who will be played by Tucci. *********** Then Ananova had an item based on the same info: Kenneth Branagh to play Hitler henchman Kenneth Branagh is to play one of Hitler's henchmen in a new film made for American television called Conspiracy. The �3 million HBO production, directed by Frank Pierson and written by Loring Mandel, will begin filming shortly in France and Germany. The story chronicles the secret 1942 meeting of senior Third Reich officials at which Hitler authorised the drawing up of the Final Solution extermination plan to murder Europe's Jews. Branagh has agreed to play Reinhard Heydrich, Hitler's favourite before he was assassinated by Czech patriots in Prague, while Adolf Eichmann, who was snatched and executed after the Second World War, will be played by American star Stanley Tucci. An associate of Branagh said: "This may seem a little off the wall for Ken but it is a fascinating period in history and outside the scope of his normal work. He liked the challenge."

Thanks for the reports, and the follow-up information! But does this mean he's already done "Armadillo"?

Wot, no Armadillo, I have just bought the book, and I must say I like the sound of Amadillo better than this, oh well I guess Colin knows what he is doing, well let's hope so. I must say though it is slightly disappointing!!

The more I think about it the more I can see James Frain as Lorimer, perhaps Colin gave up "A" for "C".(I am really sorry about this!!

Question, are we likely to get to see an HBO film here on UK TV?

(Noelle)..I just discovered to my joy that my mother has a copy of "Camille", ....I know some of you (all?) don't like it Some of us do, Noelle.It was one of his early films and he looks v. boyish. Terrific cast...you'll enjoy it as an early work. Thanks Mari and Jennie for the update on the Italian reading. And Karen for the instant archival articles on "Conspiracy". Sounds like a good break for Colin. HBO has gotten several Emmys in the past for their outstanding productions.The film will be critically reviewed because it's KB first original film for US TV. HBO also does extensive media publicity for their original productions. I'm for it...sure beats another BBC number that is apt to sit on a shelf!