"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
Coetzee has made this project difficult for himself. Occasional writing--writing that includes graduation speeches, acceptance speeches, or even academic lectures--is a less than auspicious form around which to build a long work of fiction. A powerful central character engaged in a challenging stage of life might sustain such a work. Yet, at the start, Coetzee declares that Elizabeth is "old and tired", and her best book, The House on Eccles Street is long in her past. Elizabeth Costello lacks a progressive plot and offers little development over the course of each new performance at the lectern. Readers are given Elizabeth fully formed with only brief glimpses of her past sexual dalliances and literary efforts.
In the end, Elizabeth Costello seems undecided about its own direction. When Elizabeth is brought to a final reckoning at the gates of the afterlife, she begins to suspect that she is actually in hell, "or at least purgatory: a purgatory of clichés". Perhaps Coetzee's Elizabeth Costello, which can be read as an extended critique of clichéd writing, is a portrait of this purgatory. While some readers may find Coetzee's philosophical prose sustenance enough on the journey, some will turn back at the gate. --Patrick O'Kelley, Amazon.com
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Book Description Medium Trade Paperback. Condition: Very Good. Reprint. Medium Trade Paperback. 230 pages. *** PUBLISHING DETAILS: Vintage, Australia, 2004. Reprint. *** CONDITION: This book is in very good condition. More specifically: Covers have no creasing. Corners of covers are lightly bumped. Spine is uncreased. . Pages are lightly tanned. *** ABOUT THIS BOOK: Elizabeth Costello is an Australian writer of international renown. Famous principally for an early novel that established her reputation and from which, it seems, she will never escape, she has reached the stage where her remaining function is to be venerated and applauded. Elizabeth has made her life's work the study of other people, yet now it is she who is the object of scrutiny. But, for her, what matters is the continuing search for a means of articulating her vision and the verdict of future generations. *** Quantity Available: 1. Category: Fiction; 1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die; ISBN: 1740512758. ISBN/EAN: 9781740512756. Inventory No: 23090193. Seller Inventory # 23090193
Book Description Paperback. Condition: Very Good. 233 pages. Elizabeth Costello is a humane, moral, and uncompr omising creation. The subject of J.M. Coetzee's latest work of f iction is an Australian writer of international renown -- feted, studied and honoured. Famous principally for an early novel that established her reputation and from which, it seems, she will nev er escape, she has reached the stage, late in life, where her rem aining function is to be venerated and applauded. One of a new b reed of intellectual nomads, her life has become a series of enga gements in sterile conference rooms throughout the world -- a pri vate consciousness obliged to reveal itself to a curious public: the presentation of a major award at an American college where sh e is required to deliver a lecture; a sojourn as the writer-in-re sidence on a cruise liner during which she encounters a fellow gu est lecturer, an African poet also employed to divert the passeng ers. Then there is a disquieting appearance at a writers' confere nce in Amsterdam where she finds the subject of her talk unexpect edly among the audience. She has made her life's work the study o f other people, yet now it is she who is the object of scrutiny. But, for her, what matters is the continuing search for a means o f articulating her vision and the verdict of future generations. J.M. Coetzee's latest work of fiction offers us a profound and d elicate vision of literary celebrity, artistry and the private li fe of the mind. From the Hardcover edition. Seller Inventory # 252r
Book Description Soft cover. Condition: Near Fine. Three Individual Books. Covers Light Wear. Interiors : Clean, Unmarked, Bindings Firm. 233 & 220 & 304 Pages. Seller Inventory # 024662
Book Description Paperback. Condition: Fine. Reprint. 230 pages. Book appears to have hardly been read and is in Fine condition throughout. Seller Inventory # 175618
Book Description Soft cover. Condition: Good. First Thus. Medium softcover, first thus, 176gms, 233 pages. Book is in good condition with minor general wear and tear and moderate page discolouration/spotting throughout, otherwise no other pre-loved markings. Seller Inventory # GENFIC78446