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1kaggsy
I already have The Dud Avocado and was pretty pleased to get a pristine (new cover) version of The Old Man and Me for 99p in a charity shop yesterday!
However.... I notice on glancing through the introduction that Dundy says she has revised the text, and find myself feeling a bit ambivalent about this. OK, she's the author so she can do what she wants with her book, but I kind of feel I would like to read it as originally published - should I be tracking down an original??
Has anyone read either version and got any thoughts??
However.... I notice on glancing through the introduction that Dundy says she has revised the text, and find myself feeling a bit ambivalent about this. OK, she's the author so she can do what she wants with her book, but I kind of feel I would like to read it as originally published - should I be tracking down an original??
Has anyone read either version and got any thoughts??
3kaggsy
It's a 2007 modern cover Virago. I see there is now a NYRB edition which will presumably be the same as the Virago. I know there was a Penguin Dud Avocado (which I possibly have) but I'm not sure if there was a Penguin Old Man and Me. Grumble grumble!
4Soupdragon
I've only read the revised edition and like you wondered about that, but I read it anyway and then didn't feel strongly enough about the book to track down an original.
The introduction suggested to me that she tightened up/edited the dialogue rather than changed content or structure. I was reassured when she said she hadn't changed elements such as slang terms even if they now seemed dated.
The introduction suggested to me that she tightened up/edited the dialogue rather than changed content or structure. I was reassured when she said she hadn't changed elements such as slang terms even if they now seemed dated.
5kaggsy
4: Yes, I may be being a little over-sensitive! I just had a rummage online and it seems there was a 1968 Sphere edition with a very tacky cover. If I think enough of the book I may pick up a copy as they're not too pricey at the moment! I'm glad about the slang terms etc - I *want* to read it as a bit of a period piece!!
6Heaven-Ali
I have a modern edition too - oddly enough found in a charity shop ages ago.
9romain
I got the impression, when I read it for AV/AA this year that she wished she could re-write it but that she acknowledged that it had to stand as is. Mine is also a new edition. I enjoyed it as an amusing, if dated, romp but have not read Avocado.
10kaggsy
Just doing some more rummaging and there is an interview with Dundy here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ciz3C1yAIE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ciz3C1yAIE
