On the wall near my desk I have a laser-printed version of the Rights of the Reader poster, words by Daniel Pennac, illustrations by Quentin Blake. I'm afraid that I decided to exercise my third right, the right not to finish a book, with this one. I admire John Tranter and I'm glad this book won the Kenneth Slessor Award and everything, but when I read this from 'Two Views of Lake Placid' (1993):

abreast of that authority a scarce crop a leeway truth spouse grew to be a permanent frail guide the worker grapevine whirling with gossip, arms-control study out of control on Route Nil, a cycle of pillage then reimbursement bare henpeck, as pluck plunge over-eater in a racket vacation jaunt becoming wobbly -- he drinks too much now, I guess he can't drive accuratrely -- artless wind-up, quick flimsy trot -- how long? -- cancel

I realised I would derive more aesthetic pleasure from a chat with my mother in law who has advanced dementia, and I put the book aside. I did enjoy 'God on a Bicycle', 'Back Yard', 'Widower', 'Voodoo', 'Having Completed my Fortieth Year', the long narrative 'Breathless' and so on -- but I was ploughing on joylessly, waiting for the end, so I stopped, at about page 165 of 319.
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