"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
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
Shipping:
US$ 4.25
From Canada to U.S.A.
Book Description Paperback. Condition: New. Paperback. Publisher overstock, may contain remainder mark on edge. Seller Inventory # 9780099461920B
Book Description Condition: New. pp. 224. Seller Inventory # 6356493
Book Description Paperback. Condition: new. Paperback. Elizabeth Costello is a humane, moral, and uncompromising creation. The subject of J.M. Coetzee s latest work of fiction is an Australian writer of international renown f ted, studied and honoured. Famous principally for an early novel that established her reputation and from More.which, it seems, she will never escape, she has reached the stage, late in life, where her remaining function is to be venerated and applauded. One of a new breed of intellectual nomads, her life has become a series of engagements in sterile conference rooms throughout the world a private consciousness obliged to reveal itself to a curious public- the presentation of a major award at an American college where she is required to deliver a lecture; a sojourn as the writer-in-residence on a cruise liner during which she encounters a fellow guest lecturer, an African poet also employed to divert the passengers. Then there is a disquieting appearance at a writers conference in Amsterdam where she finds the subject of her talk unexpectedly among the audience. She 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 con Elizabeth Costello is an Australian writer of international renown. Her life has become a series of engagements in sterile conference rooms throughout the world - a private consciousness obliged to reveal itself to a curious public: the presentation of a major award at an American college where she is required to deliver a lecture; Shipping may be from multiple locations in the US or from the UK, depending on stock availability. Seller Inventory # 9780099461920
Book Description paperback. Condition: New. Language: ENG. Seller Inventory # 9780099461920
Book Description Paperback. Condition: New. BRAND NEW ** SUPER FAST SHIPPING FROM UK WAREHOUSE ** 30 DAY MONEY BACK GUARANTEE. Seller Inventory # 9780099461920-GDR
Book Description Paperback. Condition: Brand New. 240 pages. 7.76x5.08x0.59 inches. In Stock. Seller Inventory # __0099461927
Book Description Condition: New. In. Seller Inventory # ria9780099461920_new
Book Description Paperback / softback. Condition: New. New copy - Usually dispatched within 4 working days. Elizabeth Costello is an Australian writer of international renown. Her life has become a series of engagements in sterile conference rooms throughout the world - a private consciousness obliged to reveal itself to a curious public: the presentation of a major award at an American college where she is required to deliver a lecture; Seller Inventory # B9780099461920
Book Description Condition: New. 2004. Paperback. Elizabeth Costello is an Australian writer of international renown. Famous principally for an early novel that established her reputation, she has reached the stage where her remaining function is to be venerated and applauded. Num Pages: 240 pages. BIC Classification: FA. Category: (G) General (US: Trade). Dimension: 198 x 130 x 14. Weight in Grams: 174. . . . . . Seller Inventory # V9780099461920