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The Bridge on the Drina by Ivo Andric

The Bridge over the Drina covers over four centuries of Ottoman rule, culminating in a tragic climax in 1914, the first year of the First World War. For me, these works are sui generis, unique masterworks.

Empire of the Sun

This novel, written by James G. Ballard in 1984, is a re-imagining of his own experience as a young boy captured by the Japanese Army during the Second World War.

On Being English

Recently, with a friend I went on a march protesting against far-right extremism. It was exhilarating and moving.

The Treorchy of my youth and dreams

I am English, born in 1945 in the North Western London suburb of Greenford. I was a 'baby boomer' born in March of that year, as the defeat of Germany was becoming increasingly inevitable.

Reflections

Empire of the Sun

This novel, written by James G. Ballard in 1984, is a re-imagining of his own experience as a young boy captured by the Japanese Army during the Second World War.

On Being English

Recently, with a friend I went on a march protesting against far-right extremism. It was exhilarating and moving.

The Treorchy of my youth and dreams

I am English, born in 1945 in the North Western London suburb of Greenford. I was a 'baby boomer' born in March of that year, as the defeat of Germany was becoming increasingly inevitable.

Reflections

Music

Beethoven's Eroica and Me

The Eroica was the first piece of music which really got through to my uncertain, adolescent self.

Benjamin Britten: The War Requiem

Britten’s War Requiem is about the tragedy and futility of war.

Sibelius and the Mystery of the Forests

Sibelius and the Development of Finnish Nationalism.

Music

Portrait of a Place

The Treorchy of my youth and dreams

I am English, born in 1945 in the North Western London suburb of Greenford. I was a 'baby boomer' born in March of that year, as the defeat of Germany was becoming increasingly inevitable.