Claude and Claudius

	Claude and Claudius Yesterday I had two excellent reading experiences: first, a bit of a marathon session with The Story of Edgar Sawtelle which brought me deep into the Sawtelles' story, with Claude becoming, shall we say, a particularly significant figure; second, a new short story by Julian Barnes in the Guardian online. It's a homage to the late great John Updike, on the occasion of the first anniversary of his death. Even though Updike was seventy-six when he passed away, it still felt like an untimely death, given the undimmed energy of his literary output. His poetic sensibility and sober work ethic made and make him a great example to other writers. And, like David Wroblewski, he was inspired by that literary landmark, Hamlet. Indeed, his late novel Gertrude and Claudius, with its clever use not only of Shakespeare's play but also Shakespeare's sources, might make a good follow-up reading to Edgar Sawtelle (book clubs, please copy). If you're interested in the Julian Barnes story (and it is a neat read, with Updike coming into it quite obliquely), click here. Attachment Posted on Mon, January 25, 2010 by Robert Cremins « Go Back No comments (Add your own) Add a New Comment Your Name: Your Email/URL (Optional): Your Comment: Enter the code you see below: Comment Guidelines: No HTML is allowed. Off-topic or inappropriate comments will be edited or deleted. Thanks.