“There’s more to life than books you know?” (Part Four)

Every now and then, a piece of work, be it Art, Music, or literature comes to my attention and I put it in the “Totally unique” category. Today’s choice is very much on that list, and I am also aware that it divides people who have read it….Fifty Shades of….No, I jest of course….“By Grand Central Station I Sat Down and Wept” by Elizabeth Smart is, in my very humble opinion, a thing of utter beauty. An aching description of a difficult relationship, written in a style that seems to evoke as much anger as it does love. As is probably obvious by now, I love it.

It tells the tale of the author’s relationship with the poet George Barker, who she fell in love with through his poetry. Sounds unlikely? Perhaps, but entirely true. In effect, she stalked him for three years, no mean feat considering the distinct lack of Google in the 1930s. The relationship was further complicated on the discovery that George was married….A long term affair ensued…..

I shall refrain from spoiling the plot further, for there is a plot of sorts, but focus on the language which has been described as poetic prose…

“O the water of love that floods everything over, so that there is nothing the eye sees that is not covered in. There is no angle the world can assume which the love in my eye cannot make into a symbol of love. Even the precise geometry of his hand, when I gaze at it, dissolves me into water and I flow away in a flood of love.“

I found it beautiful, enchanting and real. Others take the opposite view, and of course I defend their right to be completely wrong about this.

Now to contradict myself….one piece of advice, is to perhaps read a little more of their relationship before you take on the book. George Barker’s poetry is well worth a look if you like that sort of thing (I do). The background will provide you with a framework on which to enjoy the writing….Well….that’s my advice…what the hell do I know about it….Anyway..Enjoy..if that is the right word.