Hello,
It’s been a while. I’m glad we’re back in touch. How’ve you been?
At the moment we’re in Essex, in Leigh-on-Sea, writing a first draft of this text in a notebook placed about an inch away from the remains of a large helping of fish and chips. It’s been served up on a platter the size of a smack, the name of a famous type of local boat. Now the plates have been cleared: one of the younger members of the Five Dials entourage is dipping his hands in apple juice. (He’s two). It’s a earthy, epicurean gesture worthy of Thomas Hardy. The other youthful member is taking care of Essex’s best chocolate ice cream.
We’re in Leigh-on-Sea as part of the Shorelines Festival, held on the banks of the Thames Estuary. Shorelines is a festival that aims to explore new literature about the sea. The organizers have brought a lot of good people out to Essex — Philip Hoare is going to talk about the The Sea Inside, his exploration of the beasts and birds of the forgotten seas around the world. There’s a showing of Swandown, the film about Iain Sinclair pedalling a plastic swan from Hastings to Hackney. Robert Macfarlane will be here tomorrow. Deborah Levy, author of Swimming Home is going to press the button that sends this message to you. She’s promised a very dramatic gesture.
What’s in the issue?
Richard Ford on Frank Bascombe
David Bezmozgis on a very strong man
Leo Tolstoy on student life
Writing tips from Cesar Aira
As always, much more
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