Brian Keenan: 'An Evil Cradling'

[Karl Rommel]

Hi Folks

Is there any discussion of this work anywhere?

Thanks in anticipation.

[Niamh]

i dont think there is but i here thats a fantastic book. I've been meaning to read it myself in the next few weeks. sick around. I might discuss it with you if no one else has read it.:thumbs_up

[Karl Rommel]

Well Niamh and everyone else, No need to read the whole book. This quote is problematic enough:

"Hostage is a crucifying aloneness. It is a silent, screaming slide into the bowels of ultimate despair. Hostage is a man hanging by his fingernails over the edge of chaos, feeling his fingers slowly straightening. Hostage is the humiliating stripping away of every sense and fibre of body and mind and spirit that make us what we are. Hostage is a mutant creation filled with fear, self-loathing, guilt and death-wishing. But he is a man, a rare, unique and beautiful creation of which these things are no part."

Brian Keenan, 'An Evil Cradling'
Leaving aside the sexist reference in the penultimate line:
What are 'these things'?
Is this dualism?

[Niamh]

I've bought the book and have every intentions of reading it. I've wanted to read it for a good while now. It terrible what he went through.
But i fear that in the light of current events that this book may prove to be too close to modern politics and historical events and therefore will cross the forum rules no politics boundary. I do not think it is possible to discuss this book without going into politics, and refaring it to similar events happening in the world today.
It is regarded as a great literary achievement.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brian_Keenan_(hostage)

[dollybird]

I read this book a number of years ago and I have to say it was one of the most moving books I have ever read. The strength of character, vulnerability and honesty displayed by Brian Keenan is second to none. Also, the book does not delve or comment on politics at all it is simply Keenan's account of what happened to him and how he mentally coped with his situation. If I was asked to name '10 must read' books before you die this would definately be in top 5.