I Came, I Saw

Norman Lewis


This is an autobiography of the travel writer, who comes across as a humanist - in complete contrast to McEwan. Jean thought she'd like Lewis. The book itself is presented a bit like a travel story, although not quite finished. It starts with Lewis as a child and takes him through the war - the approach is cynical with a dry sense of humour, but also warm.

Jean recommended this book.There was general agreement that the story would make a good film - Gavin suggested the book might have been written for that purpose.
Jean 6/12/98


The autobiography of a travel writer, who was brought up by obsessively spiritualist parents. He cottoned on pretty quickly that it was a load of claptrap but handled it sensibly, with only gentle mocking.

He had an interesting, extraordinary marriage, his wife's family having mafia connections. Her parents could have been from a work of fiction.

He appeared to be a very nice man with an interesting life, well recounted.

Doreen said of the book "Wonderful, I really enjoyed it." She liked his account of childhood the best and found the second section, life in the army, rather less interesting - although the author may have disagreed, learning Arabic and joining the intelligence service.

Doreen wholeheartedly recommends this interesting, well written book.
Doreen 13/6/99


By the same author

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