Re: R.I.P. Maurice Gee, 93, wrote "Under the Mountain" (1979)

On 18/06/25 03:57, Lenona wrote:

About "Plumb" (from Kelly, a Goodreads reviewer):
 
"If you asked the narrator of Plumb what the book is about, he would
tell you it's the story of his struggle to devote his life to his
ideals, and the sacrifices he made to live by his principles, supported
by the deep love and understanding between himself and his late wife,
and their unstinting pursuit of their shared goals. But the genius of
this book is that through his voice the reader discerns a different
tale--that of a selfish hypocrite and the irreparable damage he does to
his family. A man who spends all his time contemplating the nature of
God and Love (in capital letters) while neglecting and withholding from
his wife and children, forcing them all to live lives of poverty and
hardship while he takes the best of everything. A man who is extremely
harsh in his judgment of others, but entirely forgiving of himself
(though he wouldn’t believe it); who spends his whole life in an
academic exploration of the human soul, and somehow fails to have even a
basic grasp of human nature. He is so believable—we have all met people
like this. They are infuriating."

I don't recall meeting and recognising anyone anywhere near as ascetic
as George Plumb whom I found difficult to understand and sympathise with.
Specific politicians' attitudes decried by Plumb were prevalent here for
the rest of the century.
Thank you for the above extract.

 
About "Under the Mountain":
 

The tv version has been on in the background but I have not watched nor
read any of his children's writing.
Plumb is the only one I read. As an ex Presbyterian with no belief in a
superior being, (excepting, of course, Dimwire and Fourbricks), I found
it fascinating though often dismal and a little depressing.