Jonathan Coe on how reading books changed his life and worldview.
Jonathan Coe, a British author known for his nuanced explorations of identity, politics, and culture, has shared the most significant impact of reading on his life. For Coe, it was Tony Benn's "Arguments for Socialism" that shifted him from being a self-proclaimed Tory to an advocate for social change.
Growing up in the 1970s, Coe was introduced to various books that shaped his understanding of the world. He fondly recalls devouring The Three Investigators series, which sparked his love for reading. However, it was not until he stumbled upon Tony Benn's work that he began to question his own conservative views.
As a teenager, Coe discovered Monty Python's Flying Circus and Flann O'Brien's "At Swim-Two-Birds," both of which exposed him to the power of satire and self-deconstruction. This newfound appreciation for literary innovation stayed with him as he navigated his way through university life, where he encountered influential authors such as Joseph Heller and Dorothy Richardson.
Heller's "Something Happened" left an indelible mark on Coe's writing aspirations, while Richardson's "Pilgrimage" became a recurring point of reference for its experimental style. Conversely, Coe has confessed to losing enthusiasm for Hermann Hesse's works in middle age but remains drawn to his lyrical and philosophical prose.
Coe has also reevaluated some of his favorite childhood books, finding that they no longer resonate with him as he grew older. For example, Kingsley Amis's "Lucky Jim" was initially a source of comedic inspiration, but upon re-reading it in middle age, Coe found the humor to be labored and the protagonist's attitudes peevish.
In recent years, Coe has rediscovered the Merchant Ivory adaptations of EM Forster novels, including "Howards End," which proved to be masterpieces. His current reading list features Kapka Kassabova's "Borrowed Land," a novel that promises to showcase her unique political acuity and responsiveness to the natural world.
Coe also acknowledges the importance of comfort reading, citing Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes stories as his go-to sources during anxious times. For him, familiar tales like these provide much-needed reassurance in uncertain periods.
Overall, Jonathan Coe's reading journey has been a transformative experience that has shaped not only his literary tastes but also his views on politics and the world around him.
Jonathan Coe, a British author known for his nuanced explorations of identity, politics, and culture, has shared the most significant impact of reading on his life. For Coe, it was Tony Benn's "Arguments for Socialism" that shifted him from being a self-proclaimed Tory to an advocate for social change.
Growing up in the 1970s, Coe was introduced to various books that shaped his understanding of the world. He fondly recalls devouring The Three Investigators series, which sparked his love for reading. However, it was not until he stumbled upon Tony Benn's work that he began to question his own conservative views.
As a teenager, Coe discovered Monty Python's Flying Circus and Flann O'Brien's "At Swim-Two-Birds," both of which exposed him to the power of satire and self-deconstruction. This newfound appreciation for literary innovation stayed with him as he navigated his way through university life, where he encountered influential authors such as Joseph Heller and Dorothy Richardson.
Heller's "Something Happened" left an indelible mark on Coe's writing aspirations, while Richardson's "Pilgrimage" became a recurring point of reference for its experimental style. Conversely, Coe has confessed to losing enthusiasm for Hermann Hesse's works in middle age but remains drawn to his lyrical and philosophical prose.
Coe has also reevaluated some of his favorite childhood books, finding that they no longer resonate with him as he grew older. For example, Kingsley Amis's "Lucky Jim" was initially a source of comedic inspiration, but upon re-reading it in middle age, Coe found the humor to be labored and the protagonist's attitudes peevish.
In recent years, Coe has rediscovered the Merchant Ivory adaptations of EM Forster novels, including "Howards End," which proved to be masterpieces. His current reading list features Kapka Kassabova's "Borrowed Land," a novel that promises to showcase her unique political acuity and responsiveness to the natural world.
Coe also acknowledges the importance of comfort reading, citing Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes stories as his go-to sources during anxious times. For him, familiar tales like these provide much-needed reassurance in uncertain periods.
Overall, Jonathan Coe's reading journey has been a transformative experience that has shaped not only his literary tastes but also his views on politics and the world around him.
so this guy Coe is saying that reading books really changed his life? like literally shifted his worldview from being a Tory to wanting social change 
that's pretty cool, I guess. I mean, it's not surprising that books had an impact on someone who grew up in the 70s and was exposed to some pretty influential authors like Heller and O'Brien. But what really gets me is when he says he lost enthusiasm for Hermann Hesse's works mid-life 
I mean, I'm all for reevaluating our favorite books as we grow older, but it seems kinda sad that his childhood favorites aren't resonating with him anymore 
. still, it's great to see Coe finding new authors and perspectives that are sparking his interest again 
and its amazing how it can help us see things from different perspectives, right? like i know i've had some major epiphanies while reading, especially when it comes to social issues. anyway, its so cool that you found your love for books at such a young age and that they helped shape your views on politics too 
i can def see how reading can shift ur perspective, like, Tony Benn's "Arguments for Socialism" must've blown his mind lol. and omg Kapka Kassabova's novel sounds soooo interesting, i need to check it out ASAP!!! 
comfort reading is also so underrated, Sherlock Holmes stories are like the ultimate stress-reliever 
And btw, Kapka Kassabova's writing skills are a bit of an acquired taste, don't you think? Not everyone can pull off that lyrical and philosophical prose. And I'm not sure what's more cringeworthy, the Merchant Ivory adaptations or Coe's obsession with them. Sherlock Holmes stories as comfort reading? That's just lazy, innit? 
. Anyway, I'm loving Coe's take on comfort reading and how it can be a total lifesaver during tough times 
.
And it's awesome that he rediscovered EM Forster's works with the Merchant Ivory adaptations - those are some classic stories! 
.
... like me! i still revisit old favorites from time to time, but it's cool to see that even jonathan coe has reevaluated some of his childhood faves as he grew older