What W. H. Auden Can Do for You (Writers on Writers Book 5) by Alexander McCall Smith (PDF)

Description

Bestselling novelist Alexander McCall Smith’s charming account of how the poet W. H. Auden has helped guide his life—and how he might guide yours, tooWhen facing a moral dilemma, Isabel Dalhousie—Edinburgh philosopher, amateur detective, and title character of a series of novels by best-selling author Alexander McCall Smith—often refers to the great twentieth-century poet W. H. Auden. This is no accident: McCall Smith has long been fascinated by Auden. Indeed, the novelist, best known for his No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series, calls the poet not only the greatest literary discovery of his life but also the best of guides on how to live. In this book, McCall Smith has written a charming personal account about what Auden has done for him—and what he just might do for you.Part self-portrait, part literary appreciation, the book tells how McCall Smith first came across the poet’s work in the 1970s, while teaching law in Belfast, a violently divided city where Auden’s “September 1, 1939,” a poem about the outbreak of World War II, strongly resonated. McCall Smith goes on to reveal how his life has related to and been inspired by other Auden poems ever since. For example, he describes how he has found an invaluable reflection on life’s transience in “As I Walked Out One Evening,” while “The More Loving One” has provided an instructive meditation on unrequited love. McCall Smith shows how Auden can speak to us throughout life, suggesting how, despite difficulties and change, we can celebrate understanding, acceptance, and love for others.An enchanting story about how art can help us live, this book will appeal to McCall Smith’s fans and anyone curious about Auden.

User’s Reviews

Reviews from Amazon users which were colected at the time this book was published on the website:

⭐This book on Auden, as well as, the Isabelle Dalhousie books have been so valuable to me as an American in the time of COVID. Both help me deal with the actual realities of my life &, obviously, of others before me, to realize that my doubts & inner deliberations are part of a larger questioning of how we process & deal with life’s constant challenges. Since I have long believed that the Dalhousie series is a reflection of the author’s own inner life, his constant reference thru Isabelle of Auden’s poetry makes this book an absolute companion for understanding. I do enjoy all the books of this author, but none more than the Dalhousie series. My only request…write faster!

⭐To start with, I also love Auden; perhaps that was one reason I found the book so enjoyable. Many of the poems he discusses I’ve read and loved for years. He also discussed a couple I wasn’t familiar with: a new treat.I especially loved his reading of Auden’s poem on Freud. I always believed I got my best understanding of Freud from Auden’s poem, and now that is enriched. I also loved his reading of “Septembe 1, 1939”, and was surprised to learn that Auden later somewhat disowned that poem. I wish Mr. McCall Smith had talked more about Auden’s poem on Yeats, which is also about World War 2: “In the nightmare of the dark. . . “I wonder, Mr. McCall Smith, if you’ve read Poetic Justice by Amanda Cross (Carolyn Heilbrun). It is also full of the most wonderful Auden quotes.At any rate, thanks so much for such an enjoyable book. I see Auden’s belief in the wonder of the ordinary, everyday details of life in Mr. Mcall’s Ladies Detective books–also some of my favorite reads.

⭐It is a book. I am reading it.

⭐I found the writing convoluted, complex, hard to follow. The explanations given for various excerpts of Auden’s poetry did not, for me, illuminate the meaning or intent of W.H.’s words, they just left me confused. The W.H. tidbits that Mr McCall-Smith taps into throughout his own fictional writing always seem so spot-on. I was excited to order this book, thinking “here comes even more of the same!.” But for me it has been, sadly, a disappointment.

⭐I found this book a bit slow going in places. I wouldn’t say McCall Smith convinced me that W.H, Auden was the one for me, or that he showed me how the poetry would change my life. In that sense, either the book, or Auden disappointed. However, it was worth it for the wonderful Alexander McCall Smith autobiographical bits. And what I suspected is eminently clear. McCall Smith’s voice is the same as Isabel Dalhousie’s, his musings, love of art, music and of course moral philosophy seem to be totally in sync with hers. So if you’re an Isabel Dalhousie fan, as I am, the book is a must read.

⭐Had no expectations because I had no idea who W H Auden was! I was delighted with McCall Smith’s introduction and coverage of this great poet’s life. I plan to get a book of his poetry now!

⭐This is a gem of a book, a real classic. Alexander McCall Smith presents the work and life of the great poet in a way that shows a way of being in the world that is sorely needed today. It also provides a lens through which one can see Isabelle Dallhousie as an embodiment in many ways of that life. McCall Smith reveals the depth of his own heart with utmost characteristic gentleness and humility as he brings to life the work of W.H.Auden. judith Kennedy, Marietta, PA

⭐This book is really McCall Smiths personal insight into the nature of Auden. As one of the worlds most interesting characters it is a joy to read his insightful opinions but it is fails to leave you wanting more or even to explore Auden further.But if its McCall Smith it is must be interesting.

⭐Auden was a contradiction.His daily life was feral when staying with others,treating their property without any regard for basic decency,indifferent to the gross mess he made and left behind.Perhaps the author perceives this to be of no great importance in the scheme of things and perhaps it isn’t.Tho his hosts would be sorely tried.Some of the interpretation put Upon his poems pass me by and move me not at all.My loss undoubtedly.The better known,the popular are to my mind magical,but the author looses me in his interpretation of so much about Auden’s meaning.

⭐Alexander McCall Smith takes a new direction and produces a gem. For readers whose interest in W H Auden’s poetry may have been inspired (or renewed) by the many references to his poems in the Isabel Dalhousie series, this book provides a wonderful opportunity to dig deeper into Auden’s work and to be inspired by McCall Smith’s love for and interpretation of his words: “Auden lived in a large city……..but combated loneliness by creating a community through friendships and intellectual exchange. That is what we, too, must do…..”

⭐I think the author exaggerates the importance of Auden as a life-enhancer. I have no problem recognising Auden as a major poet who has made a distinctive contribution to 20th century poetry.

⭐An author worth reading and always purchase his latest books- he is a maestro with the words! Keep the words rolling

⭐Absorbing. If Auden speaks to you this book is a find. McCall Smith doing homage to the 20th century’s greatest poet

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