A Life in Books: From Harvey’s Hideout to Homer and Beyond
A lifelong love of reading, shaped by childhood comforts and intellectual pursuits, has defined the literary journey of one writer, revealing a diverse and deeply personal canon. From the formative experience of early reading to current scholarly investigations, the evolution of this reader’s tastes offers a compelling glimpse into the power of literature to shape a life.
The earliest reading memory is a vivid one: curling up on a “yellow beanbag next to the radiator, in Bournville,” engrossed in Harvey’s Hideout by Russell Hoban, illustrated by Lillian Hoban. This idyllic scene, recalled with palpable fondness, is described as “the best reading spot anywhere in the world.” This foundational experience underscores the importance of environment and comfort in fostering a lifelong passion for books.
Growing up, Peanuts held a special place, with Snoopy serving as a particular inspiration. The author admired Snoopy’s audacious spirit, exemplified by his fictional submission of a novel to publishers accompanied by a request for an advance: “Gentlemen, enclosed is the manuscript of my new novel. I know you are going to like it. In the meantime, please send me some money so I can live it up.” This anecdote highlights the playful ambition that can fuel a writer’s imagination.
The teenage years brought a more challenging, yet ultimately rewarding, literary encounter with Thrasymachus by CWE Peckett and AR Munday. Despite acknowledging the availability of newer Greek textbooks, the author recalls using this older text, designed for prep school boys, which followed a young boy’s adventures in the Underworld. The book’s focus on foundational Greek grammar – “perfect, imperfect and pluperfect not enough for you? Let us throw in the aorist to keep you on your toes” – proved initially difficult, but ultimately successful.
Interestingly, the writer found inspiration not only in traditional literary figures but also in the often-overlooked realm of instruction manuals. Acknowledging a long-held aversion to deciphering assembly guides, the author confessed to preferring the discomfort of being cold rather than attempting to follow instructions, describing the act of opening an instruction manual as feeling “as if I’ve been buried alive.”
The path toward becoming a writer was significantly influenced by Cynthia Heimel, whose collected columns resonated deeply. Praised for their “smart and funny” tone and striking presentation – “pop art covers and excellent titles – If You Can’t Live Without Me, Why Aren’t You Dead Yet?!, Get Your Tongue Out of My Mouth, I’m Kissing You Goodbye etc.” – Heimel’s work offered a new model for humorous writing in print, particularly during the author’s early days in stand-up comedy.
A return to the classics revealed a changed perspective on Homer. Initially disliking The Iliad due to its depictions of “loathsome, posturing men” and relentless violence, the author now recognizes its profound depth, acknowledging that it contains “worlds contained within it, about war and loss, anger and grief, love and fear.” This demonstrates the power of revisiting texts with the maturity and experience gained over time.
Ovid’s Metamorphoses remains a constant companion, “never migrat[ing] back from my desk to the bookshelf.” The author admits to a sense of “unfinished business” with the work, a lingering question mark regarding its enduring appeal. In contrast, the works of the Brontë sisters are deemed permanently off-limits, deemed too emotionally taxing: “I just don’t need that much torment in my life, and if I do, there’s always Catullus.”
Later in life, Charles Dickens’ Bleak House captivated the author, spurred by Robert Douglas Fairhurst’s The Turning Point, which chronicles the year Dickens wrote the novel. Currently, the author is immersed in The Politics of Apollonius Rhodius’ Argonautica by Anatole Mori, seeking insights relevant to their own writing about the Argo.
For comfort, the author turns to Meera Sodha’s Dinner, praising its “open-hearted” approach and reassuring tone, particularly on days when cooking feels overwhelming. The author’s literary journey, as revealed through these cherished and challenging reads, is a testament to the enduring power of books to shape our understanding of ourselves and the world around us. No Friend to This House by Natalie Haynes is published by Mantle (£20).
