Jasper Fforde Ffan

This forum is for discussion about authors. You can discuss specific authors, types of authors, groups of authors, or any other topics related to authors.

Related Special Forums: Author Articles | Author Interviews

If you are an author or writer looking to discuss writing and author-related issues, please use our writing forums instead.
Post Reply
User avatar
Maud Fitch
Posts: 2730
Joined: 28 Feb 2011, 23:05
Favorite Author: Jasper Fforde
Favorite Book: The Eyre Affair
Bookshelf Size: 0
fav_author_id: 4856

Pickwick The Dodo

Post by Maud Fitch »

Fran wrote:Gannon & Maud I love you guys ... how fantastic to be introduced to Jasper FForde & The Eyre Affair. I haven't laughed so much in a long time .. my God what an imagination that writer has ... OMG Jack Schitt! Especially enjoyable because by sheer co-incidence I had reread Jane Eyre about six weeks ago so it was all so fresh in my memory.

I will definitely be getting more of Jasper Fforde ... & might even place an order with the Dodo Emporium - I think maybe the V2.9.1. Much thanks guys.
Gannon wrote:Top of the morning to ya Fran, to be sure, to be sure. Maud will be over the moon that you enjoyed "Eyre" so much, as am I. "Jack Schitt" was my favourite of all the names, I laughed out loud every time his name came up, especially in conversation. I often wonder, if Maud had not posted, and I had not come into awareness of Jasper FForde, that maybe I may have never read these great books. Dodos, you got to love the dodos.
Thank you both!! I am over the moon with delight!! So very pleased that you enjoyed the first book so much. We all need a bit of levity occasionally. (Maybe out in the cosmos Mr Fforde is getting the vibes). Now it's on with the second book!!

Fran, your love of Dodos will be enriched with the next Next books. Pickwick is a firm favourite and at book launches, people bring knitted, papier mache and even crocheted dodos for autographing.

Gannon, thank you for the compliment. And your science dazzled me!! With a Chaos Theory like that, I think you could ghost write for Jasper Fforde - or better still, start jotting down your own speculative sci-fi.

(PS: Did you watch the BBC TV mini-series starring Jemima Rooper entitled "Lost In Austen"? Amanda, an ardent Jane Austen fan, lives in present day London until she finds she's swapped places with Austen's fictional creation Elizabeth Bennet. It’s an amusing and romantic modern take on a wonderful old story but you have to read the book to understand the plot. It is very Jasper Fforde tongue-in-cheek.

I'm off to a Book Fair so I will close with my thanks for your wonderful comments. "Dodos rule ok".
"Every story has three sides to it - yours, mine and the facts" Foster Meharny Russell
User avatar
Gannon
Previous Member of the Month
Posts: 14464
Joined: 17 May 2009, 01:48
Favorite Author: Colleen McCullough
Favorite Book: Pillars of the Earth
Currently Reading: Heaven's Net is Wide.
Bookshelf Size: 52
fav_author_id: 2863

Post by Gannon »

I knew you would be over the moon. Roll on the Jasper FFord FFan FFranchise. :) I literally cannot wait for the second book to arrive.
I have always been interested in Chaos theory and alternative dimensions that spin off and are formed from our choices. Have you seen "Sliding Doors" with Gwyneth Paltrow. It is one of my favourite movies and uses the theory by showing us the two different futures resulting from her running into a passenger and missing her train. It also helps with Gwyneth being rather easy on the eye. Loved her with the short haircut.
"Lost in Austen" sounds great. Have you actually read it? I think I might have to try it out.
Oh man I love book fairs, hope you have a great time and try to pick up some good books ok. :)
Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless. - Mother Teresa
User avatar
Fran
Posts: 28072
Joined: 10 Aug 2009, 12:46
Favorite Author: David Mitchell
Favorite Book: Anna Karenina
Currently Reading: Hide and Seek
Bookshelf Size: 1208
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-fran.html
Reading Device: B00I15SB16
fav_author_id: 3104

Post by Fran »

Gannon wrote:I knew you would be over the moon. Roll on the Jasper FFord FFan FFranchise. :) I literally cannot wait for the second book to arrive.
I have always been interested in Chaos theory and alternative dimensions that spin off and are formed from our choices. Have you seen "Sliding Doors" with Gwyneth Paltrow. It is one of my favourite movies and uses the theory by showing us the two different futures resulting from her running into a passenger and missing her train. It also helps with Gwyneth being rather easy on the eye. Loved her with the short haircut.
"Lost in Austen" sounds great. Have you actually read it? I think I might have to try it out.
Oh man I love book fairs, hope you have a great time and try to pick up some good books ok. :)
Do you suppose Maude came through the Prose Portal to interfere with our reading destiny then?
What's the title of next Next book please, please??????
We fade away, but vivid in our eyes
A world is born again that never dies.
- My Home by Clive James
User avatar
Maud Fitch
Posts: 2730
Joined: 28 Feb 2011, 23:05
Favorite Author: Jasper Fforde
Favorite Book: The Eyre Affair
Bookshelf Size: 0
fav_author_id: 4856

Post by Maud Fitch »

Fran wrote:Do you suppose Maude came through the Prose Portal to interfere with our reading destiny then?
What's the title of next Next book please, please??????
<chuckle> You two are really getting into the spirit of things! Great! The title of his next Next book is "Lost In A Good Book" - very appropriate and also highly enjoyable.
Gannon wrote:I have always been interested in Chaos Theory and alternative dimensions that spin off and are formed from our choices. Have you seen "Sliding Doors" with Gwyneth Paltrow.
Loved "Sliding Doors" with Gwyneth Paltrow. And I often think what I'd be doing now if I had accepted a date with a bloke whom I later found out was a millionaire. Literally a split second decision and, if you take it to the extreme, the difference between a rich lifestyle and my current hand-to-mouth existence.<some literary embellishment>

Yes, I have read "Pride And Prejudice" by Jane Austen and many adaptations of it. I was even given an etiquette book. However, the whole Bronte family are my first love and I used to be able to quote from their works. When in UK I visited Harworth and environs soaking up the vibes.

The Book Fair was fantastic but I arrived two hours after it opened and the dealers had cleaned out most of the good stuff. Huge sets of Patricia Cornwell hardbacks nobody seemed interested in but I snaffled a paperback edition of "Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell" for a friend for a mere $3.00 so he'll be pleased. Lots of lovely old childrens books, ah, such memories of Blinky Bill. Also, it gladdened my heart to learn that the Jasper Fforde books had gone quickly.

Oh well, back to real life tomorrow.
"Every story has three sides to it - yours, mine and the facts" Foster Meharny Russell
User avatar
Gannon
Previous Member of the Month
Posts: 14464
Joined: 17 May 2009, 01:48
Favorite Author: Colleen McCullough
Favorite Book: Pillars of the Earth
Currently Reading: Heaven's Net is Wide.
Bookshelf Size: 52
fav_author_id: 2863

Post by Gannon »

The Book Fair was fantastic but I arrived two hours after it opened and the dealers had cleaned out most of the good stuff. Huge sets of Patricia Cornwell hardbacks nobody seemed interested in but I snaffled a paperback edition of "Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell" for a friend for a mere $3.00 so he'll be pleased. Lots of lovely old childrens books, ah, such memories of Blinky Bill. Also, it gladdened my heart to learn that the Jasper Fforde books had gone quickly.
"Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell" for three dollars. That has to be the biggest bargain I have ever heard of. I hope your friend loves the story. I wonder if Fran has read it. Fran if you have never read it, you really have to. It is a long book but so rewarding. The characters are fantastic, especially the evil fairy. It is written by Susanna Clarke and she also has a book of short stories called "The Ladies of Grace Adieu" which is brilliant.
Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless. - Mother Teresa
User avatar
Maud Fitch
Posts: 2730
Joined: 28 Feb 2011, 23:05
Favorite Author: Jasper Fforde
Favorite Book: The Eyre Affair
Bookshelf Size: 0
fav_author_id: 4856

Post by Maud Fitch »

I'll definitely second that, Gannon. And thank you both for mentioning Jasper Fforde in other posts, e.g. "laughter the best medicine" and "getting into Jasper Fforde" because with all the gloom and doom around I think we need his unique brand of humour.
"Every story has three sides to it - yours, mine and the facts" Foster Meharny Russell
User avatar
Fran
Posts: 28072
Joined: 10 Aug 2009, 12:46
Favorite Author: David Mitchell
Favorite Book: Anna Karenina
Currently Reading: Hide and Seek
Bookshelf Size: 1208
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-fran.html
Reading Device: B00I15SB16
fav_author_id: 3104

Post by Fran »

Gannon wrote:
The Book Fair was fantastic but I arrived two hours after it opened and the dealers had cleaned out most of the good stuff. Huge sets of Patricia Cornwell hardbacks nobody seemed interested in but I snaffled a paperback edition of "Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell" for a friend for a mere $3.00 so he'll be pleased. Lots of lovely old childrens books, ah, such memories of Blinky Bill. Also, it gladdened my heart to learn that the Jasper Fforde books had gone quickly.
"Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell" for three dollars. That has to be the biggest bargain I have ever heard of. I hope your friend loves the story. I wonder if Fran has read it. Fran if you have never read it, you really have to. It is a long book but so rewarding. The characters are fantastic, especially the evil fairy. It is written by Susanna Clarke and she also has a book of short stories called "The Ladies of Grace Adieu" which is brilliant.
OMG another new one to me & just had a look on my library web site & it's available - just put a hold on it & they have Jasper too.
Thank you both so much for the superb recommendations .... I'm going to have to take early retirement to get all these read (Happy Days) :lol:
We fade away, but vivid in our eyes
A world is born again that never dies.
- My Home by Clive James
User avatar
Gannon
Previous Member of the Month
Posts: 14464
Joined: 17 May 2009, 01:48
Favorite Author: Colleen McCullough
Favorite Book: Pillars of the Earth
Currently Reading: Heaven's Net is Wide.
Bookshelf Size: 52
fav_author_id: 2863

Post by Gannon »

Whoohoo, I can't wait to see what you think of "Jonathan Strange" Fran.
It is strange (no pun intended) that, as Maud said, she has only ever written this book and a collection of short stories (that you really must read as well). Imho the first short story "The Ladies of Grace Adieu" is as good as "Smother" by Oates. It is soooo good. It is about these two witches that........, no you have to read it. The only thing is you have to read "Jonathan Strange" first to appreciate it properly.
Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless. - Mother Teresa
User avatar
Fran
Posts: 28072
Joined: 10 Aug 2009, 12:46
Favorite Author: David Mitchell
Favorite Book: Anna Karenina
Currently Reading: Hide and Seek
Bookshelf Size: 1208
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-fran.html
Reading Device: B00I15SB16
fav_author_id: 3104

Post by Fran »

Gannon wrote:Whoohoo, I can't wait to see what you think of "Jonathan Strange" Fran.
It is strange (no pun intended) that, as Maud said, she has only ever written this book and a collection of short stories (that you really must read as well). Imho the first short story "The Ladies of Grace Adieu" is as good as "Smother" by Oates. It is soooo good. It is about these two witches that........, no you have to read it. The only thing is you have to read "Jonathan Strange" first to appreciate it properly.
I am so excited now but my God I'll have to look for planning permission for an extension to the TBR list ... it's rapidly getting like Santa's list.

Never realized there were such avid readers in Aussie .... I thought everyone in Aussie land spent their time surfing & playing footie. By the way did either of you read The Slap ... really had me wondering about you Aussies, so glad you & Maud defy the stereotype :lol:
We fade away, but vivid in our eyes
A world is born again that never dies.
- My Home by Clive James
User avatar
Gannon
Previous Member of the Month
Posts: 14464
Joined: 17 May 2009, 01:48
Favorite Author: Colleen McCullough
Favorite Book: Pillars of the Earth
Currently Reading: Heaven's Net is Wide.
Bookshelf Size: 52
fav_author_id: 2863

Post by Gannon »

I surf Fran, though nowhere near as much as I used to. Where I live the surf is not that good until there is a storm and then it kicks up a bit. We actually had a run in with a shark once, very very scary, I did not see it but it passed my mate about a metre from him. Thankfully it must not have been hungry or in the mood otherwise it probably would have had a go at him. I also love footy. Go the mighty "Bulldogs". However my real passion in life is books. Have never heard of "The Slap" but by your comments it sounds like it does not paint us Aussies in such a good light.
Glad that Maud and I can break the stereotype for you. :)
I know what you mean about the TBR list. Mine is growing out of control as well. After talking about "Jonathan Srange" I really want to go back and read it right now, if it was not so long I think I would.
Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless. - Mother Teresa
User avatar
Maud Fitch
Posts: 2730
Joined: 28 Feb 2011, 23:05
Favorite Author: Jasper Fforde
Favorite Book: The Eyre Affair
Bookshelf Size: 0
fav_author_id: 4856

Post by Maud Fitch »

Fran wrote:OMG another new one to me & just had a look on my library web site & it's available - just put a hold on it & they have Jasper too.

By the way did either of you read The Slap ... really had me wondering about you Aussies, so glad you & Maud defy the stereotype
When I comment on "The Slap" by Christos Tsiolkas (by the way nominee for Man Booker 2010) I always say every society has layers. The layer depicted in this novel represents Australians no more than The Eastenders represent the British. It's similar to saying all Americans wear cowboy hats. Very well-written, very thought-provoking and certainly stirred up great controversy but definitely not typically Australian. Hey, Gannon, for a start, it's set in Melbourne.....hahaha
Gannon wrote:I surf Fran, though nowhere near as much as I used to. Where I live the surf is not that good until there is a storm and then it kicks up a bit. We actually had a run in with a shark once, very very scary, I did not see it but it passed my mate about a metre from him.
I've surfed with dolphins, a much nicer experience!! If I had to compare countries land-wise and not literary, I'd say probably because of the climate we move around more freely and travel greater distances without crossing borders. Also, I think we are involved in world affairs and literature because we are so far away from most of the action yet have to stay informed because it will eventually effect us in some way.

Loved your Jasper Fforde-ish idea of living permanently in a book, Gannon. I have posted my preferred book(s) on the other thread. (Hint: involves detective work).
"Every story has three sides to it - yours, mine and the facts" Foster Meharny Russell
User avatar
Gannon
Previous Member of the Month
Posts: 14464
Joined: 17 May 2009, 01:48
Favorite Author: Colleen McCullough
Favorite Book: Pillars of the Earth
Currently Reading: Heaven's Net is Wide.
Bookshelf Size: 52
fav_author_id: 2863

Post by Gannon »

Howdy Maud. I could tell by the way Fran was talking about The Slap that it might put all Australians into a stereotypical box. However it is very interesting to see that you say it is very well written and thought-provoking. Was it long-listed or short-listed for the booker 2010?
Melbourne, beautiful and sunny one morning, poring rain ands storms in the afternoon. hahahah (Melbournites are goning to come down on us like a ton of bricks.
I have never surfed with dolphins, but we have surfed with dolphins coming and paying us a visit every now and then. Scary at first because you immediately think shark.
Come on Maud, we have got it made where we live. I am half an hour away from about six beaches and I used to drive to my favourite one after work and walk it for a couple of hours every day. There is nothing like going to the beach to blow away all the cobwebs and problems of the day. It is my favourite place in the world.
You and Fran have both found a book and I (who asked the question) have not got one yet, I will think of one soon.
Guess what, "The Man Who Loved Books Too Much", just turned up about five minutes ago. It sounds so good on the back and is another short book I am going to read it before "Lost in a Good Book" and "The Mulvaneys" turns up. I expect them to arrive in the next couple of days.
Will let you know what I think of "The Man Who Loved Books Too Much".

Well until next time Maud, have a superlative time.
Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless. - Mother Teresa
User avatar
Fran
Posts: 28072
Joined: 10 Aug 2009, 12:46
Favorite Author: David Mitchell
Favorite Book: Anna Karenina
Currently Reading: Hide and Seek
Bookshelf Size: 1208
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-fran.html
Reading Device: B00I15SB16
fav_author_id: 3104

Post by Fran »

Well even if The Slap did stereotype some Aussies ... Gannon & Maude would rescue the nations reputation. :lol:

I did not like the book at all (even though I did finish it - compulsive personality I guess) I thought it was unnecessarly & crudely pornographic to be honest.
Considering the basis of the story, a misbehaving child being slapped by an adult at a party, I had big expectations for it as I thought there was huge potential in analysing the reactions of the various adults who witnessed the incident but IMHO he blew it. I really could not even like any of the characters in the book as to me they were all rather shallow and one dimensional.

It did however draw to my attention that Australia has some very stong ethnic communities within it's shores .... I would have been guilty (like many this side I think) of assuming Australia, unlike the US, had subsumed all ethnic differences into some sort of all embracing Australian identity. I mean for all those of Irish origin in your country I never heard anyone referred to as Irish Australian but I regularly hear Irish American.
Guess I'm guilty of naiveté :(
We fade away, but vivid in our eyes
A world is born again that never dies.
- My Home by Clive James
User avatar
Maud Fitch
Posts: 2730
Joined: 28 Feb 2011, 23:05
Favorite Author: Jasper Fforde
Favorite Book: The Eyre Affair
Bookshelf Size: 0
fav_author_id: 4856

Post by Maud Fitch »

Gannon, I posted a comment on Stephen Kingman's thread re holidays and I gave my area of subtropical Queensland a big thumbs up. Long sandy beaches, cool green rainforests and beyond into wide open plains literally only hours away from home by car. Of course, we have the cosmopolitan city lifestyle, too, but personally I think I can get by without skyscrapers and casinos.

Fran, thank you for the compliment. And you hit the nail on the head regarding "The Slap". That's why I think so much controversy surrounded the book and why I say it is not typical. He definitely catered for a particular kind of audience. In the southern State of Victoria there is a very large Greek community. We are in the northern part of the country with a multi-cultural society and Asian nationalities. I know in my city, the Irish are very prominent. We have Irish clubs, bands, huge St Patricks Day celebrations and marches, céilí dance classes and a large genealogy contingent.

Just for a bit of a geography lesson, the whole of Europe would fit into Australia and there would be room to spare. Of course, most of the middle is sandy desert and our population is a fraction of Europe's but it's a big continent with some pretty special marsupials and very friendly people.<do I get royalties?>. Just ask Jasper Fforde, he was here for a book launch "The Fourth Bear" at Writers Festivals across the country and loved it. There is even a bistro named after Pickwick in Sydney!

May you both have a congenial day.
"Every story has three sides to it - yours, mine and the facts" Foster Meharny Russell
User avatar
Gannon
Previous Member of the Month
Posts: 14464
Joined: 17 May 2009, 01:48
Favorite Author: Colleen McCullough
Favorite Book: Pillars of the Earth
Currently Reading: Heaven's Net is Wide.
Bookshelf Size: 52
fav_author_id: 2863

Post by Gannon »

Once again, thanks for the kind words Fran. I actually feel I might have to read "The Slap" now. Negative publicity at its best.
We do have some strong ethnic communities here down under. It really depends on where you live.
Maud I could not agree with you more about skyscrapers and the urban jungle. Give me a nice quiet beach every time. The only thing I like about big cities is more book shops. Not big ones but the little ones that are hidden away. I can only stand about a week in a big city before I start to become claustrophobic and the walls start closing in and its back to the beach as quick as I can scamper. :)
Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless. - Mother Teresa
Post Reply

Return to “Discuss Authors”