We must talk, Alice Black, about this world of modern things.This buzzing world.' Alice is entranced by the aesthetics of technology and, in every aeroplane flight, every Xerox machine, every neon sign, sees the poetry of modernity. Mr Sakamoto, a survivor of the atomic bomb, is an expert on Alexander Graham Bell. The pair forge an unlikely friendship as Mr Sakamoto regales Alice with stories of twentieth-century invention. His own knowledge begins to inform her writing, and these two solitary beings become a mutual support for each other a long way from home. This novel from Man Booker longlisted author Gail Jones is distinguished by its honesty and intelligence. From the boundlessness of space walking to the frustrating constrictions of one person's daily existence, Dreams of Speaking paints with grace and skill the experience of needing to belong despite wanting to be alone.
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About the Author
Gail Jones lives in Sydney and teaches at the University of Western Sydney. Her books have won numerous literary awards in Australia. She is the author of two collections of short stories and five novels including Sixty Lights which was longlisted for the Man Booker Prize, Dreams of Speaking and Sorry, both of which were longlisted for the Orange Prize.
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2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
'We must talk, Alice Black, about this world of modern things',
By J. Cameron-Smith "Expect the Unexpected" (ACT, Australia) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER) (REAL NAME)
This review is from: Dreams of Speaking (Hardcover)
Alice Black sees a symmetry in technology while Mr Sakamoto is an expert on Alexander Graham Bell. From this intersection of interests an unlikely but strong friendship is formed. Mr Sakamoto's knowledge and his experiences enhance Alice's writing. At the same time, there is a tension between needing to belong while wanting to be alone. I read this more clearly in respect of Alice's character but it is present in both.
Gail Jones has a wonderful prose style, and I am looking forward to reading more of her work. This book was shortlisted for the 2005 Miles Franklin Award. Highly recommended. Jennifer Cameron-Smith
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