Various Voice Harold Pinter

I was given this book as a birthday present and have read it in little 'snippets' over the year. I have always like Pinter but have to admit to not always fully understanding his work (maybe that is what Pinter wanted?). I really enjoyed reading his poetry although some of it was, I guess beyond me, and some - particularly the later work and his political work) I have found extraordinary. I feel that once he was aware of his illness and his own mortality that his work became more empathatic and certainly easier for me to connect to. I enjoyed the short fiction and found this very inspiring but most of all I enjoyed his interviews and that he was not afraid to pass an opinion, not afraid to have a political view, even though this must have affected his career. He was very knowledgeable on American politics and talks at length about this (I must admit it did become a bit overdone in places) but also refreshing - if that makes sense. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to understand Pinter (the writer and the man) and is willing to explore his work with an open mind. And because it is presented in small snippets and pieces presents a perfect opportunity to do this. My copy is written on (in pencil) when I found pieces that amazed or interested me (I know some people find this terrible to write on books but I find it helps when revisiting them). Anyway here is a small piece that I particularly liked, more may follow. Thank you Harold Pinter.

Democracy

There's no escape.

The big pricks are out.

They'll fuck everything in sight.

Watch your back.

Harold Pinter - March 2003

Not earth shattering I know but still so relevant - don't you think?

Dix