Pages

Monday, July 20, 2009

I Lost my Voice


Not literally, but I did, just the same.

My beloved Frank McCourt, author of Angela's Ashes, has died. If you haven't read his books, let me just be selfish for a moment. Indulge me.

Frank McCourt, and a few others, speak the language of my gene pool. When I first read Angela's Ashes, I felt this harmonic conversion I am not sure I ever felt before with the written word. I could hear the characters speaking, and the mixture of the tragic with the moments so funny I had to put the book down and wipe my eyes and shake was soooo ... familiar. We Irish types are so at home with both the grim and the grin.

The lyrical magic of Irish writing is just a part of me. The most gifted storytellers have that music that maybe only kin can hear. I resonate to it.

The closest analogy I can make is from Harry Potter, believe it or not. Remember that moment when he took the egg that was shrieking and he put it underwater and could hear these beautiful clear voices, singing the answers to him?

That is what a *click* sounds like. And of course a click is beyond good. :)

I am sad to say goodbye to a man who was indirectly part of the voice I speak and write and giggle and cry with every day. I thank God I was lucky enough to hear him speak in person.

He would have loved Make me Laugh Monday. He certainly appreciated the life force in a good belly laugh.
I know you do too. So today, make me laugh in honor of Frank McCourt.

Limericks welcome!!

Bye Frank. Thank you. I'll read your next book in heaven. :)

Have you signed up for the UBlue Cyber Club? Attended one of my Webinars?? Come on - get your geek on! :)

Want to see my other blog?

6 comments:

  1. Oops, messed up my first comment so I deleted it.

    I've never read any of his books, but I'm sorry for your grieving.

    It's 'bad', but here it is:

    There once was an author called Frank,
    Who drowned after walking the plank.
    In the ocean he fell
    And went under a swell,
    'Cause his shipmates didn't like his last prank.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Lydia, I enjoyed this post very much. I should remind you that in heaven Frank will just *tell* his stories. See you there.

    ReplyDelete
  3. He was a great author. Angela's Ashes was a wonderful book and I also enjoyed 'Tis. Sorry to hear about his death.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I'd love to be able to make you laugh...but it's just not funny :(
    I know that we Irish love a story more than most and he was certainly a master storyteller...the world has lost a wonderful voice and I too mourn with you ♥

    ReplyDelete
  5. Like I told Paper bayyt...you should read some Roddy Doyle books...he wrote The Commitments which I know you loved...LOL
    Paddy Clarke Hahaha is amazing (Booker Prize)
    The Van..I never laughed so hard or so long in public in my life (in First Class in an plane...oops)
    and one of my fave..The woman who walked into doors.
    Frank was not my favourite author but he was a great one.

    ReplyDelete
  6. My favorite book of all time is Angela's Ashes! I bought the VHS version of the movie @ a grocery store for $5.00. I didn't see it on the big screen when it was out. I just watched that movie again last week....I ADORE IT!!!!!

    ReplyDelete

Every time you leave a comment, a new LOLcat is born. ALSO - don't panic if you don't see your comment right away - I moderate my comments to keep those spammers out, so your comment will show up in short order. Unless you're linking me to Russian brides or Nigerian princes.