Posted by Owen Roberts on November 06, 2007 at 13:25:35 from 80.189.137.20 user OwenRoberts.
In Reply to: The private life of an author? was Re: O'Brian compared to AR posted by Adam Quinan on November 06, 2007 at 12:29:44:
It was the other way round Adam. I struggled through 2 of O'B's books because I like naval fiction. It was later I saw the TV interviews and read a little more about his life.
Jock mentioned a "self fulfilling prophecy" - perhaps my poor opinion of the books did influence my view of the author.
I do think AR treated Tabitha poorly when she tried to attempt a reconciliation in later years.
However I think the quality of his writing transcends his personal faults. My view of O'B's work is different.
I think one does have to take a view of whether the background influences the product. For instance I still avoid Japanese goods, where I have a choice, as I think they have still not recognised and apologised for their WW2 atrocities.