sirinrob

just checked the Shorter OED and singularize and its variant singularise are listed, but like Bookjumper's neologism singularify

hehe - Walter Moers is very addictive and I forgot to mention that the illustrations in this work really add to the novel.

Indeed that line isn't that straightforward - I quickly tried to render it in German and realised exactly what you have intimated - would need a good thunk to sort that out

Just finished 'The Alchemaster's Apprentice' by Walter Moers - excellent - my review here

This is the latest volume in the Zamonia series. As with the rest in this series it is a standalone book, however there are back references to 'Rumo and his miraculous adventures' and 'The city of dreaming books'. If you have read either then your enjoyment of this novel will in my view be enhanced. Unlike the rest of the series, this work is set in one place - Malaisea - the most unhealthy town in Zamonia. It is domineered over by Ghoolion, an evil alchemists who likes nothing better than to cause the inhabitants untold misery with disease and general nastiness. By chance he finds Echo one day, who is abandoned and very hungry. Ghoolion befriends Echo, but at a price. In return for feeding him and looking after him, Echo will be killed at the next full moon and his fat extracted, for which purpose the novel reveals Now Echo is a Crat - physically looks like a cat, acts like a cat but with the ability to talk. Various adventures ensue in Ghoolion's castle with often hilarious results. There is the usual playfulness, wordplay and inventiveness. Alchemy becomes coupled with the culinary arts - the wine tasting episode is very funny for instance. Plenty of interesting characters - a talking owl with a speech impediment, an Uggly who is besotted with Ghoolion, Cogitating Eggs and ghosts of various types. The writing this time round is tighter than before and I found the work subtler than the previous books in the series. There is a satirical streak as well added to the mix. I really enjoyed this - reread list

Another sobering thought, how many well known writers stopped writing novels after vitriolic criticism of one of their works. Certainly happened with Thomas Hardy - at least he gave us his poetry from that point on.

just finished (in one sitting) the 'Mayor of Casterbridge' by Thomas Hardy. Thinking about which Hardy to read next.....

Bookjumper has expressed my sentiments exactly. It saddens me how popular mediocre use of language is. This affects all languages - I'm bilingual English/German and detest Denglish. As to poetry try reading Thomas Kinsella, its direct, but subtle.

You're preaching to the converted here Bookjumper - I could spend hours working through Thomas Kinsella extracting the last drop from his poems, BUT they do have an immediate messsage as well. That was just an example by the way

I can't agree with Bookjumper and Anika more - give me skill with the expression, mastery of the language and conviction of style everytime - there seems to be an aversion these days to so called flowery language - I like that language as it is precise in meaning and adds colour - regardless of language - give me well expressed, evocative German as against bland modern German for instance.

your point Pontalba re how knowing someone you love had committed a heinious act and how your perception would be coloured by that, I think is brought out in the novel, since Micheal feels less and less for Hannah as the novel progresses.

homemade vanilla or strawberry in season

Any Austrian meal , especially in the winter.

well I'm with the OP on this one, rather have good Indian if I'm feeling in an Asiastic mood - preferably homemade or Austrian , especially in the winter, far more varied flavours imo.

I like Zizzi now and again - good food at value prices. Dislike Prezzo ( well at least the Cardiff branch - mediocre food/rude staff). Prefer my home cooking, but I'm occasionally lazy lol

Have used a similar method occasionally - depends on how I'm using the potato

This thread making me hungry Just taken an Apple Streusel cake (more precisely Apfel Streusel Kuchen)from the oven and it does look rather yummy. I'm a keen baker and cake decorator, but my pastry is a bit hit and miss. Yeast baking is my favourite - going to make a stollen for Christmas.

To answer the question about making Paneer - yes its dead easy and far better than the bought stuff.

I'm currently enjoying a Gaillac from SW France -'Les Gravels' produced by Domaine Rotier. It's interesting as its made with local grape varieties Duras and Baucol plus a small amount of Syrah. Blackcurrant, raspberries and a hint of red pepper on the nose. On the palate once again blackcurrant and raspberries and a general spiciness- nice smooth tannins

A book for learning about wine I have found id Hugh Johnstone's Pocket Wine Book. gives info on grape varieties, wine areas by country (in fair detail) , what are good wines what are bad. It's published annually.

as Andy said the way to improve your wine tasting skills is drink wine. Whilst each grape variety has its own flavours, dont forget the smell. Bear in mind also some people dont like certain grape types - for instance I dont like Viognier that much but really like Chenin Blanc. There isn't really a book that can teach you this its experience and trying as everyone's sense of taste/smell is different.

quick question do the Brom books lurk under graphic of fantasy - been searching for ages in bookshops and most staff look puzzled when I ask. Yes I can order off amazon but rather have a look see physically as well before buying. Sounds like Walter Moers but darker, think I will enjoy.

i did say I was going to join in this month. So to say I cant bring myself to read the LAST 100 pages. I dont care what happens to any of the characters - to me its an overwrought ego trip.

I realised the other day , that I had never read any novels by Thomas Hardy! Decided to rectify that situation by reading this. I read the Oxford World Classics edition. The overall plot is fairly straightforward, but I found the closer you read the complexities of the issues that Hardy persues increases. Hardy used it as vehicle to put forward his views on the church, marriage, class division, gender roles, philosophy and theology. Many of his views were in direct opposition to the accepted standards of his time and the novel came under vitriolic attack from many quarters. This was a factor in Hardy's decision to cease writing novels. The combination of economy of expression, masterful use of language and a fluidity of style provides the impetus to carry the plot forward. Each episode is short enough to be interesting and long enough to cover the themes. The episodes flow into each other and the overall effect is one of coherency. ETA I've not attempted a summary of the plot as the various themes intermingle so much, it would be easier to read the book than summarize in my opinion. Double standards abound as well in the novel so be prepared. The characterization is strong, the most complex being Sue. The interactions between all the major characters is keenly expressed. There are some patches where it gets slightly melodramatic, however they didn't detract from my enjoyment of the novel. I found it difficult to put down, so this definitely has become one of my favorite classics. On my reread list!!

Very occasionally I start reading a book and get to point where I think ' I dont care what happens to the characters etc'. Thats when I stop reading that book. doesn't mean its a bad book, just means its not for me.