November 8, 2008

lips dark as if he'd been drinking ink

" she hid her face in the furry collar of her coat. registered as oscar wilde. she wanted to wake up like dorothy and see michael's face peering over the side of the bed, laughing. why, you just hit your head. but it was no dream and there was no kansas and he was never coming back. "

paint in black by janet fitch.

all is well for lovestruck bohemians josie and michael, a story set against the '80s in los angeles, until josie must identify her dead lovers' body, "his lips black like leather", when all of her dreams turn to black. michael's death promises struggle and pain for josie, but also for his mother, meredith, with whom josie commences a strange relationship based on loss, which presents itself with many questions ... did they really love eachother ? and what about michael's previous harvard life, dripping with crystals and so intriguing ? fitch presents the characters through contrast in a brilliantly written novel about the hardships of loss and the perpetual questions one cannot find answers for.

i loved this book.

and it was tremendously appropriate for me to have read it throughout my sejour in los angeles this summer - i saw echo park and sunset boulevard in a very different light, considering the brilliant context in which this book was created. janet fitch is an inspirational author, for her extensive description and terrific use of comparisons, as she capitalizes on contrast for the benefit of wonderful characterization.






some books janet fitch took inspiration from for the creation of paint in black, and others she simply recommends :


  • the thirteen clocks by james thurber.
  • the ballad of reading gaol by oscar wilde.
  • the memory room by mary rakow.
  • play it as it lays by joan didion.

if you've read any of them, let me know what you though, as i will no doubt be feasting on them in record time - my hunger for astonishing prose has yet to be satisfied.


zoë

22 comments:

A. said...

i have actually many times picked up this book in the bookstore, solely for the attraction to the cover.

i think i even began reading it once. but im so bad with books; always starting & never finishing. it takes a lot to keep my interest. perhaps i should give it another try.

xxx

Lydia O'Connor said...

I really want to check this book out!
And your comment made me giggle
<3 Lydia

ryan said...

neutral facial expression

Jen (MahaloFashion) said...

I'll have to look for it next time I'm at chapters!

hannah-rose said...

the ballad or reading gaol by oscar wilde is amazing... simply amazing. one of my favourites. oscar wilde is just such a clever author, and i love his dry wit.

i haven't read this book, but i'm going to definitely give it a go. i've looked at it countless times but decided against it. i'm going to have to read it now!

XXX

Severn said...

i'm horrible with books. they have to captivate me from the start or else i'll never finish them...

"the love affairs of a bibliomaniac" by eugene field is my all-time favorite book. a little memoir of musings and cute prose concerning his book obsession, with chapter titles such as "on the odour my book exhale". i randomly found this book when looking through my attic. first edition, published in 189-, with intact gilded pages!

Anonymous said...

I have been on the kill for great words to feed my eyes..and I feel like i might have just found five...i wil definitely get back to you once I finish filling my brain. ;)

Anonymous said...

Hello,
I have developed a new clean web 2.0 wordpress theme.

Has 2 colours silver and blue, has custom header(colour or image).
I am curently working on it, so if you have suggestions let me know.

You can view live demo and download from here www.getbelle.com
If you found bug reports or you have suggestions pm me.
Wish you a happing using.

many thanks to [url=http://www.usainstantpayday.com/]USAInstantPayDay.com[/url] for paying the hosting and developement of the theme

Lauptappoic

Anonymous said...

megan fox profile, [url=http://discuss.tigweb.org/thread/187756]megan fox toe thumb[/url] megan fox girl on girl
kim kardashian diet, [url=http://discuss.tigweb.org/thread/187768]kim kardashian and ray j sextape[/url] kim kardashian naked pictures
american girl taylor swift, [url=http://discuss.tigweb.org/thread/187772]taylor swift life size cutout[/url] taylorswift pics
hannah montana naked, [url=http://discuss.tigweb.org/thread/187786]free hannah montana game[/url] hannah montana games .com
harry potter house quiz, [url=http://discuss.tigweb.org/thread/187792]harry potter 'st. brutus''[/url] 6 book date harry potter release
cruise to nowhere, ny, [url=http://discuss.tigweb.org/thread/187798]cruises to russia[/url] tom cruise interview with mat lauer
justin bieber pichers, [url=http://discuss.tigweb.org/thread/187812]justin bieber my world[/url] justin bieber breaks his leg
britny spears, [url=http://discuss.tigweb.org/thread/187814]britney spears bathtub[/url] britney spears album covers
megan fox totally naked, [url=http://discuss.tigweb.org/thread/175542]megan fox bare naked[/url] megan fox tit

Anonymous said...

Very fascinating read.

Scandinavian seo consultant offering low cost all-inclusive service (sokoptimering).
[url=http://www.smotop.se/smotopbloggen/]Sokoptimering[/url]
http://www.smotop.se/smotopbloggen/

Anonymous said...

if you guys exigency to flyover [url=http://www.generic4you.com]viagra[/url] online you can do it at www.generic4you.com, the most trusted viagra pharmaceutics seeking generic drugs.
you can tumescence into uncover drugs like [url=http://www.generic4you.com/Sildenafil_Citrate_Viagra-p2.html]viagra[/url], [url=http://www.generic4you.com/Tadalafil-p1.html]cialis[/url], [url=http://www.generic4you.com/VardenafilLevitra-p3.html]levitra[/url] and more at www.rxpillsmd.net, the frequency [url=http://www.rxpillsmd.net]viagra[/url] originator on the web. well another great [url=http://www.i-buy-viagra.com]viagra[/url] pharmacy you can find at www.i-buy-viagra.com

Anonymous said...

Infatuation casinos? authenticate this environmental [url=http://www.realcazinoz.com]online casino[/url] guide and postpone online casino games like slots, blackjack, roulette, baccarat and more at www.realcazinoz.com .
you can also into our blooming [url=http://freecasinogames2010.webs.com]casino[/url] control at http://freecasinogames2010.webs.com and succeed in genuine fabulously touched in the head !
another late-model [url=http://www.ttittancasino.com]casino spiele[/url] in the region of is www.ttittancasino.com , in return german gamblers, span free online casino bonus.

Anonymous said...

Infatuation casinos? verify this latest [url=http://www.realcazinoz.com]free casino[/url] games. advisor and procrastinate online casino games like slots, blackjack, roulette, baccarat and more at www.realcazinoz.com .
you can also verify our untrained [url=http://freecasinogames2010.webs.com]casino[/url] orientate at http://freecasinogames2010.webs.com and win real hard money !
another late-model [url=http://www.ttittancasino.com]casino[/url] spiele locality is www.ttittancasino.com , in gain german gamblers, watch manumitted online casino bonus.

Anonymous said...

Hi, Good evening.
I like www.blogger.com because I learned a lot here. Now it's time for me to pay back.
Why I want to post this guide on this of www.blogger.com is to help people solve the same problem.
Please let me know if it is off topic here.
Here is the guide, wish it would help you.

Guide: How to convert AVI to WMA with the AVI to WMA converter
How to convert AVI to WMA? How to convert WMV to WMA? and how to extract audio from video? Crystal video to audio converter can do this. Converting MPEG to MP3 becomes so easy with this AVI to WMA converter. To convert AVI to WMA, convert WMV to WMA and extract audio from video are an enjoyable thing if you use this excellent AVI to WMA converter. Please free download it and follow me step by step:
I. Introduction of this AVI to WMA converter:
It copies the audio digitally-not through the soundcard-which enables you to make perfect copies of the originals. you can play your video file withCrystal Video to Audio Converter,also, you can just cut part of your video file and then convert this part to audio file. It's fast, easy to use while powerful.
Key Features of this AVI to WMA converter:
Converting MPEG to MP3 Convert AVI to WMA Convert WMV to WMA Convert your AVI, ASF,WMV and MPEG Video files to CD quality WAV files for burning your audio CD. Convert your AVI, ASF,WMV and MPEG Video files to MP3 files for listening with your MP3 Player. Convert your AVI, ASF,WMV and MPEG Video files to WMA files for playing with WMP. Convert your AVI, ASF,WMV and MPEG Video files to OGG files. Rich Options of MP3 Encoder, WMA Encoder and OGG Encoder. Support MP3 and OGG from 6,000 to 48000 sample rate. Built-in Video Player. Support MP3 VBR and OGG VBR With user-friendly-interface and converting your files is just a button click away, you'll be an experter in no time!
New in version 1.30:
Support WMA 9 Support MP3 VBR and OGG VBR Support Video Play.
II. How to convert AVI to WMA:
Step: 1 Open the video file:
Step 2: Settings:
For WMV:
For MP3:
For WMA:
For OGG:
Step 3: Set the output path and format:
Fianl Step: Just press the convert button and then everyting will done.
What an excellent AVI to WMA converter. If you stil don't know how to convert AVI to WMA, convert WMV to WMA and extract audio from video, why not try this AVI to WMA converter


Resource:
[url=http://www.topvideoconverter.com/youtube-mate/]dvd to youtube converter[/url]
[url=http://www.topvideoconverter.com/m4p-converter/]M4p Converter[/url]
[url=http://www.topvideoconverter.com/dpg-converter/]DPG Converter[/url]
[url=http://www.topvideoconverter.com/convert-x-to-dvd/]convert video to dvd[/url]
[url=http://www.cd-dvd-burner.net]burn DVD[/url]

Anonymous said...

abetshell

[url=http://healthplusrx.com/thrombophlebitis]thrombophlebitis[/url] buiceiniste

Anonymous said...

INSERT

Anonymous said...

ugg boots sale genuine ugg boots ugg boots traffic [url=http://www.ugg--bootssale.com/]ugg boots sale[/url] www.ugg--bootssale.com
classic ugg boots cheap ugg classic ugg boots [url=http://www.boots--classic.com/]classic ugg boots[/url] www.boots--classic.com
ugg boots cheap ugg boots free shipping ugg boots free shipping [url=http://www.boots--free.com/]ugg boots free shipping[/url] www.boots--free.com
custom nfl jerseys nike nfl jerseys nike nfl jerseys [url=http://www.nfl--jerseys.com/]custom nfl jerseys[/url] www.nfl--jerseys.com cheap nfl jerseys
michael kors outlet michael kors outlet michael kors bags [url=http://www.moncler--jackets.com/]michael kors outlet[/url] www.moncler--jackets.com

Anonymous said...

Karen millen loophole snitch on provides you with outclass importance evening dresses. Karen millen outlet dresses www.karen--millenoutlet.com are stock bargain-priced beyond the epoch as afar as something the [url=http://www.karen--millenoutlet.com/]Karen millen outlet[/url] detailed workmanship. Happen on!

Anonymous said...

Heath Miller Black Jersey

Take a long walkProblems also are always a learning experience Getting shampoo in his eyes during baths

John Elway Orange Jersey

The other one I have to be really careful with 3About the Author SwapThingPre-Neolithic Calendars:The Ishango or other aboriginal message sticks from places like Australia and Africa are not easily comprehended by us in the present

Mike Ditka Nike Jersey

Anonymous said...

[url=http://www.freewebs.com/lipit0r]lipitor buy online
[/url]lipitor price in india
retail price of lipitor
price lipitor cvs pharmacy
buy lipitor less
lipitor price philippines

Anonymous said...


[url=http://shenenmaoyii.snappages.com/blog.htm][b]sac longchamp[/b][/url]
[url=http://shenenmao.shutterfly.com/][b]sac longchamp[/b][/url]
[url=http://en.netlog.com/shenenmao/blog/blogid=15720072][b]sac longchamp[/b][/url]
[url=http://shenenmaoyie.loveblog.com.br/][b]sac longchamp[/b][/url]
[url=http://shenenmaoyis.xanga.com/770717046/sac-jimmy-choo-sac-%C3%A0-main-procurez-vous-le-superlatif-jamais/][b]sac longchamp[/b][/url]

Anonymous said...

Though a bit of an investment, a good cast iron skillet will last for generations. Likewise, choose sturdy utensils rather than cheap ones; low-quality wooden spoons, for example, can rot, and plastic will melt if you leave it on the stove too long. Electric When it comes to the stove top, it can be a tough choice between gas and electric; natural gas is a fossil fuel, but most of the electricity in the US comes from coal-burning power plants.The groundwater may be from infiltrating precipitation or from groundwater flowing into the aquifer. In areas with sufficient precipitation, water infiltrates through pore spaces in the soil, passing through the unsaturated zone. At increasing depths water fills in more of the pore spaces in the soils, until the zone of saturation is reached. Belt LubricationSole treadmill belts come pre-lubricated, but after the first 50 hours of use you will need to lubricate the machine again. Use only lubricant sold by Sole. The treadmill can go for another 1,000 hours of use before another lubrication if it is cleaned regularly. [url=http://www.cyclingcloth.com/]Cycling Cloth[/url] It won't be possible to start a campfire in the rain if everything you try to burn is wet. However, even in pouring rain, you can find lots of dry combustible materials. It won't be possible to start a campfire in the rain if everything you try to burn is wet. Spoons and chopsticks also are necessities. Pack a set for each camper. Chopsticks can be used as emergency fire-starters in a pinch. Multi-sport enthusiasts may mountain bike one day and skateboard the next. Can they use the same helmet for both? It depends on the certification. Usually, manufacturers make a helmet specifically for one sport. [url=http://www.cyclingcloth.com/]Cycle Jersey[/url] In the green frenzy of the mid-2000's, every major bank from CitiGroup to HSBC was claiming to offer a "green banking" option for their customers, capitalizing upon the growing public sentiment for the environment. Alas, these offers generally amounted to little more than a green-enshrouded marketing campaign for a product that the big banks already had -- paperless banking. And it worked..Coleman lanterns burn white gas as fuel and produce light from two vertically hanging mantles. The two lantern mantles are made of a special shiny white cloth. When first ignited, the mantles burn with big yellow flames. Prior to hiking, freeze one-pot meals such as stew and chili in plastic bags that can be boiled in water and are less bulky to pack. Another option is freeze-dried food that requires little water to cook. The majority of your calories should come from quick-energy carbohydrates such as dried fruits, instant potatoes and rice and grains. Arch supports help alleviate shin splints because they provide cushioning that spreads the stress on your shinbones more equally across your feet. It should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. LIVESTRONG is a registered trademark of the LIVESTRONG Foundation.