Four ways to view a literary genius
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Hunter Davies, journalist and author.
The idea of him being an angry young man is ridiculous. He was an entertainer - an entertaining, metropolitan Oxbridge person. He was a talented and fluent writer but he wasn't an original voice. He was an amusing person, a good chap who went to clubs and drank a lot and people liked him a lot. But really he was just an irascible old fart.
Joan Smith, critic, writer and feminist.
He is one of those people who becomes popular by reflecting back people's prejudices - nasty attitudes about class and women (in his books). A lot of people who read those things have sympathy with them and think "this is all right because it is literature". In his final years he was really a shambling and sad figure. I don't think he's someone whose lasting reputation is assured.
Mavis Nicholson - broadcaster and former Amis student at Swansea University.
He changed as he got older but I knew him when he was a very handsome, very witty, open- hearted gent with a refreshing approach. It was two years before Lucky Jim was published. He and Hilly were a glamorous couple, and he was left-wing then. He made everyone laugh. He was very "Scott- Fitzgerald".
Keith Waterhouse, journalist and playwright.
He has a very high place in literary history. He was a great storyteller, although he was much more than a storyteller. He will be badly missed at the Garrick Club where he became an absolute fixture. I will remember him with great affection. He was a curmudgeon but we all knew it was an act. It was very enjoyable.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments