Young and Old

This week I attended two interesting lectures. The first with David Flusfeder, reading from his latest book - A Film by Spencer Ludwig. It tells the story of a man going on an unplanned road trip with his father. After so many lectures focusing on the craft of writing (and of course that is what the degree is about), it was good to listen to a writer reading his work and having an open and honest discussion about both the novel and his writing life. This was followed by an event with David Lodge and Jim Crace. The university is currently running a research project whereby reading groups comprised of older members read and discuss eight specific novels related to ageing and then discuss their responses. Jim and David were articulate and engaging speakers, as one would expect, and the Q&A session was very lively. It was a shame, however, that both questions relating to women and ageing were quickly passed over.