This novel is quite simply sublime. The author narrates an ‘auto-bi-fantasy’, detailing his life as he grows up in the orbit of his ‘Grand’-uncle, Robert Graves in Majorca. If you’ve had the pleasure of reading the work of Graves, you will be aware of his ability to transport the reader to any place of his choosing, Gough also has this skill. The island of Majorca is brought wondrously to life, you are dared not to fall in love with the colour, the heat, the noise, the people, the life of the place. Ten year old Simon on his first visit, absorbs the magic of his ‘Grand’-Uncle, the draw, the utter fascination of the man and vows to return. Gough describes comedic moments to make you laugh out loud, coming of age love to make your heart ache and divided loyalties enough to make your head spin. A wonderfully compelling novel highlighting the world of a poet, his muse and those who alternately suffer or bask in their glory. ~ Liz Robinson
| Primary Genre | Modern and Contemporary Fiction |
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When 10-year-old Simon Gough went to Majorca in 1953 he thought he had landed in paradise. Far from the misery of his English boarding school and his parents' divorce, he fell in love - with the tiny village of Deya, with his wild cousin Juan and most of all with his beloved 'Grand-Uncle' Robert. When he returned in 1960, paradise had been overrun by beatniks and marijuana - and Simon liked it all the more. But soon he fell for the enchanting Margot Callas, Robert Graves' muse. He found himself entangled in a web of lies and deceit and playing a game whose rules he didn't understand. The repercussions would haunt him for the rest of his life.
The White Goddess: An Encounter features in the following genres: Modern and Contemporary Fiction, Biographies & Autobiographies, eBooks of the Month, General Fiction, Fiction, Biography, Literature and Literary studies, Recommendations
The White Goddess: An Encounter is available in Paperback
The White Goddess: An Encounter was written by Simon Gough and published by Galley Beggar Press
