It's remarkable that although you say you sought direction from the writings of the great George Orwell, you have a distinctive style of your own. I never fail to get a good laugh from your stories and books, which cannot be said of all Orwell's. You certainly share a sort of Thomas Paine humanitarian foundation which will not stand silent when faced with an injustice. And do you recommend raw garlic?
Thanks for having such a kind view of me "Helen" and I'm glad my stories make you laugh.
When I bit into that chunk of garlic to shut Jim up in front of the rolling cameras, my whole face reacted in an unexpected violent manner -- my nose running and sneezing, my lips burning and trembling, my face flushed. Worse still, Jim had made a telling point: "You wrote in your book, you bastard boy, that I ate garlic! Now you can see how impossible that is".
I enjoy all your stories Hugh but especially this one, which I read camped by the Yarramalong Weir on the Condamine. I can understand why you love George Orwell as I do, but my wife says I should read Anna Funder's book Wifedom, which uncovers his neglect of wife Eileen.
Dear Adrienne, don't be too hard on George as this was a book aimed at him and men like and arrow ... though she did make some very good points. See my comment at the bottom of all these comments on substack.
Thanks Nigel, it's nice to have an experienced journalist reading and enjoying them. I envy you, camped on the Condamine. I had a cottage at Teviot Brook below the source of that long river. for eight years. Yes, Orwell did neglect Eileen ... just like every male journalist we ever worked with! Please see my comment on her book which I read two years ago -- at the bottom of these comments.
I read Vietnam: A Reporter's War before I read Homage to Catalonia but they each approach the task in a similar way: mundane detail as well as high drama, a little like my own experience with a documentary film crew in Africa covering, among other things, the war between UDI Rhodesia and the frontline states supported ZANU (Robert Mugarbe) and ZAPU (Joshua Nkomo).
I reread Homage after travelling in Catalonia and passing through some villages Orwell writes about and, of course, treading Las Ramblas in Barcellona. and gained insight into the recent Catalonian independence riots. So, thanks Hugh for this insight, it has been a good read.
And concerning Anna Funder's Wifedom. I think she misconstrues the Orwell's intention in Homage. First, the book is about men and war. The first chapter clearly announces its principal purpose. Second, he writes to expose the perfidy of elements of the Left, especially the Communists, and their lack of moral integrity, or any real commitment to the people of Catalonia or Spain. Three, to adequately cover his wife's role would have required a considerable extension of the text and divert the narrative from its prime focii, men, war and politics, and four by not naming her (she did not use the surname Orwell) he was affording her some immunity from any kickback from Communist element in Britain who might seek vengeance against him for his damning remarks about Communism in Homage.
Doxing is not new: it didn't come with the Internet. 'We know where you live' has a long history.
Well do I remember when Smith declared UDI in Rhodesia -- from memory Nov 11 1965 -- deliberately in the same words as the US UDI 189 years before.
I was working in the Reuters office at 85 Fleet Street when the news broke ... and there was mayhem in the office.
Lucky you -- I've always wanted to visit Catalonia to see where Orwell was. I can understand their riots for independence -- I think Queensland should do the same thing as we have no say in what happens in Australia: they just see us as 5million extra eyeballs for their TV shows, movies and newspapers!
I could not agree more with your comment on Anna Funder's version of Orwell's Homage book.
(See my comment on the book at the end of these).
But then we , like Orwell, are males -- part of "the patriarchy".
Hugh, thanks for giving us the insight into why you wrote “Over the top with Jim” from a child’s perspective. I think that was the most charming part of it. It made the characters in the book come to life and seem more real. I know people who still read that book to get a good laugh.
Your book on your experiences in the Vietnam War was written so well. When I read it I felt like I was there with you all the way and experiencing what you were going through. It gave me goosebumps. I do t know how you were able to cope with being there and what you experienced, witnessed and went through. I admire you for it. It was a great idea of taking note of what George Orwell said. Well done Hughie
Several people have mentioned Anna Funder's book Wifedom.
I read it two years ago and two things struck me:
1. she is a superior writer.
2.she does her best to ruin Orwell's reputation. Which in itself is fine -- but she draws hard conclusions from hearsay, something which would not be allowed in a court -- thus using the word "perhaps" a lot.
Ironic that she uses "Mrs Orwell" on the cover, which Eileen never did.
But then a book about "Ms O'Shaughnessy" would hardly attract worldwide attention.
I really enjoyed the photos of Hugh and Jim. You both wore some impressive suits and ties for the interview when Jim insisted you bite into some garlic!
You make an excellent point about George Orwell writing that 'people aren't interested in hearing about others praising themselves - they hear and see that everyday of the week''.
Apparently one of the key reasons why the film Rocky was so successful was because the film maker made sure that viewers could see and identify with Rocky's struggle (warts and all) from the very beginning, before he became a champion boxer, seeing him running the streets in the rain and mud and suffering every day to build his strength up. Some misinformed critics disagreed and wanted the film just to show Rocky as a champion only. Jim Egoroff is an amazing man too, and you have described him so well in your books
Your writing is of a very high standard Hugh and I think Orwell would have been impressed with your work.
Thanks Peter, I was hoping someone would comment on the pictures of Jim Egoroff as an older man with me: Jim was so famous when OTTWJim was the No. 1-selling N/F book in Australia in 1991 that everyone in the country wanted to meet him.
Now you can put up pictures of him and you're the only one who notices!
Maybe it's true that when you become old you become invisible!
What a lovely thing to say that Orwel would have liked my work.
It's remarkable that although you say you sought direction from the writings of the great George Orwell, you have a distinctive style of your own. I never fail to get a good laugh from your stories and books, which cannot be said of all Orwell's. You certainly share a sort of Thomas Paine humanitarian foundation which will not stand silent when faced with an injustice. And do you recommend raw garlic?
Thanks for having such a kind view of me "Helen" and I'm glad my stories make you laugh.
When I bit into that chunk of garlic to shut Jim up in front of the rolling cameras, my whole face reacted in an unexpected violent manner -- my nose running and sneezing, my lips burning and trembling, my face flushed. Worse still, Jim had made a telling point: "You wrote in your book, you bastard boy, that I ate garlic! Now you can see how impossible that is".
I enjoy all your stories Hugh but especially this one, which I read camped by the Yarramalong Weir on the Condamine. I can understand why you love George Orwell as I do, but my wife says I should read Anna Funder's book Wifedom, which uncovers his neglect of wife Eileen.
Totally. I find it hard to reconcile his work with his character/actions after reading that book.
Dear Adrienne, don't be too hard on George as this was a book aimed at him and men like and arrow ... though she did make some very good points. See my comment at the bottom of all these comments on substack.
Hugh
Well, I also thought Eileen was a bit hard to fathom! :-)
Thanks Nigel, it's nice to have an experienced journalist reading and enjoying them. I envy you, camped on the Condamine. I had a cottage at Teviot Brook below the source of that long river. for eight years. Yes, Orwell did neglect Eileen ... just like every male journalist we ever worked with! Please see my comment on her book which I read two years ago -- at the bottom of these comments.
Nothing nicer than a nice coffee and a dose of wisdom and insight from the "Great" Hugh Lunn. Such stories enrich the reasons why Hugh was chosen as one of Queensland's 150 Icons see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Queensland%27s_Q150_Icons
Thanks Peter, you're a great supporter of mine and Chuck's.
Hugh
Thanks Hugh Again wonderful reading and look forward to your articles reminiscing about times that resonate with me
These articles wouldn't exist without readers like you and your comments.
They are what keep me going.
I don't want these stories to die with me.
Hugh
I read Vietnam: A Reporter's War before I read Homage to Catalonia but they each approach the task in a similar way: mundane detail as well as high drama, a little like my own experience with a documentary film crew in Africa covering, among other things, the war between UDI Rhodesia and the frontline states supported ZANU (Robert Mugarbe) and ZAPU (Joshua Nkomo).
I reread Homage after travelling in Catalonia and passing through some villages Orwell writes about and, of course, treading Las Ramblas in Barcellona. and gained insight into the recent Catalonian independence riots. So, thanks Hugh for this insight, it has been a good read.
And concerning Anna Funder's Wifedom. I think she misconstrues the Orwell's intention in Homage. First, the book is about men and war. The first chapter clearly announces its principal purpose. Second, he writes to expose the perfidy of elements of the Left, especially the Communists, and their lack of moral integrity, or any real commitment to the people of Catalonia or Spain. Three, to adequately cover his wife's role would have required a considerable extension of the text and divert the narrative from its prime focii, men, war and politics, and four by not naming her (she did not use the surname Orwell) he was affording her some immunity from any kickback from Communist element in Britain who might seek vengeance against him for his damning remarks about Communism in Homage.
Doxing is not new: it didn't come with the Internet. 'We know where you live' has a long history.
Vincent,
Well do I remember when Smith declared UDI in Rhodesia -- from memory Nov 11 1965 -- deliberately in the same words as the US UDI 189 years before.
I was working in the Reuters office at 85 Fleet Street when the news broke ... and there was mayhem in the office.
Lucky you -- I've always wanted to visit Catalonia to see where Orwell was. I can understand their riots for independence -- I think Queensland should do the same thing as we have no say in what happens in Australia: they just see us as 5million extra eyeballs for their TV shows, movies and newspapers!
I could not agree more with your comment on Anna Funder's version of Orwell's Homage book.
(See my comment on the book at the end of these).
But then we , like Orwell, are males -- part of "the patriarchy".
Hugh
Hugh, thanks for giving us the insight into why you wrote “Over the top with Jim” from a child’s perspective. I think that was the most charming part of it. It made the characters in the book come to life and seem more real. I know people who still read that book to get a good laugh.
Your book on your experiences in the Vietnam War was written so well. When I read it I felt like I was there with you all the way and experiencing what you were going through. It gave me goosebumps. I do t know how you were able to cope with being there and what you experienced, witnessed and went through. I admire you for it. It was a great idea of taking note of what George Orwell said. Well done Hughie
Dear Sheryl, I never knew I gave you goosebumps!
Once you're caught up in something like that you just have to cope the best way you can -- like having a major operation! There is nothing else to do.
Hughie
Several people have mentioned Anna Funder's book Wifedom.
I read it two years ago and two things struck me:
1. she is a superior writer.
2.she does her best to ruin Orwell's reputation. Which in itself is fine -- but she draws hard conclusions from hearsay, something which would not be allowed in a court -- thus using the word "perhaps" a lot.
Ironic that she uses "Mrs Orwell" on the cover, which Eileen never did.
But then a book about "Ms O'Shaughnessy" would hardly attract worldwide attention.
I received a nice comment on this by email: "It’s astonishingly clear and informative and exciting to read like a confessional or an inside scoop."
Makes my heart glad. Hugh
Learning from the master one becomes masterful. Great read.
The comment of a song writer!
Hugh
I really enjoyed the photos of Hugh and Jim. You both wore some impressive suits and ties for the interview when Jim insisted you bite into some garlic!
You make an excellent point about George Orwell writing that 'people aren't interested in hearing about others praising themselves - they hear and see that everyday of the week''.
Apparently one of the key reasons why the film Rocky was so successful was because the film maker made sure that viewers could see and identify with Rocky's struggle (warts and all) from the very beginning, before he became a champion boxer, seeing him running the streets in the rain and mud and suffering every day to build his strength up. Some misinformed critics disagreed and wanted the film just to show Rocky as a champion only. Jim Egoroff is an amazing man too, and you have described him so well in your books
Your writing is of a very high standard Hugh and I think Orwell would have been impressed with your work.
Thanks Peter, I was hoping someone would comment on the pictures of Jim Egoroff as an older man with me: Jim was so famous when OTTWJim was the No. 1-selling N/F book in Australia in 1991 that everyone in the country wanted to meet him.
Now you can put up pictures of him and you're the only one who notices!
Maybe it's true that when you become old you become invisible!
What a lovely thing to say that Orwel would have liked my work.
It put a big smile on my dial,
Hugh
Hugh this was wonderful, I loved it!
goodonya Blake,
Hugh