Dr David Vernon
@DrDavidVernon
writer | books on: nabokov • wagner • beethoven • mahler • sibelius • mishima (2025) • lispector (2027)
Today is the 100th anniversary of Yukio Mishima's birth and I am delighted to reveal the cover for my book on his absolutely extraordinary novels. Out in September!
Some readers arrogantly assume they must and will understand everything a novel or story offers them; Clarice Lispector preaches a more fulfilling form of humility.
James Joyce’s poetry might seem less significant next to the grander achievements of Dubliners, Ulysses and the Wake, but I’m very fond of its charm and grace, its occasional darkness, its imagery, wit and style. An extraordinary writer — wherever you find him.
Radio 3 used to be like an intelligent friend, enthusiastic and knowledgeable, engaging and respectful. With some wonderful, notable exceptions it is increasingly like an uncle trying to be cool. A real shame: we're in danger of totally destroying something magnificent & unique.
Two months until my book on Yukio Mishima’s novels is published! Out in the US / UK / Japan 23rd September!
Some people seem a little naïve or disparaging about translated literature. I’m lucky to know a few languages but one cannot know them all so the magical, invisible art of the translator is invaluable. And whatever we lose in translation we lose far more by not reading at all.
After a bit of vacillation, my next music book will be on Schubert's sonatas and song cycles. Will hopefully begin work in the second half of next year for publication in 2028 to mark the bicentenary of his death. Really excited to write about these enchanting, elusive works.
one of the most energetic of all texts; it is furiously alive.
Resuming work on my Clarice Lispector book this week. As usual, she is taking me back to some fabulous places...
Two of the most moving modern novels I know: Jon Fosse is extraordinary, a prose poet of loneliness and solitude. His language has a primal, musical quality — both frightening and reassuring. Wonderful works to take slowly, becoming immersed, lost, transfixed.
50 of my favourite Japanese novels, from the past to the present: 23 by women, 27 by men. These lists are by their nature limited & silly, so please don't shout at me if your favourite isn't on my list — merely a celebratory guide for those wanting to read more Japanese fiction!
Clarice Lispector and her eccentric, neurotic dog — Ulisses. A smoking, drinking legend in Rio, he would steal cigarette butts, puff on proffered ones and was fond of Coca-Cola and beer (plus the occasional whisky).
In origin, form and subject, The Tale of the Heike is not unlike the Iliad — though with more samurai. Source of so much Japanese art and literature, it's an epic of love and war, told with an astonishing intimacy and immediacy.
the first sentence by mishima i ever read and the book it eventually led to.
Often my favourite of all Sōseki’s works, Kusamakura is the journey of an artist — into both the mountains and the conflicted soul of Japan. An exquisite, haiku-like meditation on time, art and beauty, here is its wonderful opening page (as rendered by Meredith McKinney).
Please enjoy this lovely anecdote from Akira Kurosawa recalling watching Solaris with its director, Andrei Tarkovsky.
One of my favourite books: Steegmuller’s translation of Flaubert’s letters. They are epistolary explosions, literary narcotics — addictive, hilarious, dangerous.
Tragic, erotic, a 21st-century Tristan und Isolde meets Daphne, The Vegetarian is a haunting exploration of trauma, part body horror, part body worship (and, once read, you’ll immediately be hunting for more Han Kang).
the wraparound sky on the cover of my forthcoming mishima book is too gorgeous ... ah, hokusai!
