Comments for Alex Preston

Comment on The Revelations by REVIEW: THE REVELATIONS BY ALEX PRESTON | Ben East - Freelance Journalist. Books, Culture, Sport and lots more besides

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 11:59:35 +0000

[...] reviews because for some reason they don’t publish them online. But here’s my review of Alex Preston’s second novel which, despite some reservations, I heartily [...]

Comment on The God Confusion by Alex

Alex — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 15:19:54 +0000

What a magnificent quote. Macaulay is always rather in the shadow of the Waugh/Greene/Spark Catholic trio, but she comes from the same world (despite, I believe, being officially high-Anglican rather than a Catholic). The Towers of Trezibond is certainly a wonderful novel. I don’t mean to brand the whole Church with my book, and yes I agree that my own early experience of open-minded CofE seems about as good as it gets. Thanks for the post!

Comment on The God Confusion by Alex

Alex — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 14:56:40 +0000

Thanks for your fabulous post and huge congrats on the novel. Do point me towards it when it’s published. It seems to me that doubt is a central part of any real belief and it’s a matter of how to maintain that state of negative capability whilst still functioning… Good luck to you and keep in touch!

Comment on The God Confusion by Alex

Alex — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 14:54:39 +0000

Thanks so much for your post, which expresses very neatly my own approach to religion. I have always rather presumed that the Quakers had it right, although I’ve never been to a service. I may try them out and will report back. It’s interesting that this debate about “militant secularism” and prayers in council meetings is coming out just now. It is one of the clear unresolved divisions in modern Britain. Do let me know how you get on with the book!

Comment on The God Confusion by Alex

Alex — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 14:48:55 +0000

I have been interested by the de Botton book and will certainly read it, although it seems to me that it is actually the spiritual, transcendental side of faith that I am struggling with at the moment. I take the “daily spiritual practice” side of things as a given. I liked your blog on de Botton because you highlight something that, again, I thought without having read the book: that de Botton is essentially describing Buddhism and other atheistic religions which are concentrated upon states of being rather than a grand narrative of life and death. I will read the book and report back. Great to hear about your novel. I’d be very happy to read it, and to hook up for a coffee to discuss.

Comment on The God Confusion by Simon Okotie

Simon Okotie — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 09:00:42 +0000

Thanks for this thoughtful piece. It certainly makes me want to look at your novels.

I would recommend Alain de Botton’s recent book Religion for Atheists, although with a number of caveats, which I write about, from a Buddhist viewpoint, here: http://journaleast.com/religion-for-atheists/

My thought is that it is no longer possible for most of us to fill the god-shaped hole with god. Too much religious and ecclesiastical baggage. But filling it with science or materialism won’t work either, since neither have much of an ethical or transcendent dimension. Hence the bind. The ‘religion of art’ can certainly take us a long way. And I think Buddhism, which can be approached as a ‘religion for atheists’ has a lot to say to us in the disintegrating and re-emerging society we find ourselves in – but then, I would say that, as a Buddhist!

On another note, my first (non-Buddhist!) novel is coming out in the autumn. My next book will look at some very similar issues to The Revelations, so would love to have a conversation with you about that some time.

Comment on This Bleeding City by The Revelations by Alex Preston – review | Books | The Guardian

The Revelations by Alex Preston – review | Books | The Guardian — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 08:20:48 +0000

[...] it's muted to the point of being passionless.That wasn't a problem for Preston's debut, This Bleeding City, which was deservedly praised for its fine mix of Bonfire of the Vanities-style scorn for greedy [...]

Comment on Daily Mirror Review by The Revelations – Reviews | Alex Preston

The Revelations – Reviews | Alex Preston — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 10:36:34 +0000

[...] Daily Mirror [...]

Comment on The God Confusion by Mary Conley

Mary Conley — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 00:59:05 +0000

The best argument for some sort of faith is, for me, rather negative. I find it is unbearable to look at mankind as being the highest pinnacle of existence. Surely there has to be something above and beyond this life which inspires our longing for beauty and ideals. A reason to try and avoid brutality.

The worst aspect is the feeble and unworldly clergy who include so many obviously disturbed or merely ridiculous ministers. I think I preferred the old school career men of the cloth who just went about the business of the church without the added politics.

My family were non-conformists but I was educated by Catholics and think it gave me a wonderful start in life. I just can’t quite join any
religious stream but think the Quakers might be best, ultimately.

The divergence of beliefs and the dialogue between the Hitchens brothers is rather interesting. Still very much alive after the death of Christopher.

The Larkin or Betjeman feeling for musty sleeping churches and the sound of bells is appealing. Wonderful music and ultimately there is deep consolation in the Christian funeral service. So not sure about the bearded Christ but everything all around is good.

I bought The Revelations and will read soon.