When you are Engulfed in Flames – David Sedaris

... or, "the tits that ate my ice cream", as it turns out

As heavy gray clouds filled the sky book clubbers bravely adventured south to the nexus of Rosebery seeking new stimulation centred on the writings of David Sedaris. On this occasion it was his selection of stories entitled “When you are Engulfed in Flames”.

Rain began to fall, a smatter at first then building to a torrent as wine was poured and gossip unleashed. The absence of wind let it fall heavy and straight so the large terrace doors could stay open and we embraced both deluge and the misty view beyond.

The spicy smell of Tacos began to fill the room as the first of spectacular lightning crashed across the sky accompanied by surprisingly subtle thunder. Given that the book was set in Paris and Japan, Dennis’s culinary choice of Tacos was to say the least innovative! But it was a choice the quirky eye of Mr Sedaris would no doubt appreciate and they were nevertheless quite delicious.

Mr Sedaris writes chiefly from personal experience and his observations are sharp and ostensibly cutting. Unlike his earlier works however this collection seemed to portray a softer view of his subjects revealing an underlying respect for them, despite the often uncomfortably accurate snapshot of their foibles. Andrew summed it up best saying he is ‘a sketch artist not a painter’. He draws quick line drawings that capture the essence of a situation or character, often with incomplete or no particular context around them.

No one really expects him to concentrate on one thing long enough to produce a novel.

Those who had read his earlier works (chiefly Andrew) commented that he had mellowed with success and the acerbically funny hatchet he once wrote with was duller but still sharp enough to cut. Andrew recommended the Santa Land Diaries for a glimpse of early Sedaris at his best.

As ice creams of the chocolate variety began to be devoured, and delicious sweet crumbs fell into cleavages and sofas alike, it was generally acknowledged that his strength lay in being able to reveal a secret shame in each of us. The secret personal boils we prefer to keep hidden are lanced - opened up, explored and revealed in all their pustulent glory! Every reader associated with a different story particular to their own darker fears. Perhaps the most curious feature of Mr Sedaris’ work however, is that despite enjoying the read, we all found it difficult to remember many of the stories apart from the one that touched our own deep neurosis! That might either be genius… or not!

It was also noted that he tours a lot reading his work and those who had heard recordings commented that his particular vocals and rhythm leant much to the works. “Once you hear him read you’ll always hear his voice as you read his stories”.

But the storm had now abated and it was time for the literary adventurers to leap forth into the newly cleansed night, insecure in Mr Sedaris’ view that life is basically absurd – but it’s really interesting to note the details along the way!

Scores

Kevin 7
Natalie 7.5
Leanne 7
Dennis 7.5
Andrew 7
Kate 6

Average 7