Alan Bennett - 'Keep On Keeping On' : BOOK REVIEW - Ryan's Reads

The finale of 'Gavin and Stacey' on Christmas Day of 2024, and its incredible success, is (for me, anyway) forever tied to the genius of Alan Bennett and the film, of the stage play, 'The History Boys'. The play's cast (including James Corden) were all seen on screen as a few of Smithy's friends in the BBC comedy classic. As plays go, it's one of his best, but the thing with Alan Bennett is this - it's merely the tip of an extraordinary literary iceberg. Alongside his plays, Alan is a celebrated diarist. 

At the back end of last year, and following the finale of 'Gavin and Stacey' I finally got around to reading  'Keep on Keeping On' a collection of Alan's diaries from 2005 - 2015, which included 'backstage' insight into The History Boys play and subsequent film.

Alan Bennett's third collection of prose 'Keeping On Keeping On' follows in the footsteps of the phenomenally successful Writing Home and Untold Stories, each published ten years apart. This latest collection contains Bennett's peerless diaries from 2005 to 2015, reflecting on a decade that saw four premieres at the National Theatre (The Habit of Art, People, Hymn and Cocktail Sticks), a West End double-bill transfer, and the films of The History Boys and The Lady in the Van. The book also includes Alan's passion for visiting old churches, his surprising views on private education, and snippets of essays he's written for LRB (London Review Of Books). 

Alan's self-deprecating and whimsical diary is a clear example of his writing excellence, As a huge fan of Morrissey, I particularly enjoyed Alan's anecdotes of receiving notes from The Smith's songwriter and randomly seeing him outside a pub. Alan Bennett displays many characteristics shared with Morrissey - the whimsical, mundane, almost curmudgeon worldviews whipped into a literary and musical masterpiece. Suffice it to say, like a good The Smiths Album, or indeed, the finale of Gavin and Stacey, I can highly recommend this book, and the works in general, of Yorkshire's greatest playwright. I am also from Yorkshire, so I think that adds to the magic. 

I bought this book via 'World of Books' a brilliantly cheap source of second-hand and rare books!

Ryan's Reads BOOK SCORE 4/5 

Words by @rybazoxo 

Nick Cave and Sean O' Hagan Book Review "Faith,Hope, and Carnage""

Having recently seen Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds live in Manchester, I thought it would be worth reading "Faith, Hope, and Carnage", a book co-written by Nick Cave and journalist Sean O’Hagan, and I'm glad I did. This book is an absolute blueprint of what all future rock journalism should look like. This isn't just a Rock n Roll interview book, it's a profound exploration of life, faith, grief, and creativity. The book takes the form of an extended conversation between Cave and O’Hagan, touching on topics as diverse as the nature of art, the role of faith, and the emotional impact of personal loss. As a result, the book feels less like a conventional memoir and more like a deeply personal meditation, as Nick Cave ( I discovered his genius via the Peaky Blinders soundtrack) opens up about his struggles and transformations in a cathartic and lucid way. 

Although it is a book about songwriting and Cave's immense work ethic, the motif that runs throughout is the touching taboo of grief. Cave has suffered tragic personal loss, including the death of his son Arthur in 2015. This experience has fundamentally changed his approach to life, art, and spirituality, and much of Faith, Hope, and Carnage centres on how Cave has attempted to process and live with his grief. Through his conversations with O’Hagan, Cave rarely tries to rationalize his suffering or provide a path to healing; he speaks honestly about the raw, often painful journey of grief and the moments of unexpected grace that can emerge along the way. This openness and vulnerability make the book incredibly moving and relatable for anyone who has faced similar struggles. For a staunch atheist like me, Cave's devout faith is humbling - his questionable (at times) agnostic attitude is also refreshing. 

Nick Cave in Manchester Nov 5th 2024 Image by @rybazoxo

Another striking element of the book is Cave’s evolving relationship with faith. Despite being known for his often dark and provocative music, Cave has grown increasingly interested in questions of spirituality and the search for meaning. He speaks candidly about his complex relationship with Christianity, describing faith not as a solution but as a way of grappling with religion and its often conflicting theology. Cave’s reflections on faith are nuanced and reflective, capturing the hope, doubt,  and naked faith that come with seeking a deeper purpose. For readers interested in spirituality, his reflections offer a fresh perspective free of dogma, grounded instead in lived experience and a willingness to embrace mystery. As a fan of his music, yet unapologetically unreligious, I found this part the most interesting. 

Nick Cave Image by @rybazoxo

The conversations also delve into Cave’s artistic process, shedding light on how his creative vision has shifted over his 40-year career. Known for his work with the band The Bad Seeds, Cave has long been lauded for his darkly poetic lyrics and evocative storytelling. But in Faith, Hope, and Carnage, he reflects on how his recent experiences have transformed his art, pushing him toward a more open, compassionate view of the world. He discusses his current creative practices, encompassing openness and vulnerability, and how he has come to see art as a way of connecting with others. Cave’s thoughts on creativity are insightful, illustrating how art can be a means of self-expression and healing.

WILD GOD is available now 

Ultimately, Faith, Hope, and Carnage is a powerful, thought-provoking book that goes beyond the conventional boundaries of a memoir, interview or rock biography. It’s a work of introspection and philosophical questioning that invites you to think about your own life, struggles, and their meaning. For fans of Nick Cave or anyone drawn to questions of faith, loss, and creativity, this book offers a resonant, transformative experience and is one of the best I've read in quite some time. 

Ryan's Read Rating - 8/10

I bought this from 'World Of Books'  a brilliant website for buying 2nd hand - helping to save the world, sustainability, and books!

www.ryanoxleywriter.blogspot.com 

Why Do I Hate Christmas?

Words by Ryan Oxley 

As the firework displays fizzle out and the embers of bonfires turn to ashes, my thoughts turn to what is, for me, the worst time of the year: Christmas. 

For some, it’s "the most wonderful time of the year", while for others like me, it’s a period marked by stress, anxiety, and an utter dislike, make that disdain, for this awful tinsel fuelled festival of crap. There are many reasons why Christmas makes me feel less joyful and more burdensome, from the pressures of consumerism to the emotional toll of social expectations. Here’s why Christmas, a seemingly cheerful holiday, fills me with insipid dread.

First and foremost, Christmas is inextricably linked to commercialism. Let's not pretend this is a season of anything but. The holiday is promoted as a time of giving, yet this “giving” often translates into excessive shopping, overspending, and an overwhelming focus on material goods. Every shop is stocked with holiday merchandise by October, and sales, ads, and jingles urging people to buy and buy more permeate every corner of public life. For many, this overt consumerism turns the holiday into a financial burden. Christmas loses its meaning when it becomes more about flashy gifts than genuine connection, leaving some feeling that their worth is tied to what they can buy rather than the love they can share. It’s hard to feel any holiday spirit when the season seems more dedicated to corporate profits than religious goodwill. I'm not religious either which just adds to the ad nauseam. 

Then there’s the societal pressure to be constantly joyous and social. Christmas can feel like a relentless marathon of social gatherings, office parties, family dinners, and community events. The expectation is that everyone must feel festive, participate in traditions, and engage in cheerful celebrations, regardless of personal circumstances. But not everyone can easily summon holiday cheer. For those (like me) who are introverted, struggle with social anxiety, or simply don’t enjoy crowds (people or relatives), the endless social events and gatherings can feel exhausting and invasive. The pressure to "enjoy the season" creates a burden of emotional labour that feels forced and can even lead to guilt when one doesn’t feel festive.

Family dynamics during the holiday season add another layer of complexity. Christmas is often painted as a time of family togetherness, but that idealized image doesn't always align with reality. For me, family gatherings can be strained, bringing unresolved conflicts, tension, and uncomfortable interactions to the surface. Dysfunctional family relationships can feel amplified under the guise of “holiday togetherness,” making spending time with family seem more like an obligation than a celebration. And for those who have lost loved ones, Christmas can be a reminder of absence rather than togetherness, highlighting feelings of loneliness and grief. Rather than feeling surrounded by love, people may feel isolated and disconnected during the holidays.

The Christmas demand on time and energy can also be overwhelming: holiday events, decorating, gift wrapping, cooking, and hosting can take a toll, especially on those who shoulder most of the responsibility. There’s a myth that Christmas should be a “magical” time, but the reality is that creating magic requires a lot of work. Those tasked with making Christmas “perfect” often feel undervalued and exhausted, struggling to find their joy in the process.

For those who don’t observe Christmas due to different religious beliefs or cultural backgrounds, the holiday season can feel like a time of exclusion. Christmas dominates public spaces, media, and social conversations, often sidelining other winter traditions. For these individuals, the holiday can feel intrusive, a constant reminder of being different or feeling outside the mainstream.

Ultimately, Christmas can seem like a paradox: a season dedicated to joy, yet rife with stressors that can make it difficult to enjoy. For me, it’s a period I’d rather skip, looking forward to Jools Holland, the countdown clock, and the blank page of a new year. It’s important to remember then, despite societal pressures, no one is obligated to feel festive— and if anything like me, dress the dread up in nonchalant dismissal and ignore the sorry farce altogether. Why Do I Hate Christmas? Read All Of The Above. 

And... I've not even mentioned the god-awful music - I'll save that for another post. 

www.ryanoxleywriter.blogspot.com 

GIG REVIEW ll RYAN ADAMS ll SHEFFIELD CITY HALL ll 24/09/24

Words by Ryan Oxley 

Sat in the third row at the front of the stage, the 75% capacity Sheffield City Hall (this was a Tuesday night) seemed eager to applaud Americana singer/songwriter Ryan Adams, who was due on stage at 20:00. As the lights dimmed at 20.05, and I've been a fan of his for 20 years, my excitement was palpable at my first time seeing him live. It was a solo show, so I expected this to be a Ryan Adams plus guitars show. 

 I wasn't expecting a piano, a coat rack, or dim lights, which gave the evening a cabaret club feel. Sat within a metre of two of the ‘Gimme Something Good’ tunesmith, I had a perfect seat, but I did feel for those who would have sat much further back, the atmosphere (just like the guitars) wasn't electric - it was dark and in more ways than one. Ryan Adams seemed self-deprecating, dour and came across as arrogant.

Although his eclectic back catalogue and demonstratable music talent were present tonight, the eagerness of the audience virtually disappeared about three songs into the set-list, when Adams stopped the show to complain about camera phones, and their flashes ruining his concentration. 

Although billed as a 3-hour 30-song show, which he did complete, he threatened to call the show off earlier if the cameras continued flashing, so the audience seemed to cool, although the atmosphere did not. Ryan had guitar tech ‘Drew’ and a lightning guy - that was it. When the music flowed, you could have heard a pin drop. However, at times he appeared distracted, had his back to the audience when on piano, and even singled out a fan, whom he called a ''douchebag'' for taking some film of one of his songs; ‘'It’s (the footage) is for a friend who couldn't make the gig tonight’' said the fan, but Ryan was not amused. 

He (Ryan) spoke candidly in between songs about depression and sobriety, which is perfectly fine ( I think I misconstrued the self-deprecation for that) but being sat so close whilst he chastised fans was seriously awkward. 

Calling the interval early, Ryan came back on stage in a markedly different disposition and gave an incredible second half of the show, delving into his mighty back catalogue and showcasing talent, yet the atmosphere remained remarkably dour. 

I'd waited 20 years for this gig and paid £70 for the pleasure, all whilst sat at the front, but had I been sat further back? I would have probably left earlier, and unlike Ryan Adams, I would have meant it. 

Ryan Adams is still on tour 

www.ryanoxleywriter.blogspot.com 

Have you seen a brilliant artist who was also a bit of a douchebag? 

Let me know in the comments section.