Hullo, again, Madame Arcati,
You may remember that I wrote to you some time ago with some memories of my old university pal Nesta Wyn Ellis.
I'm a keen fan of your blog, and, knowing your broad interest in the arts - and in particular in writers/celebrities/theatrical folk and the like - I'm surprised to see that you haven't written anything (yet) in your blog about the life and death of the truly gifted intellectual, writer, broadcaster, film maker, thinker and all-round very interesting person Nuala O'Faolain.
Sadly, Nuala died in Ireland earlier this month. I consider that Nuala was one of the most intelligent women I've ever heard speak (in radio interviews including her last only a few weeks ago - see Google and www.rte.ie/arts/ ). Her writing is inspiring and thought provoking. She was ruthless in her frankness and honesty - particulaly concerning her own life and loves. She constantly underrated herself and in many ways had a sad and unfulfilled life - in all probability because she didn't find and settle down with a good, garrulous southern Welsh guy. Contrary to her opinion of herself I found her to be a very attractive woman possessing a devastating combination of great intelligence, wit and charming personality. What shining, mischievous eyes she had. She was truly a grown man's woman - and I'll bet she terrified the life out of the standard issue bland English male.
I'm sure that you know of the work and character of Nuala and I look forward to the possibility of reading your thoughts of her. What a great loss she is to the the world of literature. What a loss she is to the World in general.
Looking forward to reading all your blogs,
Yours sincerely,
Eric J. Thomas
3 comments:
That's beautiful. She has been impressive and inspiring. And "truly a grown man's woman" is an impressive compliment.
O'F's thoughts on dying were not in the least inspiring, but despairing. I can't understand why atheists like to wallow in morbidity.
The Roman philosopher Ericus Venicus said of those who hide their identity, "Whosoever lacks the courage to dispense with the dark veil of anonymity will forever remain hidden within their own shadow".
Nuala O'Faolain did not fear death. She feared not that she would shortly leave the World but that the World would leave her. Her greatest fear was that, in her dying, she would call out to a God she did not believe in. I'm sure that she did not die a hypocrite.
Our lives have been diminished with her premature departure.
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