“The Afterlife” by John Updike #11

Our mortality is something that we all must face. This subject of mortality is something John Updike tackles in today’s selection. Carter and Jane Billingses are in their fifties, and have been living in New England for quite some time. They have had nice lives, and weren’t looking to change. But then, one of their dearest friends, Frank and Lucy Eggleston moved to England, close to Norfolk. After three years, the Billingses take advantage of an opportunity to visit their friends in Great Britain. It is there that Carter has a near fatal injury which prompts him look at his life differently than before.

This change in perspective, while coming at a cost, is something that I am very happy that Mr. Billingses is able to experience. It is as if he has a small sense of liberation after his experience. It is as if he is finally allowing himself to experience a new life, maybe not taking a few things for granted anymore. Even things such as listening to how Jane and Lucy talk about bird watching are opportunities to think about his life differently than before. In just a small way, I could appreciate Mr. Billingses’ newfound perspective, and I found it enjoyable to read. You can find it in The Afterlife and Other Stories.

Links of Interest:

Official Norfolk Tourist Information

Birds of Norfolk Trailer at YouTube

All About Birds at Cornell Lab of Ornithology

“The Queen’s Birthday Telegram” by Jeffrey Archer #1

“The Queen’s Birthday Telegram” by Jeffrey Archer tells the story of Albert and Betty Webber, an elderly couple living in the village of Street in the heart of Somerset. On his 100th birthday, Albert receives a congratulatory telegram on this achievement. Albert is so overjoyed at the recognition he receives for reaching to the milestone, that he cannot help but look forward to when his wife achieves the same milestone in three years. But what happens when her telegram never arrives as expected?

I must say that this is a very nice story, one that really doesn’t have a lot of mystery or danger so to speak, but one that I find downright charming. It is pleasant to read a story that doesn’t have a lot of nasty stuff in it, and I think is a good way to start this blog. I recommend checking it out. You can find it on Amazon.com by clicking here. Yes, I am an Amazon Associate.

Links to things related to this story:

Does the Queen of England still send telegrams to centenarians?

Somerset County Gazette

BBC Points West

Street Football Club