BOTH PERHAPS PRESENT

Last Thursday was the fifth Pearce Memorial Lecture held in Cambridge. Philip Pullman gave an great talk, entitled Both Perhaps Present (TS Eliot’s Four Quartets – Burnt Norton). He explored the classical tone of narration in Philippa Pearce’s Tom’s Midnight Garden, the character of the narrator and the different points of view as well as talking about the present tense narration popular in contemporary novels and the oral tone of voice in fairy tales. You can watch the video: Both Perhaps Present

He’s pictured here with Philippa’s daughter Sally and grandson Nat.

The photographer was Jill Paton Walsh.

After the lecture there was a wine reception. This lecture series is excellent value as it's free. Next year Malorie Blackman will be the speaker and the year after, Kevin Crossley-Holland. Pearce Lecture