Louis de Bernieres Collection Offers Glimpse into Author's 'Real Human Being' Life
A new book compiles nine years of the celebrated author's Facebook posts, revealing his wit, melancholy, and sharp observations.
Author Louis de Bernieres, known for bestsellers like "Captain Corelli's Mandolin," has released a collection of his online writings, offering a candid look at his daily life and thoughts.
The book gathers nine years of posts from a Facebook page the author started in 2015. His account was abruptly shut down in 2024 for allegedly breaching community standards, an offense he could not ascertain. De Bernieres has noted this situation reflects a broader concern about handing over the world to artificial intelligence.
The compilation showcases the same charm found in his fictional works, blending whimsy, humor, melancholy, and a generous humanity, seasoned with pointed opinions.
De Bernieres's candid reflections touch on various aspects of his life, from personal habits and health observations to encounters and opinions on social issues. He humorously notes his ongoing efforts to manage his health, stating, "My cholesterol and blood sugar levels have gone up again, despite cutting back on booze to only one bottle day and having red meat only seven times a week."
The writings offer a departure from curated social media feeds, presenting a "real, and very likeable, human being." De Bernieres shares intimate details, such as being alone with his cats and checking the fridge for un-mouldy items, alongside navigating everyday tasks like school runs, leaky roofs, and shopping trips. He even admits to enjoying looking at "pretty girls" during shopping excursions and struggling with toenail maintenance.
His collected musings also reveal a willingness to engage with contemporary debates, as seen in his wry commentary on figures like Germaine Greer and his experience of being removed as patron of the British Mandolin and Guitar Federation for a joke about Scottish independence.
Despite a life that might appear successful with literary events and travel, de Bernieres is disarmingly honest about his internal struggles, stating, "I would like to reassure all of you that, despite appearances to the contrary, I am often a miserable old git, with entire weeks of feeling extremely melancholy."
The collection is described as a delightful, funny, and warm-hearted read that provides a genuine connection with the author beyond his acclaimed novels.