The Innocent

The Innocent by Ian McEwan
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

My feelings about this book changed many times during reading it. 2 1/2 is preferred rating.
Firstly I felt strong interest in the the spy story and complicated relations between British and US intelligence.
Then I got strongly bored with lengthy details of work progress, topography of Berlin etc.
Then my interest grew with introduction of a love affair. It was somehow tempered when elements of cruelty appeared in the story. I related them to other such cases in earlier books of this author - Cement Garden, Comfort of Strangers.
Additionally it looked like author did not know how to continue the story.
He resorted to cruelty again. I found it sometimes amusing, but also disgusting.
Finally the plot takes dramatic turn which I found quite smart, but all this was somehow wasted by the quite lackluster Postscript.

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In the shadow of viruses (3)

As promised a week ago I returned to Collingwood.

Before that I was contacted few times by City of Yarra with updates on state of the place of my concerns.
Personal vision confirmed these updates, see below...

Judging by belongings left on site, the occupant(s) feel safe here.

I appreciate practical approach of City of Yarra to presented issue, specifically in current time when there are many pressing issues.
Of course at the time of signalling this case I could not predict that it will coincide with Covid-19 disaster. On the other hand I hope that in its way it contributed to general health and safety.

In the shadow of viruses (2)

Week ago I reported HERE a dirty and  messy place very close to the school and a response I received from the local council (City of Yarra).
The response was quite positive - they assured me that they  "... will continue to clean and check it on regular basis".

Today, another Thursday, I hurried to the school to pick up my grandchildren and by the way to see the outcome of "cleaning... on regular basis".

Here is the update...

Well, how to say it?
Exactly same items were there on 18 Feb 2020. Including this particular loaf of bread.
Apparently my, old fashioned camera, missed all signs of regular cleaning.

Next report in a week time.

The Cockroach

The Cockroach by Ian McEwan
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

It started quite witty, but I had a worry.
The inspiration to this book, F. Kafka's Metamorphosis, was quite uninspiring for me.
Unfortunately, after some 20 pages, my worries were confirmed.
In my opinion this book is more a political pamphlet than a book.
Author so much enjoyed sarcasm, that he forgot about any substance to his story

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In the shadow of viruses

Every Thursday we pick up grandchildren from school.
2 weeks ago we noticed such a picturesque scene...

This is a car park owned/administered by a number of companies.
This place is just 20 m from the entrance to Collingwood College.

I was sure, that all this stuff  must have been brought here last night so, surely, it will be cleaned in few hours.

So I was quite astonished when I saw the same picture week later.

I wrote a report to City of Yarra Council with a copy to Collingwood College.
Next day I got a call from the school principal. He told me that he reports this problem regularly to authorities.
I got also a confirmation from City of Yarra, that they received my report.

Then, yesterday (5/3/20),  I saw ...

Actually this parking spot neighbours a shock absorber workshop. Maybe it is a part of the treatment?

After returning home I found a response from City of Yarra.

Here is a significant quote:

"...Council is aware that people have been sleeping rough at this site and we have been working closely with our local homelessness outreach service to engage with people at the site.

Whilst we have no current plans to move on any of the people at the site, we will continue to clean and check it on a regular basis.

 As the photos you have provided show a fair amount of food scraps present, we will aim to organise another clean of the site in the coming days..."

I highlighted most essential part - clean and check on regular basis.

I can assure you that the food in the trolley stays there from at least 18 Feb 2020.