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In 1953, the brilliant but terrifying titan of cinema John Huston summons the young writer Ray Bradbury to Ireland. The apprehensive scribe's quest is to capture on paper the fiercest of all literary beasts -- Moby Dick -- in the form of a workable screenplay so the great director can begin filming. But from the moment he sets foot on Irish soil, the author embarks on an unexpected odyssey. Meet congenial IRA terrorists, tippling men of the cloth, impish playwrights, and the boyos at Heeber Finn's pub. In a land where myth is reality, poetry is plentiful, and life's misfortunes are always cause for celebration, Green Shadows, White Whale is the grandest tour of Ireland you'll ever experience -- with the irrepressible Ray Bradbury as your enthusiastic guide
A young writer finds himself caught between the demands of a volatile director and the enchanting, unpredictable spirit of Ireland while attempting to adapt a literary classic. Tasked with transforming Moby Dick into a screenplay, the protagonist navigates the intense, often erratic personality of John Huston. The narrative follows his immersion into the local culture, where he encounters a colorful cast of characters who challenge his perceptions of reality and storytelling. Written with a blend of memoir and fiction, the account captures the friction between the rigid requirements of Hollywood production and the fluid, myth-infused life of the Irish countryside.
This work is often viewed as a love letter to the author's time in Ireland, celebrated for its whimsical tone and rich character sketches. Readers frequently note the contrast between the high-stakes pressure of the film industry and the relaxed, poetic nature of the Irish setting. The narrative is appreciated for its ability to capture the essence of a specific time and place through the lens of a legendary writer's personal experience. It stands as a testament to the author's skill in blending autobiography with imaginative storytelling to create a distinct sense of place.
Page Count:
288
Publication Date:
1992-01-01
Publisher:
HarperCollins
ISBN-10:
0006476341
ISBN-13:
9780006476344
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