Fires Which Burned Brightly

The Times has praised it as "a wise and heartfelt piece of writing," while the Independent describes it as "witty." i Paper calls it "wry and reflective," noting its soulful exploration of a life expressed through words. Rory Stewart, author of "Politics on the Edge," describes it as "a wonderful portrait of an age, and of a writer." David Kynaston, author of "A Northern Wind," finds it "utterly fascinating." According to Alice Winn, author of "In Memoriam," it's "shot through with the kind of depth and detail that can only come from a masterful writer finally turning his pen to his own life. Fresh, wise, and finely-wrought." Mark Knopfler notes that Sebastian Faulks is as charming and humorous in schoolboy tales as he is thought-provoking in the more somber aspects of mental health, showing himself to be consistently resonant, civilized, and rational.In "Fires Which Burned Brightly," Faulks, who is initially hesitant to write a memoir, offers readers a vivid collection of life's moments as they unfold. These include recollections from a rural childhood in the post-war era, marked by the imagery of "cold mutton and wet washing on a rack over the range," the indulgent days of Fleet Street’s peak, and a celebrated career in literature. The narrative features not just one, but two daring escapes from boarding school, the surreal experience of an American book tour plagued by jetlag, and the creation of "Birdsong" at his brother's house in 1992. The book also recounts memorable journeys to France and thoughtfully examines politics, psychiatry, and unfulfilled forays into entertainment, all with patient, rueful humor.A central theme is the pursuit to "arrive where we started and know the place for the first time." The memoir concludes with a heartfelt homage to Faulks’s parents, reflecting on how his generation was shaped by the tumultuous impacts of war and its subsequent repercussions. "Fires Which Burned Brightly" is a perceptive work, imbued with generous wit, demonstrating subtle yet profound intelligence and warmth.Praise for Sebastian Faulks is widespread; The Sunday Times acknowledges his "great emotional authority," while The New York Times regards him as "a prodigiously talented writer." The Financial Times asserts his mastery, and The Sunday Telegraph considers him "the most impressive novelist of his generation."