Up today on the Ramblings for #ReadIndies is a relatively recent discovery for me; a wonderful indie producing some fascinating and provocative texts in a variety of formats – Sublunary Editions. Based in Seattle in the USA, the publisher offers (like many indies) a subscription option; and that’s how I’ve been exploring their work over the last six months or so. I’ve written about some of their releases previously on the blog, but today I want to share a recent arrival in the form of an obscure work from an author I’ve read before: “Fragments from a Found Notebook” by Mihail Sebastian, translated from the Romanian by Christina Tudor-Sideri.
I discovered Sebastian when his seminal work, “For Two Thousand Years”, was finally issued in English translation by Penguin Modern Classics; and you can read my thoughts about that book here. There’s obviously a lot more to this author than just that one book, and if you check out Marina Sofia’s blog you’ll find more coverage of Sebastian. Suffice to say he was a playwright, essayist, journalist and novelist; a multi-talented man who suffered during the 20th century because he was Jewish, and died far too young.
To circle life as a spectator, to adjust it here, to prop it up there, to arrange it. Between a shrub that grows barbarically and a gardener with scissors and plans, my animal sympathy resides wholeheartedly with the first one.
As far as I’m aware, “Fragments…” was Sebastian’s first published work, released in 1932; and it’s making its debut here in English, so kudos to Sublunary for putting this out. The framing narrative is that the main text is taken from a notebook found by the River Seine in Paris, with the author merely the translator (and providing occasional notes to the text). The body of the work is indeed fragmentary; the writer (perhaps channelling his inner Barbellion) recounting parts of his life, episodes of ennui, and his general decadence and dissipation.
Friends and mistresses stayed with me somewhere, bonding to words I had not uttered, fooled by a shadow that was not me.
The writing is, of course, beautiful. And the atmosphere of the narrative oozes from the pages – Paris really is the perfect setting for a work of this kind! The question arises of course as to how much of the narrator was Sebastian himself, and that I can’t answer as I know little about the man and his life. What I *do* know, however, on the evidence of the two works I’ve read, is that he was a marvellous writer.
“Fragments…” is a fascinating read, one which is not necessarily a straightforward narrative, but which catches the thoughts of a man in a particular time and place, perhaps struggling with his sense of identity. I marked quite a number of passages or phrases which resonated, and could have stuck post-its on many more – which shows how much impact this has for such a short work. This is another marvellous release from Sublunary, who really do like to bring out such a wonderful selection of texts; and it’s definitely whetted my appetite to track down more work by Mihail Sebastian!
Feb 12, 2021 @ 07:23:23
Well, what can I say other than that I’m delighted you’ve fallen under Sebastian’s spell! Quite a few of his novels are now available in translation, and I’d really recommend his Journal as well.
Feb 12, 2021 @ 08:36:54
I thought you would be pleased… ;D I did love his novel but it’s taken me a while to explore further – and certainly the Journal is very appealing! 😀
Feb 12, 2021 @ 08:41:05
What an interesting sounding publisher, taking some risks there but hopefully reaping the rewards.
Feb 12, 2021 @ 09:38:23
They are – the fact that they’re prepated to take on all sorts of unusual texts, and to put them out in differing formats (one came via email recently!) is really intriguing and does add to the joy of never knowing quite what will come from them! 😀
Feb 12, 2021 @ 08:58:09
If you enjoyed this (which I must try to get a copy of) you should try Women, the latest in Penguin’s European writers series, a collection of linked short stories.
Feb 12, 2021 @ 09:36:19
I definitely should, Grant! I’ve loved what I’ve read of his writing so far so this would be a great way to explore further.
Feb 12, 2021 @ 14:53:19
I’ve taken a note of Sublunary before and now will go to explore this new to me author and the new one from Penguin European writers series, there’s a lot going on it seems!
Feb 12, 2021 @ 15:24:55
It does indeed – such a fascinating author and also fascinating publisher! 😀
Feb 12, 2021 @ 16:05:59
He’s a writer I’d definitely like to try at some point, having heard so many wonderful things about For Two Thousand Years. How enterprising of Sublunary to make this early work available – you’re making a very strong case for further exploration of their list!
Feb 13, 2021 @ 21:00:39
For Two Thousand Years was certainly something special and on the basis of this he certainly wasn’t a one book wonder. I’d definitely recommend trying his work if you can!
Feb 12, 2021 @ 17:43:10
Lovely to hear about yet another brilliant little publisher. I imagine this book is especially evocative for a particular time and place.
Feb 13, 2021 @ 11:41:03
They really are an inventive press, and this one was particularly fascinating. Everything I’ve read of theirs has been so interesting!
Feb 12, 2021 @ 19:27:57
Goodness, I didn’t realize Sublunary was in my backyard – they sort of remind me of a book version of the ‘zine publishers that were popular not so long ago. They are certainly doing some interesting work with what and who they publish.
Feb 13, 2021 @ 11:40:21
They are indeed, and I like what they do very much – such interesting texts and formats! 😀
Feb 13, 2021 @ 09:59:46
Firstly seems like a very inspired publishing house! Secondly I must read this author. Third this event is introducing me to so many such brilliant but not mainstream authors! Thanks You so much!
Feb 13, 2021 @ 11:39:00
Most welcome! I do think Sublunary are very inventive, and on the basis of the Sebastian books I’ve read I highly recommend him!
Feb 13, 2021 @ 19:41:13
This looks so wonderful, Kaggsy! Loved the quotes you shared! Will add this to my list. Love the publisher’s name, Sublunary 😊 Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Feb 13, 2021 @ 19:46:29
Very welcome Vishy! I love Sebastian’s writing and Sublunary are fab!
Feb 19, 2021 @ 19:02:34
I love the quotations you’ve cited. What would we curious readers do without such ambitious and dedicated publishers as these.
Feb 19, 2021 @ 19:44:56
Indeed – I love the unusual writers and formats Sublunary release!