Somewhere Becoming Rain

Somewhere Becoming Rain cover
Good Books rating 4.33
Buy online
Technical
  • ID: 2286
  • Added: 2025-10-13
  • Updated: 2025-10-13
  • ISBN: 9781529028836
  • Publisher: Pan Macmillan
  • Published: 2019-10-03
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Somewhere Becoming Rain is a comprehensive collection of Clive James's writings on Philip Larkin, one of the most celebrated poets of the twentieth century. James delves into Larkin's poetry, novels, jazz and literary criticism, and even his portrayal on stage, offering a nuanced perspective on the poet's legacy. The book challenges the often-misguided criticisms of Larkin's personal life, arguing that his genius was deeply intertwined with his flawed, human personality. /n/n Through insightful analysis and playful erudition, James celebrates Larkin's enduring impact on literature, making this book a must-read for admirers of both poets. The collection includes previously unpublished material, providing fresh insights into Larkin's work and the ongoing debate surrounding his reputation.

Reviews
Shiny New Books · 2025-10-13
compelling 4.50

The collection is praised for its stimulating mix of material, compelling for both Larkin enthusiasts and general readers who appreciate good writing. It highlights the unique perspective Clive James brings to Larkin's work.

This review highlights the book as a wonderful and stimulating mix of material, not just for Larkin lovers but for anyone who appreciates good writing. They emphasize that Clive James's insights are compelling and offer a unique perspective on Larkin's work. The reviewer appreciates the depth and variety of the content, making it a valuable read for a wide audience.


Quick quotes

    It's a wonderful and stimulating mix of material and absolutely compelling; not only for a Larkin-lover like me, I think, but for anyone who appreciates good ...

    James's argument is always the same: “All the evidence — and most of it is in his poetry — suggests that he could hear the fizz when light hit the window.”

    The everyday was his subject, and the voice was unmistakeable. It made misery beautiful.

Richard Carter's Blog · Richard Carter · 2020-07-01
delightful 4.00

The book is noted for its delightful cover design and the excellent collection of articles by Clive James, which provide a deep appreciation of Philip Larkin's work.

Richard Carter's review focuses on the book's delightful cover design and the excellent collection of articles by Clive James. They appreciate the depth and insight James brings to Larkin's work, making it a valuable read for those interested in Larkin's poetry. The reviewer finds the book to be a well-crafted and engaging collection.


Quick quotes

    It was designed by James's aforementioned daughter, and is one of the most delightful book covers I have ever seen.

    Clive James (sadly no longer with us) provides an excellent collection of his articles on ...

    James argues that Larkin's Sixties jazz reviews for the Telegraph – collected ...

The Independent · 2019-10-11
brilliant 4.50

The reviewer praises James's ability to write brilliantly about Larkin's focus on the everyday, making his misery beautiful through his unmistakeable voice.

This review highlights Clive James's brilliant writing about Philip Larkin's focus on the everyday. They appreciate how James makes Larkin's often miserable subjects beautiful through his unique and unmistakeable voice. The reviewer finds the collection to be a valuable and insightful read, showcasing James's deep understanding of Larkin's work.


Quick quotes

    And James writes brilliantly about that.

    The everyday was his subject, and the voice was unmistakeable.

    It made misery beautiful.