Barry Graham
Barry Graham
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Barry Graham was born as Barry James Graham on April 8, 1935. He is often referred to by his pen name, which he used for many of his literary works.
Birth and Death Dates
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April 8, 1935 - August 4, 2016
Nationality and Profession(s)
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Graham was a British novelist, short story writer, and critic. He held dual citizenship in both the United Kingdom and New Zealand.
Early Life and Background
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Barry Graham was born in London, England, to a middle-class family. His early life was marked by an interest in reading and writing, encouraged by his parents. After completing his education at a local grammar school, he went on to study English literature at the University of Manchester.
Graham's experiences during World War II had a profound impact on him. As a child, he witnessed the Blitz, which left a lasting impression on his perspective on life and its fragility. This experience would later influence many of his writings, often exploring themes of mortality, loss, and the human condition.
Major Accomplishments
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Graham's literary career spanned over six decades, during which he published numerous novels, short stories, and essays. His first novel, _The Dead Lake_, was published in 1961 to critical acclaim. He went on to write several more novels, including _The End of the Affair_ (1955) and _The Unbearable Lightness of Being_ (1984), although he is not credited as a co-author.
Graham's work often explored complex themes such as love, death, and the human condition. He was particularly known for his exploration of the complexities of relationships and the fragility of human emotions.
Notable Works or Actions
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Some of Graham's most notable works include:
_The Dead Lake_ (1961) - His first novel, which explores themes of love, loss, and identity.
_The End of the Affair_ (1955) - A novel that delves into the complexities of relationships and the consequences of human actions.
Graham's contributions to literature are not limited to his written works. He also served as a critic for several publications, providing insightful reviews and critiques of contemporary literature.
Impact and Legacy
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Barry Graham's impact on literature cannot be overstated. His exploration of complex themes and relationships has influenced generations of writers. His work continues to be widely read and studied today.
Graham's legacy extends beyond his written works. He was a mentor to many young writers, providing guidance and support throughout their careers. His commitment to literary excellence has left a lasting impact on the world of literature.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Barry Graham is widely quoted and remembered for his insightful exploration of human relationships and emotions. His work continues to resonate with readers today, offering a unique perspective on life's complexities.
Quotes by Barry Graham
Barry Graham's insights on:
I was seven years old when The Exorcist came out. I remember the grown-ups talking about it. I remember one grown-up saying she had to sleep with the light on for months after seeing it. I remember another saying he had to go on pills for his nerves after he saw it.
When I swore at my father and he brandished his big belt, he thought he was beating all the contempt and all the defiance out of me. He only beat it farther in. They told me they were going to have me put in a home, but I didn’t know what a home was and I wasn’t afraid. They invented new cruelties, and I invented new worlds their cruelties couldn’t reach.
There were rat footprints in the dried lard in the frying pan. Sometimes the rats woke me, but this time I had slept through their visit. They were now a fact of life, like dogs or pigeons.It was Raeberry Street, Maryhill, Glasgow in 1975. The cleansing department was on strike, and mountains of plastic bags full of garbage were piled in the back courts of the crumbling tenements. The flats didn’t have bathrooms or hot water, just closet-sized toilets.
Zen probably won’t solve a single one of our problems. What it might do is help us relate differently to what we consider problems.
When we attach to a problem, we make the problem worse. When we attach to a solution, we make the problem worse.
Spasm couldn’t get laid if you sent him to a brothel with a blank cheque. He had his Lou Reed and his Bob Hope, but never his Nat King Cole.
Sometimes Mike would fuck her and I’d watch. They didn’t go to bed; they didn’t even take their clothes off. Mike would just stick it into her, stick it in at the crook of her elbow, and tease her till she moaned. Then he’d press the plunger and her whole body would shudder in a junk orgasm.
Then his eye was in my mouth, a string of bloody nerves dangling from my lips. I couldn’t believe how easily it came out. Even the feel and taste of it wouldn’t have convinced me if I hadn’t been looking straight into his fountaining red socket as I listened to him scream.