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The River in the Sky
Clive James has been close to death for several years, and he has written about the experience in a series of deeply moving poems. In Sentenced to Life, he was clear-sighted as he faced the end, honest about his regrets. In Injury Time, he wrote about living well in the time remaining, focusing our attention on the joys of family and art, and celebrating the immediate beauty of the world.
When The River in the Sky opens, we find James in ill health but high spirits. Although his body traps him at home, his mind is free to roam, and this long poem is animated by his recollection of what life was and never will be again; as it resolves into a flowing stream of vivid images, his memories are emotionally supercharged ‘by the force of their own fading’. In this form, the poet can transmit the felt experience of his exceptional life to the reader.
As ever with James, his enthusiasm is contagious; he shares his wide interests with enormous generosity, making brilliant and original connections, sparking passion in the reader so that you can explore the world’s treasures yourself. Because this is not just a reminiscence, it’s a wise and moving preparation for and acceptance of death. As James realizes that he is only one bright spot in a galaxy of stars, he passes the torch to the poets of the future, to his young granddaughter, and to you, his reader.
A book that could not have been written by anyone else, this is Clive James at the height of his considerable powers: funny, wise, deeply felt, and always expressed with an unmatched power for clarity of expression and phrase-making that has been his been his hallmark.
When The River in the Sky opens, we find James in ill health but high spirits. Although his body traps him at home, his mind is free to roam, and this long poem is animated by his recollection of what life was and never will be again; as it resolves into a flowing stream of vivid images, his memories are emotionally supercharged ‘by the force of their own fading’. In this form, the poet can transmit the felt experience of his exceptional life to the reader.
As ever with James, his enthusiasm is contagious; he shares his wide interests with enormous generosity, making brilliant and original connections, sparking passion in the reader so that you can explore the world’s treasures yourself. Because this is not just a reminiscence, it’s a wise and moving preparation for and acceptance of death. As James realizes that he is only one bright spot in a galaxy of stars, he passes the torch to the poets of the future, to his young granddaughter, and to you, his reader.
A book that could not have been written by anyone else, this is Clive James at the height of his considerable powers: funny, wise, deeply felt, and always expressed with an unmatched power for clarity of expression and phrase-making that has been his been his hallmark.
- GenresPoetry
112 pages, Hardcover
First published September 6, 2018
26 people are currently reading
275 people want to read
About the author
Clive James
94 books289 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
An expatriate Australian broadcast personality and author of cultural criticism, memoir, fiction, travelogue and poetry. Translator of Dante.
An expatriate Australian broadcast personality and author of cultural criticism, memoir, fiction, travelogue and poetry. Translator of Dante.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
September 20, 2018
Finished: 20.09.2018
Genre: poem
Rating: A++++
#20BooksOfAutumn
Conclusion:
Absolutely stunning.... "The River in the Sky' by Clive James.
Cover by @claerwenjames his daughter.
This is an unforgettable journey through a maze of memories!
Review
Genre: poem
Rating: A++++
#20BooksOfAutumn
Conclusion:
Absolutely stunning.... "The River in the Sky' by Clive James.
Cover by @claerwenjames his daughter.
This is an unforgettable journey through a maze of memories!
Review
September 30, 2018
I read this aloud to my husband over the last couple of days. Sometimes we laughed and sometimes my voice caught with a more melancholic sense. I thoroughly recommend reading this aloud as James’s rhythm and language choice are very clever. It’s scholarly and academic as well as being, often in the same breath, personal and colloquial. It’s a book I’m sure I will revisit often.
March 6, 2019
I've admired Clive James for a long time, read a lot of his work, and I was embarrassed at botching my attempt at interviewing him a couple of years ago. But luckily, through the magic of social media, I just happened to be in the same chat group as his personal assistant, who was gracious enough to put me in touch with him and get to interview him after all. He's been terminally ill for years now, so his time is certainly short, but he also has been writing up a storm. Very inspiring!
So now he's written his own epic poem and I got to ask him about it. Lucky me! And lucky us that his erudite, cosmopolitan, witty and thoroughly unpretentious mind is still running.
Please enjoy my write up of the poem and my brief but spectacular convo with the man:
http://artsfuse.org/181213/author-int...
"When I started excitedly telling people that I was going to be interviewing none other than Clive James, I have to admit that I was a little surprised to find that most people hadn’t heard of him. Maybe it’s one of the pitfalls of being bookish; almost without being able to help it, you will inevitably be enthusiastic about books and authors that no one else has heard of, no matter how great they might be. In James’s case, the problem is probably more due to geography than anything else — James grew up in Australia but made his name in England, reading literature at Cambridge, as a journalist on Fleet Street, and on the BBC as a talk show host and globe-trotting documentarian. He lives in a small house near Cambridge and an enviable library with thousands of titles, many in each of the several languages he speaks...."
February 14, 2023
I am not usually much in favor of booklength modern poems, but the Clive-James-ness of this one was exquisite and I read the whole thing in two sittings. So perfectly balanced in such a seemingly natural way. And it made me curious to experience things, which was lovely.
(NB: I read an advance reading copy of this book, which was given to me by its publisher )
(NB: I read an advance reading copy of this book, which was given to me by its publisher )
December 15, 2018
A long poem from Clive James.This is reflective as much as it is descriptive of recent events in his life. It is also a journey into the way his mind works, sometimes drifting and other times leaping from person to country to experience. Each new book by him is a joyful pleasure, even give the circumstances of his illness, and I am now going to search out all I can from his past publications. Stay strong Clive and carry on with what you do so well!
May 18, 2021
Reflections and lessons learned:
“If my ashes end up in an hour-glass I can go on working.
Patterns of gravity
Will look like writing”
A conscious stream of thought from an educated, widely lived, but relatable man. This took quite a few pages to get into but as I read it whilst feeling unwell myself I started to get into the groove of life and death (I had a cold whereas James knew that his life was coming to an imminent end)
“Just as in this poem
The long path of narration
Is nothing but a forest”
Further shared reading coincidences and matches - fever dream tie in about Australia - a seemingly shared affinity to a love of music, learning, books (and books about JFK), West wing and Donna/Stockard Channing change episodes... why am I thinking so much about Australia in the last 6 months?
I listened to Tank Park Salute to match in with the sadness and reflections on the effects of death but there were so many things that James was trying to understand in comparison - his life was a 10000 piece puzzle that he was mostly able to put together in a magnificent reading of his own life
“My world is closing in on me, and soon
The time must come when most of the exploring
Will be done by you, if it is not confined”
“If my ashes end up in an hour-glass I can go on working.
Patterns of gravity
Will look like writing”
A conscious stream of thought from an educated, widely lived, but relatable man. This took quite a few pages to get into but as I read it whilst feeling unwell myself I started to get into the groove of life and death (I had a cold whereas James knew that his life was coming to an imminent end)
“Just as in this poem
The long path of narration
Is nothing but a forest”
Further shared reading coincidences and matches - fever dream tie in about Australia - a seemingly shared affinity to a love of music, learning, books (and books about JFK), West wing and Donna/Stockard Channing change episodes... why am I thinking so much about Australia in the last 6 months?
I listened to Tank Park Salute to match in with the sadness and reflections on the effects of death but there were so many things that James was trying to understand in comparison - his life was a 10000 piece puzzle that he was mostly able to put together in a magnificent reading of his own life
“My world is closing in on me, and soon
The time must come when most of the exploring
Will be done by you, if it is not confined”
January 20, 2019
I thought that I was vanishing, but instead
I was only coming true:
Turning to what, in seeming to end here,
Must soon continue
As the rain does the moment that it falls.
Throughout this book, Clive James showed that he is a master of prosody. The words seemed to flow effortlessly, like a river, relentlessly carrying you forth as you read through the poem, and I think that was the main reason I was able to persist. As I read, there were sections of absolute beauty that resounded through my soul, filling it with joy. At other times, when I had no idea who the people he mentioned were, or was not familiar with the literary references, the rhythm and music of his writing provided enough impetus to carry me through.
James is an incredibly talented writer, and we can be thankful that he has not yet ‘vanished’ but instead continues. In both cases, when I read ‘Sentenced to Life’ and ‘Injury Time’, I thought it would be his final work. Is ‘The River in the Sky’ his last book? Time will tell ...
I was only coming true:
Turning to what, in seeming to end here,
Must soon continue
As the rain does the moment that it falls.
Throughout this book, Clive James showed that he is a master of prosody. The words seemed to flow effortlessly, like a river, relentlessly carrying you forth as you read through the poem, and I think that was the main reason I was able to persist. As I read, there were sections of absolute beauty that resounded through my soul, filling it with joy. At other times, when I had no idea who the people he mentioned were, or was not familiar with the literary references, the rhythm and music of his writing provided enough impetus to carry me through.
James is an incredibly talented writer, and we can be thankful that he has not yet ‘vanished’ but instead continues. In both cases, when I read ‘Sentenced to Life’ and ‘Injury Time’, I thought it would be his final work. Is ‘The River in the Sky’ his last book? Time will tell ...
September 17, 2025
Going with the flow
Clive James gives us the latest installment of his thoughts as he heads towards (what he thinks of as) oblivion: diagnosed with leukemia at the close of the noughties, he's kept on working as hard as he can since then, producing half-a-dozen books of essays, poetry and translation. The valedictory note is strong in those poems, and is amplified in this epic as he reflects on his life and his enthusiasms. Everything gets thrown in: opening the pages at random unearths references to Stefan Zweig, Abu Simbel, Maurice Chevalier, Thelonius Monk, Luna Park, Elle Macpherson, Patrick Leigh Fermour and François de Cuvilliés. In spite of what at times looks like a ramshackle construction (perhaps chosen to mimic the way in which one memory suggests another), it all hangs together, although any readers who suspect that the author belongs in Pseud's Corner won't find anything here to change their minds. Not, of course, that he would care about that.
Originally reviewed 21 December 2018
Clive James gives us the latest installment of his thoughts as he heads towards (what he thinks of as) oblivion: diagnosed with leukemia at the close of the noughties, he's kept on working as hard as he can since then, producing half-a-dozen books of essays, poetry and translation. The valedictory note is strong in those poems, and is amplified in this epic as he reflects on his life and his enthusiasms. Everything gets thrown in: opening the pages at random unearths references to Stefan Zweig, Abu Simbel, Maurice Chevalier, Thelonius Monk, Luna Park, Elle Macpherson, Patrick Leigh Fermour and François de Cuvilliés. In spite of what at times looks like a ramshackle construction (perhaps chosen to mimic the way in which one memory suggests another), it all hangs together, although any readers who suspect that the author belongs in Pseud's Corner won't find anything here to change their minds. Not, of course, that he would care about that.
Originally reviewed 21 December 2018
September 6, 2019
As his long and fulfilled life draws to a close, Clive James has entered one of his most prolific and productive phases. Several top-notch collections of poems and now this, a book-length epic poem in which he reflects on his life and the single event that marked him more than any other, the death of his father, who, having survived the brutalities of a Japanese POW camp, perished when the plane that was bringing him back home crashed. It's a free-flowing, incantatory, often dreamlike work with a simple message at its heart: the experience of being alive is a marvellous thing, and the world has so much to offer that a life lived fully and well makes its anticipated end something not to be feared.
July 14, 2019
This is a very rich, very dense book length poem that deals with Clive James coming to terms with his impending death in a very honest, intelligent and heartfelt way. It was at times, a little over my head - there are many references that I was just not familiar with, and perhaps to fully appreciate this book I would need to do some serious research first. But it didnt spoil my overall enjoyment of the book, and like his other collections of poetry, Clive has a wonderful way with words and phrases.
A great book, but be prepared to make lots of notes of things to look up after you've finished reading it!
A great book, but be prepared to make lots of notes of things to look up after you've finished reading it!
January 10, 2020
James' poetic swansong, a stream-of-consciousness epic meditation on his remaining time on earth, drifting in through memories of his rich life and the small joys that make his treatment bearable, whether it's discovering the treasure trove of YouTube or the pleasures of his granddaughter's cooking. Sad to think there will be no more but a dignified final bow; your voice will be missed Mr James.
September 13, 2020
This is such a beautiful read. I laughed and cried and when I finished it I felt bereft. What a wonderfully intelligent and witty writer. I have paused to look up so many references along the way. I have listened to music you have mentioned and looked up names that I didn’t know or had forgotten. I feel like I have been gifted so much from this poem. Thank you Clive. You will be sorely missed xxx
August 4, 2022
Although not a poetry reader, I am a Clive James reader. This was wonderful, love the way his mind moves, his reflections on the life lived, the power of words and ailing body. Very moving.
“Books are the anchors.
Left by the ships that rot
away. The mud
The anchors like in is
one’s recollection
Of what life was, and
never, late or soon,
Will be again.”
“Books are the anchors.
Left by the ships that rot
away. The mud
The anchors like in is
one’s recollection
Of what life was, and
never, late or soon,
Will be again.”
September 14, 2018
Stunning.
As you’d expect from the mighty Clive James, the writing is beautiful, the themes are magnificent and the scale is nonetheless human.
To read such a poem from one’s greatest hero is hard, but uplifting - I loved every single page.
As you’d expect from the mighty Clive James, the writing is beautiful, the themes are magnificent and the scale is nonetheless human.
To read such a poem from one’s greatest hero is hard, but uplifting - I loved every single page.
December 6, 2018
A book length poem of James musing over his life, following the thread of memory wherever it goes. If this is the one he goes out on then he didn't waste his time with it. Lots of reminiscing over favourite music and art and literature and Australian landscapes.
wish-list
December 3, 2019In TheRiverInTheSky: CliveJames writes of meeting PatrickLeighFermor, "the great adventurer ..... hard wired for seduction until he was nearly ninety" and whose "winning ways worked in every language"
September 18, 2021
I greatly enjoyed this free-flowing poem written by a dying man but full of memories, passions, and jokes. My blog:
https://richardswsmith.wordpress.com/...
https://richardswsmith.wordpress.com/...
December 9, 2019
More reflections concerning the 'end of life'. Clive James's reflections and memories merge into his agile prose. Best to read in one go if you can.
December 31, 2019
Evocative and eliptical with a sweet poignancy about the moments that stayed with James till the end. The blind tango dancer in Buenos Aires will now stay with me too.
January 11, 2020
Although I had to google a number of the references to famous people and places etc. I really enjoyed my first venture into poetry. Funny, moving and a worthwhile read.
January 19, 2020
Beautiful, reflective work
I could hear Clive James reading this book in my head, a beautiful reflective work on parts of his life, his father often mentioned.Very enjoyable.
I could hear Clive James reading this book in my head, a beautiful reflective work on parts of his life, his father often mentioned.Very enjoyable.
January 21, 2020
Beautiful writing but often beyond me with all his classical allusions.
April 18, 2020
An unforgettable autobiographical journey - narrative poetry at its absolute best.
May 4, 2020
Australian author and poet who wrote poetry about his many memories.
January 16, 2022
I need to come back and read this after learning more about Clive James. There were too many references that went over my head.
February 20, 2022
A wonderfully lyrical confrontation with death. Drifty.
September 22, 2022
No words….how can my words follow his?
January 2, 2025
Goodsreads reading challenge stats-padders, heed my call. Let me tell you, long poems are your friend.
January 18, 2020
I’ve never found epic poems that easy to read, but this gives a fascinating insight into Clive James, his experiences and inner thoughts. It just flowed from his youth, his life, his loves, his end. Thought provoking.
December 17, 2021
read: dec 2021
utterly gorgeous!!! but personally, could have done with a tiny bit more structure or chapters (?) bc there really was never a natural wrapping up of ideas and some things got lost & some anecdotes never concluded in a satisfying way
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dnf: feb 2021
erm i just don’t get it! it’s really pretty tho! putting a pin in it, DNF like 20 pages in
utterly gorgeous!!! but personally, could have done with a tiny bit more structure or chapters (?) bc there really was never a natural wrapping up of ideas and some things got lost & some anecdotes never concluded in a satisfying way
---
dnf: feb 2021
erm i just don’t get it! it’s really pretty tho! putting a pin in it, DNF like 20 pages in
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews