Making an Elephant: Writing from Within

by Graham Swift

In his first ever work of non-fiction, the Booker Prize-winning author of "Last Orders" and "Waterland" delivers a warm and generous account of what has influenced and inspired him over the years. As a novelist, Graham Swift delights in the possibilities of the human voice, imagining his way into the minds and hearts of an extraordinary range of characters. In "Making an Elephant", his first ever work of non-fiction, the voice is his own. As generous in its scope as it is acute in its observations, this highly personal book is a singular and open-spirited account of a writer's life.Swift brings together a richly varied selection of essays, portraits, poetry, and interviews, full of insights into his passions and motivations, and wise about the friends, family, and other writers who have mattered to him over the years. Kazuo Ishiguro advises on how to choose a guitar, Salman Rushdie arrives for Christmas under guard, and Ted Hughes shares the secrets of a Devon river. There are private moments, too, with long-dead writers, as well as musings on history and memory that readers of Swift's novels will recognize and love. A journey through place and time, "Making an Elephant" is a book of encounters, between a son and his father, between an author and his younger selves, between writer and reader, and between friends. It brims with charm and candour, and tells of alertness to experience and a true engagement with words; in short, with what it means to feel that writing and reading are an essential part of living.

Genres: Nonfiction, Essays, Writing, Memoir, Biography, British Literature, 21st Century

402 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2004

About the author

Graham Colin Swift is a British writer. Born in London, UK, he was educated at Dulwich College, Queens' College, Cambridge, and later the University of York.

Reviews

[Bill]

In the introduction to this book, Graham Swift states that it started out as simply a collection of non-fiction pieces but that it ended up being somewhat of an autobiography as well. In my opinion it didn't really succeed on that level at all. I really didn't learn all that much about his life from this book other than he's a writer, has quite a few other writers as friends, and drinks quite a bit. For example early on in the book he mentions that he found the love of his life and married her and that's the last time she's mentioned in 400 pages.

Unfortunately, I wasn't all that enamored by the essays for the most part either. Several of them were transcripts of interviews, which I found to be quite boring. In fact I found the book as a whole to be uninteresting. Even though I've only read two of his novels, I think he should stick to fiction.

[Ryan]

Reading Making an Elephant is like probing gaps in the sofa. You’ll find old tickets and lint ('Looking for Jiri Wolf: Prague, 1989', 'Guildhall Farce: 1983'), scraps of useless paper (all the poetry). But you'll find pound coins too. For me the pound coin pieces all delve into the simple things in life - visiting Santa's Grotto, fishing, reading Isaac Babel for the first time. The best concerns Swift's early days as a writer and the encouragement of Alan Ross, the man who pulled him out the slush pile and published his early stories in The London Magazine.

This book not be for everyone, but anyone who cares about the work of Graham Swift should be proud to own a copy of this guided tour around his workshop. And if you don't, treat yourself to a copy of The Sweet Shop Owner and start immediately.

[Wiebke (1book1review)]

This took forever to read, not because I didn't like it, but it was something I could put down easily. I think it is a nice read for people who like his writing and his books. I personally enjoyed to read about his attitude and thoughts of writing itself.

However I would not recommend this to anyone unfamiliar with his work.

(I also have to admit I skipped most of the poetry, wasn't for me)

[Liz]

This isn't really about writing at all, nor is it about Graham Swift (which is a shame, because he's one of my favourite writers and I'd love to know how he does it). It is, however, a fairly interesting collection of essays, often involving encounters with other members of the literati. What pushes it up to four stars, for me, is the beautiful memoir of Swift's father, which illuminates what must have been a rather quiet (but important) life and makes it feel very special.

[Sandra]

In a word, "rewarding". This a gift, and although I have four of Graham Swift's novels on my bookshelf - propelled to buy after loving 'Waterland' - I had no idea what to expect from it. Much made me think of my childhood, my relationship with my parents, how life was then lived, which was immediately turned round to wonder how, what impact, we, as parents had on our children. I also received the impression Swift, in many ways, is a far more serious writer than I, but the whole of it, telling of his friends and encounters and approach to life and to writing, has left me eager to re-read those four again. (and maybe buy more.)

[Karen]

I've never read any Swift, so my intentions in picking this book were less than honourable: I had a couple of hours, and very little cash, to spend in town and this hardback was £2.99 in a discount bookshop.



I've always maintained that rudeness and arrogance are my most hated characteristics in people and thankfully Swift comes across as the absolute antithesis of these. Although it is a collection of previously published work, it is not just lazily chucked together nor, worse, presented as something new. Rather, Swift has considered, re-read and edited these earlier pieces and prefaced each with a charming conversational introduction, so that the whole flows together beautifully.



He acknowledges his successes and is phlegmatic about his not-quite-successes without a hint of false modesty.



The bad news? That's another two books on my Must Read List in 'Waterland' and 'Last Orders'.

[Tuklas Pahina (TP)]

Ang pakikisalamuha ng awtor sa kanyang buhay, personal, paglalakbay, at pakikipagkapuwa tao sa isang awtor na nagsilbing isa sa naka-impluwensiya sakaniya sa kanyang pagsusulat.

Mga hindi pangkaraniwang bagay na ginagawa na niya sa ngayon dahil sa pakikisalamuha sa isang kapwa awtor.

mas lumalim ang kayang pananaw at ideya upang magsulat ng nobela, tula at mga kwento patungkol sa kapaligiran at kanyang personal na dinanas.

[Antje]

Strange experience. I prefer his fiction which curiously seems much more authentic than this collection of essays, poems, autobiographical writing. I occasionally cringed with embarrassment at the sense of trying to hard. And my inner voice begged him not to but he did - call Salman Rushdie Father Christmas.

[Bookguide]

Read in Dutch, ‘Het hart van onze Nicky’. Ultimately unsatisfying because I’d expected a novella, but it turned out to be three short pieces. What’s more, after reading it and writing my review in English, I idly perused some of the English reviews and realised they were reviewing a different book! Whereas the English version contains far more essays and poetry too, the Dutch version seems like an exercise in translation that was inexplicably published (because it received a grant?). It only contains one story and two essays.

The first was a short story about the impact of the decision of whether or not to donate the heart of a young man who had died in a motorbike accident (Nicky) on his parents and his older brother, a vet who was consulted as the clever one and on the two other brothers who were not involved in the decision. The story ends rather abruptly, especially if you’re expecting the rest of the book to carry on.

The second section are some reflections on fishing, nature and, as a young author, meeting a famous and respected older poet, Ted Hughes, as a fellow fisherman rather than as a writer. This part was least interesting to me.

The third part was a slightly long winded but interesting account of how Graham Swift, on a business trip to Prague, was asked by his agent to try to find something about a dissident author who had written about his incarceration and persecution under the Communist regime. Arriving as Czechoslovakia was in the throes of revolution during the Prague Spring, Swift did his utmost to find him. After a multitude of false starts, he begins to doubt if he wants to be found, if he is not putting him in danger by asking about him and wonders if his writing is even worth the effort of rediscovering. Are the campaigners in the West misinterpreting the situation and supporting inferior writing that fits their own narrative while ignoring those who are more worthy but have managed to escape oppression by either cooperating with the regime, emigrating or simply keeping a low profile? This part made the book worthwhile for me, especially as my son had just returned from Prague and had talked about the famous bridge and castle. I also discovered that the road leading to the castle is named after the poet Jan Neruda (Nerudova Street); the Chilean poet Pablo Neruda adopted his name to honour him.

[Steve Mayer]

I have loved Graham Swift's fiction ever since Waterland, which I still think more than thirty years later is one of the best books I've ever read. Some of his books are better than others, esp. Last Orders. And some (Tomorrow) are clinkers. But he's always interesting and sometimes deep.

Which brings me to this book. I don't think anyone would like it who isn't a fan; it's just not that intrinsically interesting. But his fans will not be surprised to learn that the preoccupations of books like Waterland and Last Orders cut deep. A sense of place, and its importance. A sense of mystery, and of how the ordinary often hides--just a stroke away!--the extraordinary and wonderful. The importance of stories for what it means to be human. If at times the modesty seems a little too precious, or the authorchat too bibulous, there are many sharp insights into places and writing, and the relationship between them.

Perhaps the best compliment I can give this is that it made me want to pluck from my unread-book shelf his latest collection of short stories, the only book of his I haven't read.

[Tony Lawrence]

I like the structure and easy pace and readability of this, not a memoir or autobiography of a writer but a composite of a writing life told in essay form. The ‘elephant’ analogy is a good way to explain the inexplicable. Swift has cleverly curated chronological set of interviews and other material - with some context and new material. The main narrative is his journey as a novelist, his writing style, writerly friends, films (Waterland & Last Orders), fishing (as a non-writing hobby!), influences (Isaac Babel, Montaigne), and few more personal, but relevant, chapters in his life. This is not a self-congratulatory vanity project; he comes across as a person you would like to know, a real modest person - albeit with a unique talent - with ordinary interests and experiences.

The final credit for this book is an increased desire to finish reading his books and see the films, I'm sure the outcome Swift would prefer rather than knowing the minutia of a writers private life.

[Sandi]

In this book Graham Swift stiches together essays, portraits, poetry, and reflections he has done over the years to produce a memoir of sorts. This collection left me very keen to read one of his novels. Brilliantly written pieces — a joy to read. Lots about being a writer and writing but many other interesting observations. Especially enjoyed Making an Elephant, Reading Aloud and An Introduction to Florio’s Montaigne. An unconventional book and maybe not for everyone but for me a rewarding read.

[Menno Beek]

Hmmm. After reading 'Here we are', about the magician, I knew I head to read more Swift, and because I'm rather into non-fiction as well these days I ordered his essay-collection.

The man is a good writer, so the style and readability are quite ok, but the interviews I thought a bit tame and the subjects of his essays a bit mundane, if not to say boring. The stuff about his young man travels to Greece is quite good, but the lengthy bits about filming Waterland are not. I bought some new fiction from the man, forever hopeful.

[Amashi De Mel Hersh]

I thought I would love this book, as I've enjoyed every other book I've read written by the author - however, upon reading more into the book I found myself unable to connect with the author and found myself forcing to get through the book. Which is why I decided to stop reading it completely.
I'll read any other books of Swift's in a heartbeat, just not this.

[Vicky]

Like the curates egg I found this book good in parts. I found parts of it somewhat disjointed, and some parts to be rather self indulgent. All in all it was a bit of a slog, and I was glad, rather than sorry, to finally finish it!

[Susy]

Just not my kind of story and writing. If it hadn't been such a short book I wouldn't have finished....

[James Martin]

As much as I love Swift’s other work, I didn’t care much for this one. Some of the pieces are brilliant. Others, pedantic. Even for a fan, it’s a slog.

[J.S. Watts]

Insightful and entertaining

[Tracy]

I just couldn't get into it.

[Imogen]

Generally not a fan of a memoir but I’ll make an exception for this one

[Ken Mitten]

This collection of non fiction from novelist Graham Swift has some interesting moments and attempts to shed light on how one writes a novel- how an artist creates.
That said. It feels- possibly unintentionally- self serving and repetitive.
I did read it very quickly but do not recommend it.

[Smiley]

I first came across Graham Swift's "Learning to Swim" published in a CUP series in 1997 but I decided to buy Virginia Woolf's "A Room of One's Own" instead. I didn't buy or read his novel because it was quite unfamiliar to me.

Then last month I saw this book in some bookstores, its cover reveals him as 'Author of the 1996 Booker Prize Winner, Last Orders'. I like its fonts large enough for me to read enjoyably so I kept reading and understood more on how he works or thinks as a novelist. I think a new writer can learn from his views and experience. As an admirer of Montaigne myself, I'd like to recommend his last topic to you so that you'd learn more about this great essayist. In fact, Montaigne's essays have since been classified as a new, innovative genre in literature.

There're also his poems for you to browse. I rarely read poems but I like his "On the Bridge" since it denotes our nostalgic memories somewhere in the past, in other words, we can't help recalling those rare moments with lingering fondness and appreciation.

06/14/2011 page 322
80.0% "I like to see my readers, it's good to know they're there. That they should appear at all on a wet winter's night is really quite miraculous. And an encouraging word from one of them is worth more than anything the literary pages can afford. (p. 286)"
06/15/2011 page 366
91.0% "Such privileged moments have the magic of making you feel as a human being - it's a paradoxical privilege - secondary, if not superfluous, to the general animal world. Ted's 'animal poems' have the salutary human effect of reminding us that we are just one component in a throng. (pp. 327-28)"
06/18/2011 page 377
94.0% "By doing anything that you fundamentally love to do, you are going to suffer for it too, it's going to be painful at times. Love is like that - it's not just a wonderful thing, it's demanding. (p. 377)"

[Deryck Hodge]

This book on his life and writing is good, though not as good as other books I've read like this. I enjoyed the personal passages about his life, more than the thoughts on his craft. The chapter written on his father's death stands out as a moving essay.

I have always been a fan of Graham Swift's fiction, so as a fan, I enjoyed this book. It's not as good as others like this I've read. Art Objects by Jeanette Winterson is better by a contemporary British author, and Mystery and Manners by Flannery O'Connor is a great example by an American author. Still, fans of Swift and other writers might enjoy this.

Every time I read a book like this, I wish for more books like this in my field (computer programming, for those who don't know me). I would love to read from great hackers on how they became the person they are, how life has affected craft, and so on.

[sisterimapoet]

I spent many wonderful afternoons dipping into this collection. And each time I spent time in Mr Swift's company I felt I came to know him a little better, and love him a little more. I liked learning about how writing fits into his life, and how his life fits into his writing. It has made me want to read everything he's ever written! And it's made me want to write. Job done!

[Jessica]

I LOVED this collection! In particular, two chapters that focused on his feelings on becoming a writer, his description of the struggle involved and how he worked through it in his 20s. Resonated with this 20-something here. :)

[Jacqueline]

work of non-fiction about writers and writing.

[Snakes]

Simply put...sometimes the author's work is much more interesting than the author themselves...or their personal thoughts outside the form of the novel.

[Debbie]

Interesting thoughts from one of my favorite writers.

[Emily Pinto]

Wonderful variety! Graham Swift is a poet as well as a prose writer. This selection proves it!