The Poet In Exile

I thought this novel was beautiful - it showed the love that Ray still holds for Jim. I don't think Ray had ever expressed his loss for Jim as eloquently as he managed to do in this tale. It's heartbreaking on one level, but the optimism rings through the darker moments.

What do you think? There's also a possible (and obvious!) conspiracy theory being begged by the book. Namely: Is Jim alive and does Ray know where he is?!?! I suppose if I was gonna fake my own death, I'd move to the Seychelles.

But I think the ultimate ending of the story is a representation (and maybe a prediction) about D21C/R.O.T.S. in that the myth and legend comes alive again for one last great outburst before the cruel fate of life snuffs it out again. That for me would be the most painful interpretation of all. But all things must pass in life I guess...

There, cheered mi'self up no end (not!). What did you all think of the novel?

Daniel

I loved the book. I feel the same way as you do with it showing Ray's loss of Jim.

I thought it was a bit of a self indulgent, yet interesting read Doorswise, and cathartic of some type for Mr. Manzarek.

Interweaving catharsis and being entertained by both literal and figurative allusions were most entertaining. I think there is a writer there, someplace, in addition to the keyboardist.

I was thrilled to see this. A warm glow of self indulgance, but what fan would not want to know how Ray thought Jim migt have matured.
The ending was alwys going to be difficult as was avoiding the subject (almost) of how Jim would not have been recognised consistently. But that did not matter. A great read for all doors fans.

Willie dixon

I loved it. I think it's a beautifully written story about what could have been. Ray is a very good storyteller.

I'm really glad that other people like the book. I think I'm well known to some members here for a bias towards Ray over the rest of the band, to the point where I might be seen as too soft a judge of Ray's work. I don't know 100% why Ray's always been my fave band member. Maybe it's 'cos my father was an organist who was a true entertainer like Ray is, and Ray reminds me on some level of the father I lost at 11, but this book indicated so strongly the warmth and sensitivity of a man, which is a precious thing to see in this life. Ray's often accused of being 'economic with the truth' or even overly generous with the truth, by some of his harsher and unreasonable critics, but there is a fundamental honesty of emotion that has shone so consistently through his public life that makes such criticisms appear ludicrously petty!

I think maybe that's it, Ray has the gift of being emotionally truthful to the world and in this book that talent is at it's most exposed.

I would love to see more from Raymond Daniel Manzarek, the author. I couldn't begin to guess what he'd write about next!

PK

Ray signed my copy of the book in La at the fest. I had not read it at the time, I bought it there.

I was really looking forward to reading this when it arrived at my door via Amazon in the first week it was released here in the UK
......but sadly it turned out to be very poorly written with a predictable plot and an ending that was obvious about a third of the way through.
Seemed more like an advert for the Seychelles than a novel.
Could have been a really cool book but Ray does not have the talent as a writer that he has as a musician.
Very pedestrian read............
Maybe this new novel Snake Moon that he is supposedly adapting from the screenplay his collaborator on LHM has written will be better....a ghost story set in the US Civil War.....sounds interesting

What makes you think it was poorly written?

What made the plotline predictable to you?

Why do you think Ray is a poor writer?

I look forward to hearing your answers Poetry...

PK

Well as I was expressing MY opinion and not YOURS which is why I use I and not you it reflected what I thought about the book and perhaps NOT what you thought of the book.
The plotline was predictable to me because I knew what the ending would be about a third of the way into the book..banal, hackneyed, cliched all these terms apply to the plot which along with its use of Doors history and Jody/Jim's lyrics made the whole excercise dull and ordinary.
He could not even bring himself to give John and Robby a decent pseudonym referring to them as the drummer and the guitar player but gave unoriginal ones to other periferal Doors characters. Even nicking Dog from Olly Stone.
His descriptions of the Seychelles came straight from a holiday brochure....his style of writing was one dimensional and characters were at best comic book carictures of perhaps real people.
The guy is a master of a keyboard but is certainly no writer which is why the book sank without trace and he does not even mention it anymore.
My opinion was it was a very poor effort and as I was expecting so much more I for one was very dissapointed.

But will you now take a trip to the Seychelles?
Dave

I may go there anytime after the next election, truth to tell!!!! But then, again, Ive made that threat before..

Which is why I was asking why YOU thought what you thought and not what I thought of the book! You have a wonderful way of insinuating and infering a different meaning to my posts!!! I will keep my guard up for sure.

Fair enough. If that's what you think, that's what you think. I just think you're wrong! Ha ha! Best book since The Bible IMHO!

Ray never mentions the book anymore. Maybe he doesn't mention the book, but he doesn't mention the song Unhappy Girl anymore. This doesn't mean he doesn't believe it to be a great piece of his work...

I for one am looking forward to more of Mr. Manzarek's literary contributions...keep writing Ray!

I was actually disappointed with the book.....very hokey....predictable storyline etc.

Do you remember when we were in Africa?

Well I think we all knew the storyline, afterall, it's non-fiction. I think most fans, myself included, enjoy Ray's storytelling style, and were looking for some stories we've never heard. I think his bio delivers there. Either way, I respect your opinion.
Dave