The Buddha of Suburbia (1990) by Hanif Kureishi

 Nigel’s choices

Theme: England in the Seventies

READ: The Buddha of Suburbia (1990) by Hanif Kureishi 

On Thursday 5th September 2024 @ 7:45 pm we met at the Stirling Arms to discuss Nigel’s England In The Seventies themed choices

In July,  whilst discussing Time Shelter (2020) by Georgi Gospodino, Nigel mentioned he would go back to live in the 1970s and so it was HBG was invited to retreat back into the uncomplicated world of the 1970s

We all enjoyed The Buddha of Suburbia, indeed most of us absolutely loved it. Roland shocked the group by exclaiming that he “hasn’t enjoyed an HBG book in a long time” but enjoyed this one immensely.

The only slight note of dissension was from Hamish who was less convinced by the portrait of a mixed race teenager as he would have experienced even more racism than was depicted.

Through the protagonist, Karim Amir, Hanif Kureishi delves into the complexities of identity, race, and class in 1970s Britain. Karim's voice is candid and full of life, capturing the confusion and excitement of being a teenager trying to navigate two worlds: the traditional South Asian culture of his family and the freer, more chaotic British society.

We were hooked by the humour and sharp observations. Karim’s narration is engaging, his wit blending with an undercurrent of frustration. He’s a mixed-race kid in the suburbs, neither fully accepted by the white English nor fully comfortable in the Indian identity his father embraces. The way Kureishi handles this duality resonated deeply with us. We laughed at the absurdity of Karim's situations, but there were also times when we felt the weight of his alienation.

The novel doesn't shy away from depicting the messiness of life. Karim’s journey is full of contradictions—his desire for both acceptance and rebellion, his yearning for adventure, and his uncertainty about who he really is. Through his relationships, whether with his father Haroon (the self-proclaimed "Buddha of Suburbia") or his friends and lovers, Karim's world is laid bare. The shifting dynamics and the often awkward, sometimes painful interactions paint a vivid picture of the cultural and personal upheavals of the time.

Kureishi uses Karim's story to explore broader themes of displacement and belonging. The novel's backdrop, the post-colonial Britain of the 70s, with its simmering racial tensions and social changes, adds depth to Karim's internal struggles.

Kureishi's writing is sharp and unflinching. His ability to blend humour with poignant social commentary is one of the novel's greatest strengths. There’s an energy to his prose that kept us turning the pages, even during the slower parts of the narrative.

Kureishi’s exploration of identity, race, and social change through Karim's eyes is both entertaining and insightful. For anyone interested in a nuanced portrayal of 1970s Britain, infused with humour and heart, this book is a must-read.

Nick 9.75 / Tristan 9 / Nigel 9 / Keith 9 / Roland 10 / Robin 8 / Hamish 7

LISTEN: Jackie The Album compilation (2007) by Various Artists

Tristan described this as a bag of shite, Nick thought it was lazy, however the rest of us found plenty to enjoy. Roland was pleasantly surprised, Robin thought it was good fun, Hamish loved it, and Nigel revelled in it.

Nick - / Tristan 0 / Nigel 10 / Keith 9 / Roland 8 / Robin 5.5 / Hamish 8

WATCH: Clockwork Orange (1971) directed by Stanley Kubrick

The film, directed by Stanley Kubrick, takes you on a disturbing journey through the mind of Alex DeLarge, a young man who revels in violence and mayhem. What struck us most was the stark contrast between the grotesque acts of violence and the strangely beautiful, almost surreal, visual style that Kubrick employs. The juxtaposition of the classical music score, particularly Beethoven, with the brutality on screen, left us feeling a mix of revulsion and fascination.

Kubrick’s use of wide-angle shots and vivid, almost theatrical sets made the film feel like a twisted art piece, one that you can’t quite look away from even when you want to. The performances, especially Malcolm McDowell as Alex, are haunting. McDowell brings a sinister charm to Alex that makes him compelling, despite his despicable actions. This duality—where you’re repulsed by his actions but still drawn to his character—is something that lingers long after the credits roll.

The themes of free will, control, and the nature of evil are presented in a way that challenges you to think about society and the individual’s place within it. Watching *A Clockwork Orange* is like staring into the abyss and having it stare back at you

Nick 6 / Tristan 8 / Nigel 10 / Keith 8 / Roland 8 / Robin 6 / Hamish 7

HBG endorse it: 26th July 2024 - 5 September 2024

No Fit State Circus 

Dawn Penn (live music)

Arrested Development (live music) Taylor Swift (live music)

Damnation (Hungarian film)

Eric (Netflix)

Colin From Accounts 2nd series (BBC)

Brian and Charles (Netflix)

Kneecap film (Cinemas)

Age Against The Machine daytime club (Various venues)

Riders of Justice (Film - Channel 4)