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Modern Nature

Journals, 1989 - 1990

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Modern Nature

By: Derek Jarman
Narrated by: Julian Sands
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About this listen

A meditative and inspiring diary of Derek Jarman's famous garden at Dungeness.

In 1986 Derek Jarman discovered he was HIV positive and decided to make a garden at his cottage on the barren coast of Dungeness.

Facing an uncertain future, he nevertheless found solace in nature, growing all manner of plants. While some perished beneath wind and sea-spray, others flourished, creating brilliant, unexpected beauty in the wilderness.

Modern Nature is both a diary of the garden and a meditation by Jarman on his own life: his childhood, his time as a young gay man in the 1960s, his renowned career as an artist, writer and film-maker. It is at once a lament for a lost generation, an unabashed celebration of gay sexuality and a devotion to all that is living.

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The Pride List of Queer Storytelling

To mark Pride 2023 Audible teamed up with non-profit organisation, Out on the Page, supporter and champion of LGBTQIA+ writers and writing, to release an extensive Pride List of Queer Storytelling. Featuring contributions from some of the UK’s most important and exciting voices from the LGBTQIA+ community, this audiobook is one of the many featured on the list that is available to listen to on Audible.
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I was really surprised by how absorbed I became in this beautifully written book. Poignant compelling and unmissable.

Compelling narration bringing Jarman’s world to life by the late Julian Sands.

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I am listening to Modern Nature on repeat it is my diazepam. An optimist through everything that was thrown at him. A tragedy that we lost him so young. Julian Sands reading is perfect.

Humanity

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Sensitive thoughtful and wonderful writing. But the narration does not feel as human or flexible as the writing. It is a bit abrasive and with a hard tone, which means the meditative and reflective nature of Jarman’s diary is not able to be relaxed into.

Beautiful diary but not great narration

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If you are at all interested in art, London, alternative viewpoints ( and gardening ) you will love this.

Bittersweet, fascinating .

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This takes you onto the shingle of Dungeness to shelter among the vegetation (both native and introduced)and to cushion against the double tragedy of life under homophobia and death by HIV before successful treatment options became available. Yes, the narrator jars initially, but his abruptness of tone soon moulds the ear to the blunt realities of a difficult and fascinating life well lived.

Garden escapism

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