Mother London - who is Uncle Mikey?

[DomP]

Hi
I recently read this fine book, I started it on the 220 bus going down Shepherd's Bush Road past the Mansions, on the way to Putney Bridge, actually.

As a b&b Londoner of N10 birth and resident of W10, and a past lover of Corum, Hawkmoon and the various JCs, I am still cogitating the identity of the kid at end of the book.

I'll cut to the chase. Mike, can you direct to an interpretation of the "The Celebrants".

Thanks! Love this place, will investigate when time allows... and make useful contributions, hopefully.

[Michael Moorcock]

Well, he's not really me. But he could have been. The kid closest to me in the book is, of course, Mummery. Much of his childhood experience and enthusiasms are taken from my own. The uncle in Downing Street is based on two uncles, one who was at Downing Street, the other who worked for Purdy's the gunsmiths and read Westerns. Both favourite uncles. The other kid is a sort of incarnation of London, the other end, as it were of Old Non (note anagram)...

[DomP]

You know, I missed the Old Non anagram... !

The kid at the end certainly, for me, symbolised the new generation of London, rising from the dark tunnels of the old. I felt I had missed something though in the final chapter, as to who he actually was. I imagine he's escaped from the gypsies that live under the Westway by the M41.

Joseph Kiss is an exceptional character, not unlike some people I have met in the Priory, (Abbey).

I took my year-old son on a walk by the canal to see if Bank Cottage was there... But there's a huge void between the gas works and the Sainsbury's awaiting development.

Your description of the Blitz really opened my eyes to that part of London history I had previously not appreciated (being a child of the 60s). It really is a must read book (if any of you out there have not read it).

[Michael Moorcock]

Much obliged. The boy isn't from the Westway. He's just a
needy boy who, as you say, represents the future -- reflecting my optimism!
You know the Priory, do you ? Mervyn Peake was there for a while, as was Bob Calvert. Pity it's not likely to have a book about it. A sort of Chelsea Hotel at the end of its tether...?

[DomP]

Didn't know about Peake being in the Priory, not familiar with Bob Calvert yet.

It's a fascinating place. Yes, I was a "guest" there a few times when my psyche went walkabout in the Multiverse. Along with some members of the aristocracy, a music promoter who I read later committed suicide (I hope the family got a refund) and a young actress I used to drool over. When I saw her eating dinner opposite, the drooling started all over again... I think during my second visit I was reading the Dancers at the End of Time. Seemed appropriate for me! What a fantasy to be able to create what ever I imagined.

I guess you must have some insights into how the rational scientists categorise the specially sighted. I am writing a novel of my own, and, before I read Mother London (which was only last year) I was going to include a hospital in my story called the Abbey. I wanted to parody The Priory so I thought that would be enough to hide its identity. The fact it was also in SW15 was just a coincidence. So maybe the Priory will get its book...

[Michael Moorcock]

I've had problems re. Priory. I think they rely far too much on filling people up with psychiatric drugs. Some need some drug treatment, of course, and I'd never say you can get better without drugs sometimes, but all Calvert needed was long walks in the country to make him sleep.
Mervyn wasn't happy there and it was very miserable visiting him. He was there for quite a long time before being transferred to the care of his brother in law who had a home for Altzheimer's patients. Bob was in and out of the place, sometimes before the law fingered his collar. But I don't think it did good for either. I would say use the location and the name you suggest. They can't sue you if you don't use the actual name.
Well, they haven't sued me yet, anyway....

[DomP]

He's just a needy boy who, as you say, represents the future -- reflecting my optimism!

Hi... but what I don't get (going back to Mother London) is where the kid comes from? Is he alluded to in previous chapters? Who's his mum? Mary? And his dad...? Joseph... (just got the Joseph and Mary thing too ...)

Much oliged!

[Michael Moorcock]

I thought all that was explained about his dad and mum and so on. Isn't he the lad you first see in chapter one, getting off the bus ? Trouble is I haven't read the book myself since it came out and for some reason I can't remember any more than that. I'll have to take time out and look at the book again. I'll do it as soon as I get the chance. Trouble is I'm racing to a deadline for Pyat at the moment and just took a bit of time here to try to get up to date on the Q&A! Keep reminding me, if I don't reappear here soon with an answer!
:)

[DomP]

Let me check! Oh OK, there's a boy mary hears on the bus going up Putney High Street, " Dumbly he challenges her glance " you say.

To be honest, i thnk for the reader to connect him to the boy at the party at Bank Cottage would take some doing! :D Assuming that's the only clue...

Thanks.

[Michael Moorcock]

I'll try to remember to find a copy of the book and have a look!

[DomP]

You should read it. It's good... :D

[Michael Moorcock]

Well, I'm not much for reading my own stuff, I must say. I've discovered that if I get insomnia the best cure is to find one of my own books and start reading it. Sends me off like a light! I'm currently reading some proofs and it's very hard staying awake. In fact I fell asleep in my chair ... Either that or I writhe in self-hatred, feeling I haven't done well enough. But, honest, I will try to have a look at it soon.