I was unbelievably saddened yesterday to learn of the death of Norman Geras. Like many people I have been reading his wonderful normblog for many years, and was very honoured to be asked to contribute to it a while ago. But I was also lucky enough to meet Norm in person, and what a treat that was. I don't suppose I've spent more than a couple of hours with him, but he has remained so vivid to me, through his posts, that I am finding it almost impossible to believe that he is not with us any more.
When I met him, we talked about books -- at that time he had recently discovered Anne Tyler, and was hugely enthusiastic about her novels. But his tastes were wonderfully broad, and you can see exactly what he liked on what proved to be his last post, A Booklist with a Difference. I totally agree with him about all the ones I have read, and now I'd like to read all the ones I haven't, as I'm pretty sure I will love, or at least appreciate, those too.
Many people have written, or will be writing, about Norm, and many will have known him, or his work, better than I did. But I couldn't let this day pass without saying something.
Of course huge sympathy goes to his dear wife Adele Geras and to his two daughters Sophie and Jenny. He was an amazing man and I am proud to have met him. Bye bye, Norm.
