Found some time to stop in at the Brussels City Museum in the Grand-Palace today to see The Wedding Cortège, attributed to Pieter the Elder, painter of Del parabel der blinden - inspiration for Hofmann's story. Off to France next! #backpackEurope @JenP @BookwormM

This slight, unusual novel is based on the famous Dutch painting 'De parabel der blinden' (1568) by Renaissance painter Pieter Bruegel the Elder. Here, German author Hofmann imagines the recruitment of the six blind men to pose as life models for Bruegel to paint. Very little happens, but the desperation and claustrophobia of the characters is felt and conveyed clearly through the dialogue and tone. #backpackEurope

The Ghent Music festival is in full swing, and I'm taking in a set of music inspired by my book. Who knew there were so many songs about loss of sight and falling down? #backpackEurope @JenP @BookwormM "Blind Leading the Blind" - Mick Jagger
"Falling Down" - Muse
"If I were a painting" - Willie Nelson
"Blind" - Talking Heads
"Catch me now I'm falling" - The Kinks
"Blind Man Blues" - Muddy Waters
"Stumble and Fall" - Razorlight

Lively's writing is wonderful! I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Claudia's thoughts and memories. She is not an easy character and this made her all the most real and enjoyable. Dying is not portrayed as easy here, and it felt a privilege to be part of what read as a very private process.

It's been a great day at the Henley Regatta with lots of down time to read Penelope Lively. Leaving the UK tomorrow, next stop Belgium!! #backpackEurope

#backpackeurope I finally made it! Spending a few days in London with aunt Claudia and fitting in an afternoon at the Regatta. @JenP @BookwormM