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[Pierre Von Mondragon]

Didn't know he was ill, but he died yesterday. A great writer, even when sometimes not hugely readable. However Super-Cannes, Hello America and The Crystal World are books I have greatly enjoyed, and he always forces you to think, whether you want to or not.

Obituary: JG Ballard | Books | guardian.co.uk

I love a good dystopia, though not if i had to live in one.

[scottyboy]

The only book of his I ever read was The Drought. Didn't like it much but I was about 15-16 at the time.

[Pierre Von Mondragon]

I just read that one, where a molecular layer of pollution on the sea prevents the rainfall cycle, causing the eponymous drought. It was quite hard going, certainly character wise, but his descriptions, particularly of the sea-dwellers amongst the salt in the middle, were lyrical. 'Day of Creation' is the only one I've started but not finished. Not because it is bad, it just gave me ennui like naebodys business.*


*Pretentiousness Corner.

[DrBastard]

I thought High Rise was brilliant.

Sad news.