Name: Lu

Reading: On Not Knowing, Emily Ogden

Why did you want to read this? Emily Ogden’s writing is erudite and poetic. I came to On Not Knowing, a beautifully written suite of personal — but widely relatable — essays, a number of years ago, at a time of change and loss. Informative and honest, Ogden presents accounts of trying to live, and embracing a reinvigorated desire to live, with the uncertainty with which we breathe. I am constantly drawn to her elegant and authoritative approach, offering why we should address our 'blurriest, fleetest experiences’ and move forwards with them. The passage I read deftly turns a recognisable swimming moment into something illuminating in its risks, and intimate; one that connects human realms to those geographically, spiritually and linguistically beyond. 

How did you record yourself? I was feeling a little restless before reading, perhaps weighted down by winter’s greyness! Finally finding a spot to read — nestling at the foot of my friend’s bed — with coffee to hand and favourite red socks on, the familiarity and warmth of the room soothed me. Looking up out the nearby window, I spotted a plane slowly part clouds, and in matching its gentle pace I settled into reading Emily’s work, pausing at moments to re-read where I had stumbled, absorb words’ meaning and enjoy her meanderings.