Ghali Diary Notebook 2 (13 April 1965 to 11 October 1965)

Abstract

For the duration of this diary notebook, running from 13 April 1965 to 11 October 1965, Waguih Ghali continues to reside in Rheydt, West Germany. He regularly complains in these pages about his life in Rhyedt and contemplates leaving. This diary contains some reflections on the inspirations for the fictional characters in Beer in the Snooker Club. Ghali also reminisces about his childhood in Alexandria, his student days in London, and, less fondly, his impoverished existence in Stockholm. Over Easter in 1965, Ghali visits London, and writes about the friends and family he sees there. In June 1965, Ghali suffered lacerations and a concussion from a car accident. In September 1965 Ghali’s editor and friend Diana Athill puts his name forward for a job in London. After he learns that his application was rejected, he accepts a promotion in the British Army Royal Pay Corps, and resigns himself to remaining in Rheydt for another year. As Ghali himself muses on these pages, in this notebook, as in the preceding one, he once again spills a great deal of ink on his romantic entanglements. He also regularly records thoughts on books he is reading. This diary is dated 1965 April 13 - 1965 October 11.