'Projection (Psychoanalysis). The unconscious process or fact of projecting one's fears, feelings, desires or fantasies onto other persons, things or situations, in order to avoid recognizing them as one's own and so as to justify one's behaviour.' Ernest Gébler, writer of such international bestsellers as The Plymouth Adventure and Call Me Daddy, which became the film Hoffman, led a turbulent and fascinating life. At the helm of one of Ireland's best-known literary families, his life was one of staggering complexity, elusiveness and immense talent that spanned a tumultuous century. In a book that is both biography and memoir, Carlo Gébler, Ernest's estranged son, tells the enthralling story of his father's life, covering his strange and alienated childhood, his disastrous family relationships, his marriage to writer Edna O'Brien, his staunch socialism and uncompromising disciplinary attitude, and his final heartbreaking struggle with Alzheimer's disease. Had the subject been given a choice, he would never have allowed the writer to tell his story. In The Projectionist, Carlo Gébler draws on a rich archive of previously undiscovered autobiographical notes, as well as his own personal memories. He explores and interprets his Ernest's life in the hope of understanding a father he barely knew, a life he didn't share, and a man who was both fascinating and fearful.
Ernest Gebler, the writer of such international bestsellers as The Plymouth Adventure and Call Me Daddy (which became the film Hoffman), led a remarkable life. In this unauthorized biography, Carlo Gebler, Ernest's estranged son, tells the many stories of his father's life, from Ernest's turbulent personality and strict disciplinary attitude to his staunch socialism and his stormy marriage to Carlo's mother, writer Edna O'Brien, and his final struggle with Alzheimer's disease. In The Projectionist, Carlo Gebler explores and interprets his father's life in the hope of understanding why their relationship was such a difficult and emotional one, and which things from his own upbringing made his father the elusive man he was. *** "...a candid and insightful account of a remarkable man's life and achievements, his struggles and the consequences his choices would impose upon himself and his family. Exceptionally well written, organized and presented, "The Projectionist" is very highly recommended for community and academic library 20th Century Biography collections in general, and a "must read" for Ernest Gebler fans in particular." -- Midwest Book Review
