Farewell to a true maverick

I was just about to shut down my Mac and head off to bed when the death of Norman Mailer was announced.

Now I can't sleep 'cause I'm feeling kinda blue.

Mailer for me was a very special kind of writer.

A writer with an opinion that he wasn't afraid to wield.

Novelist. Journalist. Sports writer. Activist.

A proud American who wasn't afraid to criticise America.

Now he's gone and the world is definitely a sadder place.

The final word goes to Mr Mailer himself:

"I don't think life is absurd. I think we are all here for a huge purpose. I think we shrink from the immensity of the purpose we are here for."