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A bit more on those wonderful books in the Critical Reading course: Katherine Mansfield, The Garden Party and Other Stories When Katherine Mansfield died in 1923, Virginia Woolf wrote in her diary: “When I began to write, it seemed to me there was no point in writing. Katherine won’t read it. Katherine’s my rival no longer.” Virginia Woolf’s rival. That’s how good she was. Jeanette Winterson, Oranges Are Not The Only Fruit Jeanette Winterson is too spiky, too smart, too much to be safely accorded national treasure status — but she’s undoubtedly an asset to our literature. Her debut novel is one of her very best — and that’s saying something. Philip Roth, The Plot Against America Philip Roth is less fashionable than he was — but he’s no less brilliant. The Plot Against America is one of several of his novels that now seem like terrifying acts of prophecy, as well as superb works of art. ‘What would happen if fascists took over the USA?’ he asks here. And, well, yes. Fran Ross, Oreo Fran Ross wrote comedy for Richard Pryor — which is all some people will need to know to want to read this book. In case you want more, it’s an inventive, genre busting, taboo busting, burst of brilliance. Paul Beatty has also pointed out that it’s “hilarious.” George Saunders, Lincoln in the Bardo I’m guessing you know about this one? But it’s confession time for me — I haven’t read it! What I do know is that George Saunders is a very fine writer — and also that my co-director Elly tells me this is a clever, thought-provoking, fantastic novel. I’m looking forward to finding out… Orhan Pamuk (trans. Erdag Göknar), My Name Is Red This is one I have read. It left such an impression, in fact, that I can still remember where I was when I read it and how much I enjoyed it. Mind you, I’m alarmed to note that was over twenty years ago. But I’m guessing it’s stood the test of time. Orhan Pamuk is a remarkable writer, after all. PPS. As mentioned, we’re taking pre-orders for Mark Bowles’ new novel. We’re going to be publishing it in July – so that’s another very good reason to look forward to the summer. How Do People Stay The Same is the follow-up to Mark’s first novel All My Precious Madness, which (yes it did!) won the inaugural Speakies Best Fiction Award, and was shortlisted for The Goldsmiths Prize, The James Tait Black Memorial Prize, and The Author's Club Best First Novel How Do People Stay The Same contains the exquisite prose and lacerating wit that readers loved so much in All My Precious Madness – but this book also reveals even more layers to Mark’s talent. It’s a delicate, deeply tender book – an exploration of family, childhood, love, and the personal bonds that tie us together. It’s told as a series of journal entries that move backwards in time, following the life of Patrick Boyd – from the present-day contentment of family life and backwards through darker, lonelier, sadder stretches of time. It lays all of Patrick’s experience before us, with the challenges of work, housing and all the other pinpricks of existence jostling with his complex inner world. It reveals a fragile man ground down by the world around him – but who might just be able to change and might just have the hope of a brighter future. Might… Anyway, it’s wonderful. Elly and I love this book and we’re very proud to be able to present it to you - and to the world. You can get your copy here.
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