Here are good books for readers of rich literature and memoirs: Shirley Hazzard's classic; John Gregory Dunne's Las Vegas adventure now back in print; and bestselling author Fredrik Backman's new novel, which is publishing this week.
Cable breakage and darkness of the soul
Colum McCann's new novel Twist hinges on a major break in underwater cables that carry the world’s information. Early on, there's a scenario that's chillingly real: the internet down, no cell phone service, no ATM service, and stores accepting cash only. “We were like stunned birds,” the book’s narrator tells us. He’s Anthony Fennell, an … Continue reading Cable breakage and darkness of the soul
What I’m reading and new books
I introduced Jeremy Cooper's novel Brian a while ago here on The Longest Chapter, eager to read it then but, as happens, left it waiting among the reading table stacks. But I believe some books "know" when the time is right to be read, as if stepping forward just when we need that one story … Continue reading What I’m reading and new books
Saving a wild creature and keeping it free
"Raising Hare" is a new memoir that captures a life-changing endeavor to bring up a leveret. It's a delightful story of love and respect in a human-to-nature connection. Here's my review.
Sophy Roberts’ travel stories plus Helen Garner’s masterpiece and diaries
New nonfiction took me down a rabbit hole of additional books, shared here. (Think elephants and pianos.) Also, a new novel "Old Romantics" coming soon, and true crime.
A powerful story about books, friendship, and despair
Jón Kalman Stefánsson’s novel "Heaven and Hell" takes place in a remote part of Iceland among fishermen who make their living on the Arctic’s ocean water. It's deeply moving for its spare, lyric style. Here's a review.
A few book recommendations
January was a month when I swung widely among many types of books, not only in genre but also topic. To start, Ingrained: The Making of a Craftsman, not a topic I’d typically be drawn to. That changed thanks to what I read about the memoir when it published in December. Callum Robinson writes about … Continue reading A few book recommendations
New books published this week
Tuesday is the usual day of the week for new book releases. Of the many novels published this past Tuesday, here are some gems by authors both familiar and new to me that have my attention.
A 2024 favorite, notebooks, and the return of Monsignor O’Flaherty
Some good books, thoughtful and unputdownable, one coming soon, each promising escape of a kind that’s a great way to either end the year or start the new one.
A story of kindness and hope in 1962 Ireland
A new novel by Niall Williams follows believable characters in a rural village that Mr. Williams has written about before, to great praise. He remains in top form. Here's a review of "Time of the Child."
A reluctant spy, Ukraine, and a stubborn octogenarian
I chose to read these books because I've admired the work of their authors. William Boyd is one of them, whose "Any Human Heart" remains one of my all-time favorite novels. He's in top form with this new one. Also, Jonathan Littell, who wrote the controversial bestselling novel "The Kindly Ones;" his new book, nonfiction, is brilliant. You'll also find here an author whose novel published mid-20th century is about an old woman thumbing her nose at family expectations. An added bonus: poet Billy Collins.
Caroline Adderson’s “A Way to Be Happy”
These eight stories cleverly illustrate the many ways happiness enters our lives when least expected. It's through human encounters, Adderson tells us, doing so with seemingly unremarkable incidents. They occur in her characters’ daily routines, surprising them and us. It’s wonderful new fiction.
A genius, a horse, and the atom bomb
Here is a wonderful biography. I just finished it, as I continue to read books with large page counts (instead of adding them to the reading table and avoiding them). Also, two new books, fiction, and nonfiction. Should someone ask me what to read next, these two would be top of the list.
A review of “Us Fools” by Nora Lange
This new novel takes place primarily on a small farm in Illinois during the 1980's agricutural crisis. It also takes place in Chicago and Alaska, spanning a little more than two decades as the protagonist Bernadette looks back, wrestling with what the future holds for herself, the farm, and her older sister, Joanne.
What happened to Felice Bauer?
"Life After Kafka" imagines the life of Franz Kafka's first fiancée long after their broken engagement. Fact and fiction intertwine to bring Felice Bauer to life, so we finally see her beyond Kafka's published “Letters to Felice.” Also, it led me to another book, because I became so curious about the relationship and Kafka. Here’s what this is all about.
The Longest Chapter 