The unsung life of a famous painter

Award-winning author Steve Stern has a new novel out called "The Village Idiot." It creatively recounts the life of the renowned early 20th century Russian-French artist Chaim Soutine, whose paintings now reside in art institutions around the world. The story powerfully imagines the inner life of this genius. Here's a review.

Hans Fallada’s must-read masterpiece

Melville House, an independent publisher, has rediscovered and reissued books written by the once popular German novelist Hans Fallada. His last novel, "Every Man Dies Alone," wasn't available in English until Melville House hired a translator, Michael Hofmann. From reviews of the book to interviews with the publisher to articles about both, the message is clear: this book should not to be missed.