Archive for the ‘Cool contemporary’ Category
Worthy of some sort of award
Posted by: Vanessa on: October 12, 2011
The Corrections by Jonathan Franzen My rating: 2 of 5 stars It’s very difficult to form an opinion of this book because it is already weighed down with so many. I have heard it called the Great American Novel. Americans are always looking for the Great American Novel and I think they are a little [...]
I could double your sales, Mr. Grossman
Posted by: Vanessa on: September 24, 2011
To the End of the Land by David Grossman My rating: 2 of 5 stars This book takes a very worthy story as its subject and the novelist is a serious and assiduous one, with the ability to capture the essences of things. He can write beautifully and he can write heart-breakingly. He thinks deeply [...]
Neverwhere from here, there and everywhere
Posted by: Vanessa on: September 20, 2011
Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman My rating: 3 of 5 stars Neil Gaiman is a stunningly original writer at times and at times he’s quite pedestrian. For me his best work is still in his comics. He gathers his ideas from many sources and half the pleasure of reading his works comes from appreciating his allusions. [...]
Confusing fragments of Chinese life
Posted by: Vanessa on: August 23, 2011
Twenty Fragments of a Ravenous Youth by Xiaolu Guo My rating: 2 of 5 stars I think Xiaolu Guo has a problem with narrative. That’s why she likes writing in fragments. I wonder what her films are like. It’s possible to make films without having to explain anything. In a novel, if this is a [...]
Not dirty enough for me
Posted by: Vanessa on: August 5, 2011
Fear of Flying by Erica Jong My rating: 4 of 5 stars It’s best not to get all heavy about this book. It’s light, outspoken and racy, like a long rambling monologue from your best friend when she’s very hyper and just needs to talk. Sometimes you have to just sit there and take it [...]
Not what I would have done
Posted by: Vanessa on: August 1, 2011
Love on the Rebound by Vanessa Wu My rating: 3 of 5 stars I am not sure what to make of this story. I like the fact that it’s a short story and has been published on its own. This allows me to review it separately, which is a good thing. It’s hard reviewing a [...]
A literary tease
Posted by: Vanessa on: July 30, 2011
Granta 110: Sex by Granta My rating: 3 of 5 stars The picture on the front cover is the best thing about this edition of Granta. It was a cynical attempt to woo new subscribers. They still use this edition in adverts, even though it’s quite old now. Oh, and there was a recent twist [...]
A Russian in Berlin
Posted by: Vanessa on: July 28, 2011
Russian Disco by Wladimir Kaminer My rating: 3 of 5 stars Do you find yourself checking your email ten times a day and all you get is junk mail? What are you hoping for? A love letter? News from a friend? Confirmation that someone has bought your ebook? When I find myself checking my mail [...]
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