Well said. I have found Javier Marias's books to be exceptional. Have found contemporary novels mostly a bore....dark, depressing tales of victimized with politically correct themes. Not worth my time. Reading Booker winners from late 20th century more rewarding. Hillary Mantel. Francine Prose still good. Rick Rubin's The Creative Act is a compelling argument in favor of beauty.
My I suggest adding Christopher Beha’s The Index of Self Destructive Acts to your contemporary reading list? A great novel that does not hide its debt to Henry James.
Well said. I have found Javier Marias's books to be exceptional. Have found contemporary novels mostly a bore....dark, depressing tales of victimized with politically correct themes. Not worth my time. Reading Booker winners from late 20th century more rewarding. Hillary Mantel. Francine Prose still good. Rick Rubin's The Creative Act is a compelling argument in favor of beauty.
Seconding Hilary Mantel. A Place of Greater Safety is magnificent. As is Wolf Hall, even if it is “What if the bad guy was actually the good guy?!”
My I suggest adding Christopher Beha’s The Index of Self Destructive Acts to your contemporary reading list? A great novel that does not hide its debt to Henry James.