Today's literary highlights include new book releases, author interviews, and essays exploring themes from grief to AI's impact on writing. Edwidge Danticat discusses her literary journey, while Katy Simpson Smith shares an excerpt from her latest novel. Additional pieces delve into the struggles of adjunct professors and the legacy of Mary Oliver.
A couple's relationship is put to the test as one partner considers taking a job that would leave them apart for a month. The story explores the couple's dynamics, their language and translation work, and the tensions that arise from their differing ambitions and priorities.
Charles Spencer, Earl Spencer, is set to release a book about his sister Diana, titled Swan Song: Diana, My Sister, in September. The book aims to tell the truth about Diana from her brother's perspective.
Charlotte Higgins' book Ukrainian Lessons explores the intersection of art and war in Ukraine, highlighting the ways in which artists and writers are responding to the conflict
A satirical novel that dissects wealth, class, and the media through multiple voices.
The Nobel laureate's final novel, I Give You My Silence, is an eccentric love letter to his native country and its music. The book follows the quixotic hero Toño Azpilcueta, a music journalist who embarks on a project to write a biography of a deceased guitarist, Lalo Molfino.
A review of The Ego Trip by Kimon de Greef, a book that delves into the world of psychedelic toads and the dark tale of Octavio Rettig, a self-proclaimed practitioner of indigenous medicine.
Philip Hensher's book is a comprehensive and engaging history of the novel in Britain, spanning over two centuries.
A compelling and intimate look at the elusive snow leopard, a mountain-dwelling species that is often misunderstood and endangered.
Economist Daron Acemoglu explores the decline of liberal democracy in his latest book, attributing its struggles to the left’s shift from economic class to identity politics. He proposes a 'working-class liberal democracy' as a solution, advocating for economic growth, community decision-making, and AI-assisted labor. While insightful, his critique of progressive elites contains contradictions.
Rachel Aviv's latest book, 'You Won't Get Free of It', is a collection of six stories about mothers and daughters, delving into the complexities of their relationships and the impact of mental health on their lives.
James Cahill’s new book delves into David Hockney’s 1966/7 painting *Beverly Hills Housewife*, using it as a lens to examine the artist’s relationship with Los Angeles, his friendship with art collector Betty Freeman, and the cultural landscape of mid-century America. Cahill’s analysis blends art history with anecdotes, offering insights into Hockney’s narrative style and the layered meanings behind the painting’s serene surface.