Marlon James, Jon Ronson Lead Week's Best Reviewed Books

Marlon James’ The Disappearers and Jon Ronson’s The Castle are among the best reviewed books of the week according to Book Marks, Lit Hub’s home for book reviews. The list highlights titles receiving multiple rave reviews from notable critics.

The Disappearers by Marlon James

Published by Riverhead, Marlon James’ The Disappearers earned 13 rave, 2 positive, and 2 mixed reviews. Hamilton Cain of The Boston Globe called it a harrowing, hilarious, magnificent novel that will stand the test of time, praising James for inventing his own literary language that is horny yet tender, punctuated by puns and music.

Under Story by Chloe Benjamin

Chloe Benjamin’s Under Story, published by G.P. Putnam’s Sons, received 6 rave, 2 positive, and 1 pan review. Lauren LeBlanc of The New York Times Book Review noted the novel’s success depends on suspending disbelief and capacity to love, praising its complex, deeply human characters despite its fantastical plot involving portals and time travel.

Agrippa by Robert Harris

Robert Harris’ Agrippa, published by Doubleday, garnered 5 rave, 3 positive, 2 mixed, and 1 pan review. Michael F. Bishop of The Wall Street Journal described it as an imaginative, thrilling, swift-paced romp through crucial decades of Roman history, bringing to life a central figure in the late republic.

Asmodeus by Rita Indiana

Rita Indiana’s Asmodeus, published by Graywolf, received 2 rave, 2 positive, and 1 mixed review. Sara Martínez of Booklist highlighted the dark fantasy elements and praised the masterful translation of poetry and musical lyrics by Obejas, noting Indiana uses music and story to address problems in a viscerally squalid world.

I Liked Rex by Diane Williams

Diane Williams’ I Liked Rex, published by NYRB Classics, earned 1 rave, 1 positive, and 1 mixed review. The review praised its delightful characters, curious images, and love affairs gone awry, noting the minimalist metafictional collection focuses on arresting images and phrases that reveal complex inner lives.

The Castle by Jon Ronson Jon Ronson’s The Castle: Adventures in a World of Unraveling Men, published by Riverhead, received 7 rave, 3 positive, and 1 mixed review. Sinead Gibney of The Irish Times said it is his first book in 11 years and as good as his previous big hits, noting it opens new insights on modern masculinity and men’s mental health crisis, lingering long after the final chapter.

American Scoundrel by Kai Bird Kai Bird’s American Scoundrel: Roy Cohn’s Dark Journey from Joe McCarthy to Donald Trump, published by Scribner, earned 7 rave and 2 positive reviews. Laura Miller of Slate described it as a bounteous cornucopia of midcentury sleaze, consistently riveting with astonishing twists and eleventh-hour escapes from justice, comparing it to an Old West outlaw eluding sheriffs.

Crossing the Wine-Dark Sea by Emily Wilson Emily Wilson’s Crossing the Wine-Dark Sea: Journeys Through Ancient Literature, published by Liveright, received 6 rave reviews. Jennifer Szalai of The New York Times called it wonderfully spirited, praising Wilson’s ability to braid close readings with larger arguments about what is at stake, noting her excitement for the subject is irrepressibly moving.

The Bed Trick by Izabella Scott Izabella Scott’s The Bed Trick: Sex and Deception on Trial, published by FSG Originals, garnered 2 rave, 2 positive, and 1 mixed review. Olivia Laing of The Guardian said Scott is less interested in the verdict than in investigating the larger meanings of the trial, calling her a supremely good guide to the complex terrain.

53 Days by Timothy W. Ryback Timothy W. Ryback’s 53 Days: How Hitler Dismantled a Democracy, published by Atlantic Monthly Press, received 2 rave, 1 positive, and 1 mixed review. Kirk Johnson of Booklist said the book recounts step by step how Hitler exploited his position to install autocracy, managing what could have been an unwieldy narrative while letting readers draw their own conclusions about its relevance to current events.