Europa Editions, one of the most interesting and beautifully curated publishers of works in translation, has just put out Boualem Sansal’s The German Mujahid, a novel inspired by an Algerian mayor who was a former SS officer. In an evocative review at Words Without Borders, Emma Garman calls Sansai “a novelist at the absolute height of his powers.” It’s common . . .
Less speed, more caution: Chinua Achebe’s new essay collection is his first book in 20 years. (Via.)
If you were riveted by her Letter from a Japanese Crematorium, you’ll be glad to hear that Marie Mockett’s first novel, Picking Bones from Ash, is out at last. Judging from the advance reviews at Amazon, some readers seem to expect The Joy Luck Club, but for Japan, which is not at all the story they find. The book is . . .
Jonathan Lethem writes about his (imaginary) friendship with Philip K. Dick, and much more. (Via.)
Abhorrent: Auster, Rushdie & Kundera sign petition to free Polanski, who, contrary to popular belief, still faces serious charges. (Via.)