Unsure even five days before the end
Those with fiction writing processes as disorganized as mine may be comforted by Michael Ondaatje’s seat-of-the-pants approach.
Those with fiction writing processes as disorganized as mine may be comforted by Michael Ondaatje’s seat-of-the-pants approach.
The Smart Set is a weekly feature, compiled by Lauren Cerand, that usually appears Mondays at 12:30pm and highlights the best of the week to come. Special favor is given to New York’s independent booksellers and venues, and low-cost and free events. Please send details to lauren [at] maudnewton.com by the Thursday prior to publication, with the date in the . . .
Your only options two centuries on?: Either Frankenstein is a masterpiece by Mr. Shelley, or it’s so incoherent and clotted only the missus could have spawned it?
Jerry Stahl braced for “your basic backwoods, teenage-accidental-shooting, hicks ‘n’ fascists saga,” but wound up breathless with admiration for American Youth.
Please read James Wood’s Roberto Bolaño appreciation, and then consult The Mumpsimus. A few highlights from the National Arts Club tribute are incoming.