Writer Quiara Alegría Hudes On ‘White Hot’ Rage

Even the Dead is the seventh novel in Benjamin Black's Quirke series. When a car crashes into a tree in central Dublin, pathologist Quirke's autopsy reveals the death was not an accident or suicide as initially believed. Simultaneously, his daughter Phoebe becomes involved with a pregnant woman who fears for her life and subsequently disappears. As Quirke and Inspector Hackett investigate, they uncover a twisted web of corruption involving Dublin's most powerful figures, secret societies, and the Catholic Church. The novel explores Quirke's personal struggles with hallucinations, blackouts, and his ongoing battle with alcoholism as he seeks to solve the case and find his place among the living.

The Sea follows Max Morden, an art critic, as he returns to a seaside town from his childhood to cope with the overwhelming grief following his wife Anna’s death. The narrative intertwines his painful past with the present, creating a complex emotional landscape that questions the reliability of memories. The sea itself becomes a symbolic presence, reflecting Max’s emotional states and the mysteries of life. Banville’s sinuous narrative explores the treachery of memory and the fluid boundary between recollection and fabrication.

Herman Hesse's "Siddhartha" is a philosophical novel that follows the spiritual journey of a young man named Siddhartha Gautama. The story explores themes of self-discovery, enlightenment, and the search for meaning beyond material possessions. Siddhartha's experiences with various aspects of life, including sensuality, asceticism, and worldly pursuits, lead him to a deeper understanding of himself and the universe. The novel's evocative prose and profound insights into the human condition have resonated with readers for generations. Hesse's exploration of spiritual awakening and the interconnectedness of all things makes "Siddhartha" a timeless classic.