The Party by Christopher Pike is the first book in the Final Friends trilogy. It focuses on a group of high school students who attend a party that ends in a tragic event. The story builds up slowly, introducing various characters and their relationships, before culminating in a suspenseful climax. The novel sets the stage for several mysteries, including the central death, which occurs near the end of the book.
The Latehomecomer is a moving memoir that chronicles the arduous journey of Kao Kalia Yang's family from Laos to refugee camps in Thailand and eventually to the United States. The book explores themes of identity, family, and cultural resilience in the face of displacement and hardship.
C.S. Lewis's 'On Stories' is a collection of essays exploring the nature of storytelling and its significance in human life. Lewis delves into the power of myths and fairy tales, examining their ability to convey profound truths about the human condition. He discusses the relationship between literature and morality, arguing that great literature transcends mere moralizing. The essays offer insightful analyses of various authors and their works, showcasing Lewis's keen understanding of literature and its capacity to illuminate the spiritual realm. 'On Stories' is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the art and power of storytelling.
Mavis Gallant's "Green Water, Green Sky" is a novel that explores themes of family, identity, and the complexities of human relationships. Set against the backdrop of post-war Europe, the novel delves into the lives of its characters with Gallant's signature blend of observation and empathy. The novel's structure, similar to a series of interconnected short stories, allows for a multifaceted exploration of its themes. Gallant's economical writing style and keen eye for detail create a rich and immersive reading experience. The novel's exploration of human connection and the search for meaning resonates with readers.
Mavis Gallant's "Paris Notebooks" offers a unique blend of personal reflection and insightful social commentary. Through her observations of Parisian life, Gallant captures the spirit of a city in flux. The book provides a glimpse into her own experiences and perspectives, revealing her keen eye for detail and her ability to find meaning in the everyday. Gallant's writing style is as captivating in non-fiction as it is in her fiction, making "Paris Notebooks" a rewarding read for those interested in her work or in the cultural landscape of 1960s Paris. The book's reflections on the events of 1968 offer a nuanced and thought-provoking perspective.
Mavis Gallant is best known for her short stories, 116 of which were first published in the New Yorker. Extraordinarily varied and prolific, she arranged her life around the solitary pleasure of writing while battling extreme self-doubt. Tessa Hadley joins Joanne O’Leary to discuss her recent review of 44 previously uncollected Gallant stories and her own forthcoming selection for Pushkin Press. They explore what makes Gallant a ‘writer’s writer’, where her reporting and fiction intersect, and why her novels fail where her short stories succeed.
Find further reading on the episode page: https://lrb.me/gallantpod
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The LRB Podcast 
