652 Writing a Comic Novel (with Charles Baxter) | My Last Book with Bill Eville

Claire Keegan's "Small Things Like These" is a poignant novella set in rural Ireland during the 1980s. It centers on Bill Furlong, a hardworking coal merchant, who discovers a disturbing secret that forces him to confront the injustices of his community. The story unfolds with understated power, exploring themes of compassion, morality, and the enduring impact of the past. Keegan's prose is both spare and deeply affecting, creating a sense of intimacy and immediacy. The novel's quiet intensity leaves a lasting impression, prompting reflection on the choices we make and the consequences that follow.

Published in 1919, 'Winesburg, Ohio' is a short story cycle that delves into the lives of the residents of the fictional town of Winesburg, loosely based on Anderson's childhood home of Clyde, Ohio. The book is structured around the life of George Willard, a young reporter who becomes the confidant of the town's solitary figures. Each story focuses on a different character, revealing their inner struggles, loneliness, and the psychological insights that define their lives. The work is known for its simple yet powerful prose, which emphasizes character over plot, and is considered one of the earliest examples of Modernist literature in America.

The Third Policeman is a novel by Flann O'Brien that follows the adventures of an unnamed narrator who has committed a botched robbery and brutal murder. The story is set in a two-dimensional police station in rural Ireland and delves into the theories of the scientist/philosopher de Selby. The narrator grapples with 'Atomic Theory,' the existence of eternity, and de Selby's bizarre views, including the idea that the earth is 'sausage-shaped. ' With the help of his newly found soul named 'Joe,' the narrator navigates the riddles and contradictions presented by three eccentric policemen. The novel is a blend of comedy, horror, and philosophical musings, exploring themes of evil, self-centeredness, and the lack of understanding in a world that is both bizarre and poetic.