There are standard book reviews, and those which place a book in its cultural, literary and aesthetic context. This is a splendid example of the latter.
What a joy to hear a voice who loves this book as much as I do! Henry, you got me hooked by your writing about Proust and James. So I keep reading. You always speak to my literary loves. Thank you.
I read this review last year and it was a joy revisiting it. "The Loneliness .." was probably my favorite book from last year and your review reminded me why.
I’m saving this to re-read alongside the book. I actually avoid regular book reviews but this is incredible—it’s so rich and contextualised. Thank you for sharing, Henry!
That’s a fascinating insight on the relationship of character to description.
I asked my AI overlord if there was anything comparable in the critical literature. It found HO’s formulation to be quite original. Comparing it to movie making is a great analogy.
That said, it pointed to Lukács on Walter Scott as a possible inspiration.
Curious if it was or great minds …
I read the novel and generally liked it - but I recall some jarring changes in perspective. I wonder if there’s less than Scottian control over the method. The reader is expecting the scenery to be filtered through the characters. Maybe she sometimes slips and does that?
I've read Desai. This novel perplexed me. I am uncertain whether your essay has enlightened me. It did however make me think about THE GLASS KINGDOM by Lawrence Osborne which I am reading it. are you familiar with it? if so, do you think the theme of your essay applies to it?
Trapped in a labyrinth, floundered in the marsh of toxic masters and intentional drowning finally led to "The one who drowns gets across." Late in the evening the rain did not stop.
There are standard book reviews, and those which place a book in its cultural, literary and aesthetic context. This is a splendid example of the latter.
Oh thank you!
Easily the best new novel I’ve read in the last decade. I too hope to go back one day and enter that world.
Agreed it is really marvellous
What a joy to hear a voice who loves this book as much as I do! Henry, you got me hooked by your writing about Proust and James. So I keep reading. You always speak to my literary loves. Thank you.
OK, OK, Henry, I heard you! I have the paperback heading my way. Looking forward to it!
I read this review last year and it was a joy revisiting it. "The Loneliness .." was probably my favorite book from last year and your review reminded me why.
Have not read but this review makes it tempting. Thanks!
Hope you enjoy it
I’m saving this to re-read alongside the book. I actually avoid regular book reviews but this is incredible—it’s so rich and contextualised. Thank you for sharing, Henry!
That’s a fascinating insight on the relationship of character to description.
I asked my AI overlord if there was anything comparable in the critical literature. It found HO’s formulation to be quite original. Comparing it to movie making is a great analogy.
That said, it pointed to Lukács on Walter Scott as a possible inspiration.
Curious if it was or great minds …
I read the novel and generally liked it - but I recall some jarring changes in perspective. I wonder if there’s less than Scottian control over the method. The reader is expecting the scenery to be filtered through the characters. Maybe she sometimes slips and does that?
I happen not to have read Lukács ‘The Historical Novel’ but it is on my list
I've read Desai. This novel perplexed me. I am uncertain whether your essay has enlightened me. It did however make me think about THE GLASS KINGDOM by Lawrence Osborne which I am reading it. are you familiar with it? if so, do you think the theme of your essay applies to it?
Trapped in a labyrinth, floundered in the marsh of toxic masters and intentional drowning finally led to "The one who drowns gets across." Late in the evening the rain did not stop.
Appreciate your piece.