Now that we’ve come to the middle of the year, what do you think of your 2009 reading so far? Read anything interesting that you’d like to share? Any outstanding favourites?
My reading so far this year indicates my translated literature fixation continues. Not surprisingly, then, it accounts for one of my favorites this year — German author Hans Fallada’s Every Man Dies Alone. I also read his earlier work, The Drinker, which I didn’t find as strong but still demonstrates that the skill shown in Every Man Dies Alone is not a fluke.
My other favorite so far is actually a book that first came out a decade ago. Were it not for that fact, Stewart O’Nan’s A Prayer for the Dying would be a candidate for my novel of the year. I’m just glad I picked up the 10th anniversary release.
A book that is shut is but a block.
Robert Lanham, “Gnomologia“
Just cross posted your April review of Every Man Dies Alone on the Lost in Translation challenge page. Your blog is turning into a works in translation treasure trove!! Many thanks!
https://nonsuchbook.typepad.com/lost_in_translation_readi/2009/06/guest-review-every-man-dies-alone.html
The titles sound downright deadly or deadly boring.
Where is Huckleberry Finn and The Devil’s Dictionary in these lists? Was there one humorous book in the bunch?
I purchased THE LOOMING TOWER and it got buried. Just remembered and dug it out. May have to read a book on the list after all.