Karellen’s Reviews > Books: A Manifesto—Or, How to Build a Library > Status Update

In chapter 7 the author refers to a new enthusiasm for experimental fiction, listing several writers - many female - whom I share his admiration for, namely Ali Smith, Deborah Levy, Rachel Cusk, Eimear BcBride, Claire Louise Bennett.

Just finished chapter 6, entitled Reversing Babel, about the authors period as a translator. In it he mentions the work of the excellent British publisher Fitzcarraldo Editions, whose contribution is immense.

The section on forgotten authors reminds of the website/blog “writers no one reads” which I had already bookmarked long ago.

On the other hand - this writer was apparently a socialist activist and even name drops the late Phil Dick. So he must be ok. Just a strange contradiction. Bonkers. Inconsistent and rambling.

Ugh! This is even worse. The chap now almost bursts into song in praise of the dubious merits of Jilly fucking Cooper. He’s got too much time on his hands. Those of us who work for a living haven’t time to read dross. Shameful. I’m beginning to have doubts about this book. ☹️

Early chapters were interesting but then he veers into a fevered defence of trashy detective novels by the likes of Agatha Christie etc.