Tag: literature

Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant

After reading Redhead by the Side of the Road from Ann Tyler back at the beginning of lockdown, I recently read what she considers to be her best novel – Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant. The story focusses on a family in Baltimore, Maryland who struggle through a marital breakup, jealousy love and loss. I think many readers would find some aspect that resonates with their own life. Like one of my other favourite authors – John Steinbeck, I found this story has stayed with me for a while. A great modern American novel.

The Radetsky March

The Radetsky March was very atmospheric and probably had the most vivid description of alcohol and gambling addiction I’ve read. Joseph Roth describes the stagnant and failing Austro-Hungarian empire vividly through deep characters. A great novel. Read in June 2023.

The Arabian Nights

Finally finished The Arabian Nights after many years of intermittent reading. Evident from the footnotes that Burton loved the Middle East and its culture and language. This version from 1884 is of its time – but still amazing. Read in June 2023.

Travels with Charley

John Steinbeck’s description of the protests over school integration in New Orleans in 1960 were chilling – “The little girl did not look at the howling crowd but from the side the whites of her eyes showed like those of a frightened fawn.” Read in April 2023.

East of Eden

Good & Evil. Forgiveness and Redemption. John Steinbeck wasn’t afraid to tackle timeless themes. East of Eden is an incredible book. Read in August 2022.

Monkey

Monkey magic, dragons, deities, and a long journey into the west. 16th century literature from China. Read in July 2022.

The Trial

The Trial. Paranoia, confusion, inability to control one’s own fate. Published almost a century ago but still resonates today. Incredible Kafka. Read in June 2022.