The article from Le Figaro presents the latest selections for the prestigious Prix Femina, highlighting the ten contenders for this year’s literary award. Among the chosen works are novels that explore diverse themes and narratives, showcasing the rich tapestry of contemporary literature. The selections include a mix of established authors and emerging voices, reflecting a…
Author: Steven de Waard
“Exploring the Verses of Bill Knott: A Triad of Poetic Reflections”
The article presents three poignant poems by Bill Knott, each of which grapples with the profound themes of death, grief, and the ephemeral nature of existence. The first poem, titled “Poem,” suggests an intimate and haunting response to a child’s grave, implying that the only appropriate reaction is to become one with the ground, metaphorically…
“On the Edge of Words: Exploring Danez Smith’s Literary Landscape”
In her insightful exploration of Danez Smith’s new poetry collection, Bluff, Diana Arterian captures the intricate balance of love and critique that defines Smith’s work. Drawing parallels to James Baldwin, Arterian suggests that Smith’s art is driven by deep affection for their subjects, including their homeland, identity, and community, even as it boldly confronts the…
“Skipping a Friend’s Book Launch: A Reflection on Literary Loyalty and Friendship”
In this edition of Am I the Literary Asshole?, Kristen Arnett addresses a series of reader questions centered around the complexities of writing, literary preferences, and social responsibilities among friends in the literary community. The first inquiry touches on the socioeconomic aspects of pursuing a writing career, exploring whether writing is an endeavor suited only…
Literary Return: Exploring the Essays of Calvino, Capote, Conrad, and the Surrealists
The article from Le Figaro explores the recent literary season’s essays, highlighting renowned authors such as Italo Calvino, Truman Capote, Joseph Conrad, and influential surrealists. It draws attention to the resurgence of interest in these classic writers, particularly in the context of contemporary societal issues and existential questions. The author emphasizes how Calvino’s playful narratives…
“Echoes of Thaw: Greenland’s Melting Ice as a Reflection of Global Warming’s Past and Future”
In the article, Paul Bierman highlights the profound implications of Greenland’s melting ice in relation to climate change. Written with a blend of personal experience and scientific inquiry, it explores the journey of ice cores extracted from beneath Greenland’s ice sheet, revealing evidence of a previously warmer climate where tundra vegetation thrived. The narrative begins…
The Enigmatic Elegance of the Unicorn Woman
In “The Unicorn Woman,” Gayl Jones transports readers to a post-World War II carnival in Central Kentucky, where a young man recalls his fascination with an enigmatic figure known as the Unicorn Woman. The narrative unfolds as he grapples with the surreal experience of witnessing this mythical being, marked by a spiraled horn protruding from…
“Reviving Elegance: A Tribute to the Timeless Allure of Vintage Magazine Covers”
In a reflective celebration of bygone print culture, Brittany Allen offers a captivating exploration of vintage magazine covers, drawing attention to a plethora of largely forgotten publications that adorned the 20th century. The article provides a visual feast of covers, revealing not only the stunning artistry of these nostalgic pieces but also the unique stories…
Literary Comeback: Exploring Novels on Fatherhood, Celebrity Culture, and a Planet in Crisis
In the recent article from Le Figaro, the literary landscape is explored through the lens of contemporary novels that reflect on pivotal themes such as fatherhood, celebrity culture, and environmental crises. The article outlines how these subjects intertwine in this year’s literary offerings, emphasizing the significance of paternal figures in literature and the moral obligations…
“Rosie Schaap Reflects on Love and Loss: ‘He Wanted to Go on Reading Because He Wanted to Go on Living'”
In a poignant reflection on love and loss, Rosie Schaap shares her experience of spending Valentine’s Day in 2010 with her husband, Frank, who was gravely ill in hospice care. The couple had a tradition of reading Geoffrey Chaucer’s “The Parliament of Fowls” together every year on this day, a practice born out of their…