I don't attempt for an original review when writing about the magnificent novel 2666 by the Chilean writer, Roberto Bolaño. Even so, I don't think that this exquisite novelistic marathon got enough praise from the critics. Amongst them, the following, by the Spanish Rodrigo Fresán is by far, my favorite: "2666 is one of those strange, exquisite, and astonishing experiences that literature offers us only once in a long time. The crucial and amazing thing is not that it's unfinished, but that it … [Read more...]
Number9Dream by David Mitchell – A Futuristic Quest in Tokyo
I have just finished reading Number9Dream, David Mitchell's second novel. I have enjoyed it so much that I've immediately started reading his first one, Ghostwritten, which I hope to go smoother. I was very busy lately, there were whole days in a row when I couldn't open a book, there were weeks in which I have neglected my blogs for the same reasons. Doesn't matter now, because I have a lot to say, to write, to complain, to fulfill. If you are already subscribed, your inbox will increase its … [Read more...]
Killing Floor, a Debut Novel in a Very Successful Series
First Lee Child novel, Killing Floor, was unexpectedly gory, not to mention the one in a million coincidences that took place. Very catchy, captivating, you find in the first two pages that Jack Reacher is no academic, he is a tough mix. After finishing my lecture, I wasn't pushed to read the next one though, but I understand what may appeal to millions of his fans. Jack Reacher as a major series character The main character in this pretty huge novel series, is Jack Reacher, a … [Read more...]
9 Great Novels Not Yet on the Big Screen
This post used to have 10 great novels. You never know when you adapt a novel if the movie will be better than the book. Some following novels were thought to become great movies. The projects were delayed indefinitely. Others were never really considered. Some of them are pure fiction, some are fantasies or science fiction. Worse novels found their ways to the big screen and a few of them even became box office hits. First of the Great Novels: Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts Of … [Read more...]
The Disaster Artist, the Book Loosely Inspiring the Homonymous Movie
The Disaster Artist is a movie directed by James Franco. He played Tommy Wiseau, the weird self-made producer, director, and writer of the cult movie The Room. His brother, Dave Franco, played Greg Sestero, an actor-model who is credited as the book’s author, but my feeling is that a ghostwriter made it. Doesn’t matter because this time, both movie and book are very entertaining, almost like The Room itself. Not Necessarily a Parallel Don’t think that Franco kept the script like the book’s … [Read more...]
Origin by Dan Brown, the Fifth Novel in the Robert Langdon Series
Origin is the last installment in Dan Brown’s Robert Langdon series, the fifth, to be more precise. In my humble opinion, it’s also his best to date, best in the series, the best novel he ever wrote. The subject is endearing and controversial in an era when one can be killed for its convictions, and if not physically killed, then theoretically, in public opinion’s eyes. [source: http://prhinternational.com/] Origin - Plot This mystery thriller is about how a futurist billionaire … [Read more...]