by John Updike (1958)
"On the third Wednesday of every August the inhabitants of a mansion-turned-poorhouse in central New Jersey hold their annual fair; this novel describes a fair that occurs about twenty years from now [1958], when the United States itself is heading downhill ... While 'The Poorhouse Fair, ' insofar as it regrets the decline of patriotism, handcraft, and religion, carries a conservative message, its technique is unorthodox; without so much regard for fictional conventions, the author attempts to locate, in the ambiguous area between farce and melodrama, reality's own tone."
John Hersey
War Lover follows Buzz Morrow, a pilot who glorifies war and his military duties. The author makes the point that wars exist precisely because there are men like Buzz who revel in them. At the same time, he also gives us a detailed account of a Flying Fortress crew based in England during WW II.
Robert Traver
At forty, Paul Biegler's life seems to have come to an end. After ten years as DA in his small town in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, the people have elected a new hero, a young army veteran. And Biegler has been spending a lot of time fishing and thinking about his future. Then the call comes from Laura Mannion: her husband has been arrested on a charge of murder, but she claims that the man her husband killed assaulted her. Suddenly, Polly, as he is known to the entire town, sees his opportunity. Maybe he can show his rival that he can defend as well as prosecute. What follows is one of the most brilliant courtroom dramas of all time, as Polly puts together his defence and minutely examines the seething emotions under the placid surface of his town.
Margaret Atwood
Survival is a celebrated work by Margaret Atwood (Booker Prize Winner, Giller Prize Winner), recognized for masterclass storytelling and lasting literary resonance.
Franz Kafka
Franz Kafka is a celebrated work by Franz Kafka (Literary Titan), recognized for masterclass storytelling and lasting literary resonance.