Reading One Author's Writings

[Betty]

Along with the thematic literature of a particular country, a reading venture in 2015 could be the works of one author. It's like reading the adjacent books on a library shelf--comparative and deeper.

[[deleted user]]

Talk of the 2015 schedule is very exciting! Did you have a specific author in mind?

[Betty]

Amitav Ghosh came to mind.

[Betty]

The Nobel laureate Mo Yan.

[[deleted user]]

Asma wrote: "Amitav Ghosh came to mind."

Looks like a fascinating author.

[[deleted user]]

Asma wrote: "The Nobel laureate Mo Yan."

Had a hard time stomaching a couple of his books but would be game to give it another go if that is who you pick.

[Betty]

Don wrote: "Looks like a fascinating author."

Amitav Ghosh, definitely. More Indian authors as well as Rabindranath Tagore.

Sri Lankan literature also is within the South Asian region.

[[deleted user]]

Asma wrote: Amitav Ghosh, definitely. More Indian authors as well as Rabindranath Tagore.
Sri Lankan literature also is within the South Asian re..."

Super! Great links. Thanks! Looks like the makings of a great lineup. Can't wait.

[Betty]

Don wrote: "Had a hard time stomaching a couple of his books but would be game to give it another go if that is who you pick."

Haven't read Mo Yan's writing in particular. Your response to his content is not too surprising.

[[deleted user]]

Asma wrote: " Your response to his content is not too surprising."

Yes, on this one at least, many people seem to agree.

A typical comment, imho:

I’ve read only two of Mo Yan’s works–Red Sorghum and the Garlic Ballads. His work, while well-written, is a bit too graphic for my tastes. I read his books years ago, and I still remember that disgusting scene where the butcher is forced to carve up one of his neighbors alive. It was probably the most sickening scene I’ve ever read. Unless Mo Yan writes a book about peace and happiness, I probably won’t be reading anything else by him.

- See more at: http://www.bigwowo.com/2012/10/mo-yan...

[Betty]

Don wrote: "...I read his books years ago, and I still remember that disgusting scene where ..."

He can sure tell a memorable story, a compliment for Mo Yan, an horror for the reader's imagination.

[Maggie]

I have a book by both Mo Yan and Amitav Ghosh. I would also recommend Vikram Seth and Rohinton Mistry.

[Mekki]

I would like to read some work from Salman Rushdie with Midnight's Children, Jhumpa Lahiri with The Namesake or maybe Mulk Raj Anand with Untouchable.

[Betty]

Maggie wrote: "I have a book by both Mo Yan and Amitav Ghosh. I would also recommend Vikram Seth and Rohinton Mistry."

Maggie, thanks for your excellent suggestions!

[Betty]

Mekki wrote: "I would like to read some work from Salman Rushdie with Midnight's Children, Jhumpa Lahiri with The Namesake or maybe [author:Mulk Raj Anand..."

Mekki, I'll go for those :)

[Ma]

I'd vote for Rohinton Mistry. I love his work. Personally, I'm on a Murakami kick right now. I think I just might read all of his work. I've gotten through 2 in the past 3 days (what's Christmas vacation for if not for reading?)

[Betty]

Ma wrote: "I'd vote for Rohinton Mistry. I love his work. Personally, I'm on a Murakami kick right now..."

A Fine Balance was such a wonderful, saddening read that I shared my copy of it with others.