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What Very Different Places Have in Common
This is an edition of the Books Briefing, our editors’ weekly guide to the best in books. Sign up for it here.
TL;DR
- Novelist Marlon James found resonance with Jessica Hagedorn's "Dogeaters" by seeing his native Jamaica reflected in its depiction of Manila.
- Gary Shteyngart's exploration of J.M. Coetzee's work in Cape Town revealed how authors can leave out details to create deeper meaning.
- Coetzee's novels, like "Waiting for the Barbarians," are noted for their elliptical descriptions that focus on universal human interactions rather than specific settings.
- The article suggests that Coetzee's work, despite being written by a white South African, explores how people treat each other everywhere, transcending geographical and historical contexts.
- The "The Writer's Way" series in The Atlantic features journalists and novelists following the trails of beloved authors in places that shaped their work.
- A brief mention is made of other books, including one by Nemens about women turning 40, and a personal reflection on friendship.