Sometimes the shortest novels can be the most unsettling. Consider the disquiet and upheaval that can be found in even the briefest of novels by Kathy Acker or Ann Quin; remember the haunting book-length monologue of eccentrics or corrupt leaders in works by Roberto Bolaño and Bohumil Hrabal. In a recent interview, Brian Evenson, whose novels typically fall on the slimmer side of the spectrum, succinctly summarized the strengths of working at a shorter length. “There’s a certain surface tension […]
Vol.1 Brooklyn’s May 2016 Book Preview
May brings with it a host of noteworthy books that have caught our eye. Some are the latest works from authors who have become favorites over the years; others are structurally bold, socially relevant, or intensely disconcerting. (In some cases, they may be some combination of the above.) It’s going to be a good month for books, whether you’re looking for an illuminating take on music or an unsettling ghost story. Here are some of the books due out in […]