March Literary Discoveries: Authors and Readers Share Their Favorite Books
As March draws to a close, authors and readers alike are reflecting on the literary treasures they've discovered this month. From contemporary fiction to gripping memoirs, the selections offer a diverse glimpse into the world of reading.
John Lanchester's Contemporary Fiction Catch-Up
Author John Lanchester, who finds it challenging to read contemporary fiction while writing a novel, uses the period after finishing a book to catch up on recent releases. He enthusiastically recommends two British novels: Drayton and Mackenzie by Alexander Starritt, which explores themes of friendship and business, and The New Life by Tom Crewe, a poignant portrayal of gay life in the 1890s.
Lanchester also delves into European fiction, praising Eurotrash by Christian Kracht for its humorous take on a road trip with a deranged parent. He describes Perfection by Vincenzo Latronico as a stark look at the grim realities of digital nomads, and hails Olga Tokarczuk's Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead as an unclassifiable and riveting mystery. Lanchester's own novel, Look What You Made Me Do, is published by Faber.
Guardian Readers' Diverse Picks
James, a Guardian reader, is currently immersed in Tom's Crossing by Mark Danielewski, a 1,200-page modern western. He marvels at the depth of characterization and the calm, measured attention to detail, noting that the main characters and their horses feel as real as people one might meet on the street. Despite its daunting length, James assures that once readers dive in, they won't be able to put it down.
David recommends Zbig: The Life of Zbigniew Brzezinski, America's Cold War Prophet by Edward Luce, a dense autobiography that offers a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at U.S. and global politics from the 1960s through the Trump era. He notes that the book reveals how many geopolitical issues from 65 years ago remain relevant today, though its day-to-day account style requires piecemeal reading.
Arash praises Arundhati Roy's Mother Mary Comes to Me as an incredibly powerful memoir that left an empty space in his day when he finished it. Having lived in Kerala, the book brought back memories, but Arash emphasizes that it's more than just a well-written memoir—it's a declaration of love for Roy's mother, a call-out against chauvinism, and a refreshingly kind narrative that avoids gender stereotypes.
Patmeena Sabit's Short Stories and Poetry
Author Patmeena Sabit, who has been short on time for reading lately, turns to short stories and poetry. She highlights Hue and Cry by James Alan McPherson, a brilliant collection of understated stories about belonging and loneliness. Sabit also enjoys Fifty-Two Stories by Anton Chekhov, translated by Richard Pevear and Larissa Volokhonsky, which includes previously untranslated pieces. For poetry, she recommends Bright Dead Things by Ada Limón, describing the poems as beautiful, poignant, and true. Sabit's own novel, Good People, is published by Virago.
These recommendations showcase the rich tapestry of literature enjoyed in March, from historical insights to modern narratives, proving that there's always a book to captivate every reader.
