Lionel Shriver's novels delve into the complexities of human relationships and moral quandaries. Her distinctive style is characterized by a sharp psychological insight and a keen observation of societal dynamics. Shriver is unafraid to confront uncomfortable truths and explore the darker aspects of human nature, crafting narratives that challenge readers' perceptions. Her prose is both precise and compelling, marking her as a significant voice in contemporary literature.
The story centers on Pandora's shocking reunion with her brother Edison at an Iowa airport, where she struggles to recognize him due to his dramatic weight gain. Over the past four years, Edison has transformed from a slim, fashionable jazz pianist into someone unrecognizable, prompting Pandora to uncover the circumstances behind his drastic change. This exploration delves into themes of family dynamics, personal struggles, and the impact of life's challenges on identity.
We Need to Talk About Kevin, by Lionel Shriver, follows a mother grappling with her son's violent actions and her conflicted feelings about motherhood. This powerful narrative delves into themes of violence, family, and responsibility, offering a haunting exploration of shattered hopes and dark realities.
Edgar Kellogg, a discontented corporate lawyer, seeks a thrilling change by becoming a foreign correspondent in a small Portuguese town grappling with a burgeoning terrorist movement. He sees the opportunity to step into the shoes of Barrington Saddler, a missing reporter whose larger-than-life persona inspires Edgar. As he navigates this new world, he confronts the complexities of journalism and the dangers of his new environment, all while striving to embody the adventurous spirit he admires.
This striking collection of essays from a prize-winning, New York Times bestselling author showcases the sharp talent of Lionel Shriver, known for her willingness to embrace “under-expressed, unpopular or downright dangerous” viewpoints. The anthology features thirty-five curated pieces drawn from her columns, essays, and op-eds in prominent publications like the Spectator, the Guardian, and the New York Times, alongside unpublished works. In this collection, Shriver’s iconoclastic and personal voice shines as she offers her skeptical and contrarian opinions on a diverse array of topics, including religion, politics, illness, family, gender, immigration, and consumerism. She critiques the concept of language “crimes” and challenges arbitrary limitations on speech that threaten artistic expression and intellectual freedom. Each essay reflects sentiments that have drawn controversy and even threats of “cancellation.” Shriver also provides insights into her novels and the complexities of artistic success. By revisiting and expanding upon earlier pieces, she invites readers—especially those with “enlightened” progressive views—to engage with challenging ideas, often leading to unexpected agreements. This collection is a timely synthesis of Shriver's expansive work, revealing her as a provocative and assured writer.
Set in 2029, the narrative unfolds during a bloodless world war that devastates American savings as the dollar's value collapses, giving way to the bancor, a new global currency. In a drastic response, the president announces a default on loans, leading to rampant money printing and soaring inflation that erodes the remaining wealth of savers. The story explores the economic turmoil and its impact on families, highlighting themes of financial instability and the consequences of government decisions.
Selected Essays from a Career of Courting Self-Destruction
304 pages
11 hours of reading
This collection features thought-provoking essays from a bestselling author known for their insightful exploration of complex themes. With a blend of personal reflection and broader societal commentary, the work delves into various aspects of life, relationships, and human experiences. The author's distinctive voice and keen observations offer readers a compelling and engaging perspective on contemporary issues, making this collection a notable addition to their literary repertoire.
From the Orange Prize-winning author of We Need to Talk About Kevin 'Enjoyably abrasive... a compelling read... sardonic and elegant' Evening Standard 'Scabrously funny... few authors can be as entertainingly problematic as Shriver' Guardian
When Pandora picks up her older brother Edison at her local Iowa airport, she literally doesn't recognise him. Edison's slovenly habits, appalling diet and know-it-all monologues drive her health-and-fitness freak husband Fletcher insane. Fletcher eventually delivers his wife an ultimatum - it's him or me. Putting her marriage and two adoptive children on the line, Pandora chooses her brother - who, without her support in losing weight, will surely eat himself into an early grave.
'Seldom is a book as funny, important and timely ... I was laughing out loud at the same time as my blood was running cold' JOHN CLEESE 'Viciously funny... an exhilarating satire' THE TIMES 'Merciless... a welcome distraction' ECONOMIST, Best Books of 2024 What if calling someone stupid was illegal? In a reality not too distant from our own, the worst thing you can call someone is 'stupid'. Everyone is equally clever, and discrimination based on intelligence is 'the last great civil rights fight'. Exams and grades are discarded and you don't need a qualification to be a doctor. When best friends Pearson and Emory find themselves on opposing sides of this new culture war, their relationship begins to fracture. And soon, Pearson's determination to cling onto the 'old, bigoted way of thinking' begins to endanger her job, her safety and even her family... Hilarious, deadpan and scathing, MANIA is a frighteningly plausible glimpse into what the world could become - or is already - from the pen of a master storyteller.
