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.
Eva never really wanted to be a mother—and certainly not the mother of a boy who ends up murdering seven of his fellow high school students, a cafeteria worker, and a much-adored teacher who tried to befriend him, all two days before his sixteenth birthday. Now, two years later, it is time for her to come to terms with marriage, career, family, parenthood, and Kevin’s horrific rampage, in a series of startlingly direct correspondences with her estranged husband, Franklin. Uneasy with the sacrifices and social demotion of motherhood from the start, Eva fears that her alarming dislike for her own son may be responsible for driving him so nihilistically off the rails.
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.
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.
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.
When her father dies, Kay Wilkinson can't cry. Over ten years, Alzheimer's had
steadily eroded this erudite man. Surely one's own father passing should never
come as such a relief? Both healthy and vital medical professionals in their
early fifties, Kay and her husband Cyril have seen too many of their elderly
NHS patients in similar states of decay. Determined to die with dignity, Cyril
makes a modest proposal: they should agree to commit suicide together once
they've both turned eighty. When their deal is sealed in 1991, the spouses are
blithely looking forward to another three decades together. But then they turn
eighty. By turns hilarious and touching, playful and grave, Should We Stay or
Should We Go portrays twelve parallel universes, each exploring a possible
future for Kay and Cyril, from a purgatorial Cuckoo's-Nest-style retirement
home to the discovery of a cure for ageing, from cryogenic preservation to the
unexpected pleasures of dementia. Weaving in a host of contemporary issues -
Brexit, mass migration, the coronavirus - Lionel Shriver has pulled off a
rollicking page-turner in which we never have to mourn deceased characters,
because they'll be alive and kicking in the very next chapter.
