Christine Brooke-Rose Book order

It is the sixties in the century of middlemen. Meet the cast: Rusty Conway, Chief Public Relations Officer of U.V.I, a company whose dress fabrics, manufactured from sand and saltpetre, have an unfortunate tendency to explode; Serena Scott-Buttery, Rusty's beleaguered psychoanalyst, desperate to slink up the property ladder and fend off menacing contractors, mortgagors, and TV producers; Serena's sister Stella, a flamboyant Euro-hopping leech whose affectations test Serena's patience; Sales Promotion manager Harry Thorpe, with his carefully preserved Yorkshire accent; and Hughie Hill, producer of Focus on Facts. The last of Brooke-Rose's realist novels, published in 1961, The Middlemen is a scathing social critique and hilarious satire, as well as a telling portent as to how the emerging decades would develop. Introduction by Francis Booth.

The collection features poignant essays from Christine Brooke-Rose, reflecting on her extensive career as a novelist, critic, and theorist. With a literary journey spanning over fifty years, she offers insights and personal reflections, marking a significant farewell to her audience. This work captures her unique voice and contributions to literature, providing a thoughtful exploration of her experiences and observations in the literary world.

Julia Grampion, a newly minted doctorate holder, finds herself grappling with the aftermath of a failed affair and a new, unstable relationship with Bernard. As she navigates the complexities of love, she discovers how language can obscure the unpredictable nature of human connections. This exploration reveals the nuances of emotional ties and the challenges of understanding intimacy in a world filled with uncertainty.

Chronicles the life of Alfred Northbrook Hayley, a manipulative opportunist, through a reverse narrative that highlights his familial tensions and personal struggles. This structure serves as a genealogical exploration, deviating from traditional coming-of-age stories by presenting fragmented episodes instead of a cohesive life story. The novel draws autobiographical parallels to the author's father, Alfred Rose, and is complemented by an insightful introduction that connects fiction with Brooke-Rose's family history. It stands out for its somber yet satirical tone and sharp dialogue.

Set against the backdrop of 1950s London's literary scene, the story explores the complexities of relationships as Nina's seemingly perfect marriage to Gael unravels. After Gael's book attracts the attention of a cunning critic, Howard, he seduces Nina, leading to a web of infidelity and unexpected connections. Meanwhile, Howard's wife, Elizabeth, becomes entangled with a Hungarian exile, further complicating the dynamics. This novel blends satire with themes of madness and ill-fated desire, offering a sharp commentary on the era's literary circles.

Innovative narrative techniques define this collection of eleven stories, showcasing the author's mastery of the run-on first person perspective, reminiscent of the nouveau roman movement. The stories range from the multilingual and allusive to more straightforward comic realism, highlighting the author's versatility. With elements of dark humor and science fiction, this selection presents a challenging yet engaging exploration of themes, positioning the author as a significant figure in exploratory fiction.

This collection celebrates the innovative contributions of Christine Brooke-Rose, featuring a diverse array of essays, stories, and homages from critics, academics, and enthusiastic readers. Organized chronologically by her published works, it begins with her poem "Gold" and concludes with "Life, End of." Newcomers will discover accessible entry points to her complex and playful writing style, while devoted fans will relish the expertly crafted pieces that reflect her unique literary constraints, ensuring a rich exploration of her influence.

Professor Brooke-Rose analyzes the distinct characteristics of various 'fantastic' narratives, contrasting them with realistic fiction. The exploration delves into how these genres differ in structure, themes, and storytelling techniques, offering insights into the broader landscape of fantastic literature.

Christine Brooke-Rose explores the complex interplay between reality and invention in fiction, delving into the challenging boundaries that separate the two. Through her insights as both a novelist and critic, she examines how these border zones shape narrative and influence readers' perceptions of truth in storytelling.

Set in an airport, "In Transit" follows Evelyn Hillary O'Rooley, a contemporary traveler grappling with gender uncertainty while waiting for a flight. The narrative combines humor, puns, and surreal situations, including a lesbian revolution in baggage claim, challenging readers' views on life and fiction.