Fay Weldon's 6 favorite books
The author behind the first episode of Upstairs, Downstairs likes black comedy, Nobel winners, and sci-fi
Hunger by Knut Hamsun (Penguin, $15). An intense, bitter, and brilliant first novel written in 1890 by a Scandinavian Dostoyevsky who went on to win the Nobel Prize in Literature. I give it to my creative-writing students—in this admirable translation from the Norwegian by Sverre Lyngstad—to put them off a literary career. It never works.
Dangerous Visions edited by Harlan Ellison (Gollancz, $18). This 1967 collection of science fiction stories includes the great masters of the genre at the time, and the times were rich indeed. If science fiction is still a closed book to you, try these prophetic, insightful, and ingenious views of a future, and reform. A bonus: Writers everywhere are much cheered by the blessed Ellison's "pay the writer" rant, which you can watch on YouTube.
The Siege by Ismail Kadare (Grove, $15). First published in Albania in 1970, The Siege is now available in a truly literary English translation by David Bellos. Kadare, a frequent Nobel Prize contender, gives a lively and sophisticated view of the practicalities, absurdities, and inevitabilities of warfare from the point of view of a medieval quartermaster.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Miss Lonelyhearts by Nathanael West (New Directions, $14). A black comedy but with nothing funny about it, a Depression (and depression) novel more apt today than ever, as a young (male) advice columnist takes on board the awfulness of life. Nothing changes. Once read, this book is never forgotten.
Dickens' Women by Miriam Margolyes and Sonia Fraser (Hesperus, $15). A riveting read and a riotous performance by Margolyes—a fresh view of Dickens to re-energize the blasé.
Care of Wooden Floors by Will Wiles (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, $24). A notable first novel, in which our hero looks after the immaculate apartment of a famous musician friend. Wooden floors loom large in his life, as do the ruinous cats Shossy and Stravvy. Impeccably stylish, impressively satirical—though it might just be yourself that you're laughing at.
— Some 40 years after writing the first episode of Upstairs, Downstairs, novelist Fay Weldon is creating a trilogy about an aristocratic family in Edwardian London. The second of those novels, Long Live the King, will be published May 7.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
-
5 fun Easter activities from The Week Junior
The Week Junior Easter Activities Looking for some fun, simple Easter activities to do with the kids? Look no further – The Week Junior has you covered with these five fun and family-friendly activities.
By The Week UK Published
-
A Taste of Honey: 'wonderful' revival remains 'vital and relevant'
The Week Recommends The 'period-perfect' production features a 'universally excellent cast'
By The Week UK Published
-
Bormio: 'a great Alpine getaway'
The Week Recommends From snowy slopes and hot-spring spas, to high-end food and wine, this Italian town has something to offer everyone
By Asya Likhtman Published