Lydia Davis
1994
Around 230 pages
Well, that was delightful. I had not heard of Lydia Davis before this, but this was one of those novels where you are immediately charmed by the first page. Her minimalist style, no doubt honed by years as a short story writer, really made this largely plotless novel fascinating.
Our unnamed narrator is a college literature professor and translator. She has a failed love affair with a man who is also perpetually trying to get published. The story was especially unusual, as it featured very little dialogue or major events. This technique annoys me in lesser hands, but Davis was such a direct and straightforward writer that it really didn't bother me.
I just found out that Lydia Davis and Paul Auster were married, which is a ship I wholeheartedly support. Such a lonely and haunting tone, and didn't overstay its welcome for a moment. Highly recommended.
RATING: ****-
Interesting Facts:
Interesting Facts:
Davis has produced several new translations of French literary classics, including Swann's Way and Madame Bovary.
UP NEXT: Love's Work by Gillian Rose
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