Capital and Morals Collide in “Birnam Wood” – Chicago Review of Books

Capital and Morals Collide in “Birnam Wood” – Chicago Review of Books

[ad_1] Full confession: I read, but did not finish Eleanor Catton’s 2013 Booker Prize-winning, 900-page novel, The Luminaries. I don’t recall the reason. The book may have simply worn me out; and, of course, there are times in one’s life when the next book waiting is simply more desirable. Catton’s latest work, Birnam Wood, clocks … Read more

Beware the Power of Social Capital in “Face” – Chicago Review of Books

Beware the Power of Social Capital in “Face” – Chicago Review of Books

[ad_1] The world of Joma West’s debut novel, Face, is one where people can design an unborn baby that someone else delivers. Physical touch has been rendered obsolete. Individuals called menials are “programmed” to serve other people without question. Romantic relationships have evolved into transactional partnerships between people based on personal gain. What’s most compelling … Read more