Examining the Creative Process in “American Mermaid” – Chicago Review of Books

Examining the Creative Process in “American Mermaid” – Chicago Review of Books

[ad_1] A decade ago, the success of wizard books and vampire franchises had caused something of a stir in literary New York. Culture writers Lindsay Weber and Amanda Dobbins declared in Vulture that “Mermaids are the New Vampires.” More than one literary agent even went as far as telling me they were seeking out a … Read more

Examining the Problem Novel in “Pyre” – Chicago Review of Books

Examining the Problem Novel in “Pyre” – Chicago Review of Books

[ad_1] My knowledge of Tamil is limited to my father’s voice. It is not his first language but it’s the one, to him, forever linked to literature. I recognize the lilt and sounds of the Tamil language but am unable to read it written, or even parse out individual spoken words. It is with gratitude … Read more

Examining the Weary Millennial in “The Four Humors” – Chicago Review of Books

Examining the Weary Millennial in “The Four Humors” – Chicago Review of Books

[ad_1] A newer trend in diaspora writing, which has fast become one of my favorite sub-genres, is that of the disillusioned millennial surrounded by the legacy of prior generations. Beyond the usual response of confusion and determination, our protagonists are apathetic and often unlikeable. Sanjena Sathian, author of Gold Diggers, writes “They—the outside world—hardly know … Read more