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This title in other editionsHow to Read a Novel: A User's Guideby John Sutherland
Synopses & ReviewsPublisher Comments:"Do we still know how to read a novel?" John Sutherland, Chairman of the 2005 Booker Prize Committee, asks. His disheartened answer is an unequivocal, "No." But Sutherland has not given up hope. With acerbic wit and intellect, he traces the history of what it used to mean to be well-read and tells readers what it still means today. Using this delightful book as a means to an end, he reminds readers how the delicate charms of fiction can be at once wonderful and inspired and infuriating.
On one level this is a book about novels: how they work, what they're about, what makes them good or bad, and how to talk about them. At a deeper level, this is a book in which one of the most intimate tête-à-têtes is described — one in which a reader meets a novel. Will a great love affair begin? Will the rendezvous end in disappointment? Who can say? In order for the relationship to take its appropriate course all the details must be clearly acknowledged and understood for their complexities: plot, point of view, character, style, pace, first and last sentences, and even beauty. Still, Sutherland knows a true understanding of fiction is more than a flirtation with text and style — it is a business. Taking his readers on a trip to the bookshop, he helps them judge a book by its cover based on design and color, wondering aloud what genre might be best, even going so far as to analyze one of the latest American bestsellers to further help the buying reader choose the novel that is right for him or her. In a book that is as wry and humorous as it is learned and opinionated, John Sutherland tells you everything you always wanted to know about how to read fiction better than you do now (but, were afraid to ask). Review:"[Sutherland] gives you everything you need to know to become a successful and happy novel reader....Highly recommended..." Library Journal Review:"How to Read a Novel is a lighthearted, often funny book. And oddly calming. There may not be time to read everything, but at least there is some hope of doing it well." The Los Angeles Times Review:"It's ridiculously fun reading for book lovers." The Tampa Tribune Review:"Cultural anxiety is a good subject for a book; but Sutherland is, perhaps, too much its creature." New York Times Review:"When he's not busy pandering to book-club members and their charge cards, Sutherland is frequently patronizing them....[I]t's hard not to suspect that Sutherland's view of the common reader is about on par with Nathanael West's vision of the moronic masses in The Day of the Locust." Washington Post Book World Synopsis:"Do we still know how to read a novel?" John Sutherland, Chairman of the 2005 Booker Prize Committee, asks. His answer is an unequivocal, "No." But Sutherland has not given up hope. With acerbic wit and intellect, he traces the history of what it used to mean to be well-read and tells readers what it still means today while reminding readers how the delicate charms of fiction can be at once wonderful and inspired and infuriating. On one level this is a book about novels but at a deeper level, this is a book in which one of the most intimate tête- About the AuthorJohn Sutherland is Emeritus Lord Northcliffe Professor of Modern English Literature at University College London and a visiting professor at the California Institute of Technology. He has published and edited numerous books. He writes a weekly column for The Guardian, and also writes for the New York Times Book Review and London Review of Books. He was the committee chairman for the 2005 Man Booker Prize. What Our Readers Are SayingBe the first to add a comment for a chance to win!Product Details
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