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Interviews | January 24, 2012
By Jill Owens
 Ben Marcus's books The Age of Wire and String and Notable American Women were considered "experimental" fiction because of his unconventional use of...
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Staff Picks
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The Blind Contessa's New Machine
Carey Wallace has written a beautiful little novella based on the invention of the first typewriter. Who knew it was for a blind woman? In 1808, Pellegrino Turri invented his "writing machine" to help the blind communicate. The Blind Contessa's New Machine uses this invention, and its subsequent gift to the Contessa, as a basis for the spark that starts a passionate love affair. Both the inventor and the Contessa are married to others, so there is no easy road to their happiness. What is, perhaps, even more interesting than the love affair is the dream-like quality of this story. As the Contessa gradually loses her sight, she becomes more attached to her dreams, in which she can still see. She is even able to influence her dreams to the point where she can fly. There is a blurring of the line between dream and reality throughout, which gives this books an illusory, unearthly, and fantastical quality.
Recommended by Dianah February 9, 2012
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The Blind Contessa's New Machine by Carey Wallace
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The Seamstress and the Wind
Though most of César Aira's books tend to be slim affairs, they make up with inventiveness for whatever they may lack in length. The prolific Argentine novelist's works are wildly imaginative, and the depth of his creativity seems matched by the ease with which he is able to blend, cross, and move within different genres. The Seamstress and the Wind is the sixth of Aira's books (of more than 80) to be translated into English.
The Seamstress and the Wind combines a number of elements that, at first glance, might appear to make for a jumbled, undisciplined, and haphazard work. The brilliance of Aira's writing, however, is that he, like a literary alchemist, transmutes disparate components into something fantastical and rewarding. Mixing the mundane with the phantasmagorical, Aira's novels are richly engaging, for one is never sure upon which point the story is about to veer into the realm of the wholly unforeseen. The word predictable is one that ought never be employed to describe any aspect of Aira's fiction. The magnificent range in his work is no mere clever device, but instead reflects an unfettered imagination that allows for a story to freely evolve. The effect is disarming and seems refreshingly natural (perhaps in contrast to the abundance of forced narratives that abound elsewhere in contemporary literature). Contributing to the overall affluence of his writing are his reliably intriguing characters, seemingly average yet possessed by a charming singularity. The Seamstress and the Wind features characters the likes of which will not soon be forgotten (nor their entrances into the story).
César Aira is remarkably gifted, and his ability to seamlessly infuse his work with humor, fantasy, poignant observation, unrestrained style, and invigorating prose is truly amazing. Although each one of his books is entirely unlike its predecessor, they all seem to complement one another in a way that reinforces the prowess of his creativity. The more Aira that I read, the more easily I am convinced that he is one of the most talented, original, and important writers at work today. Though few of his books are even as long as 150 pages, they leave the reader bewitched long after the story has concluded.
Recommended by Jeremy February 9, 2012
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The Seamstress and the Wind the Seamstress and the Wind by Cesar Aira
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The Art of Fielding
If it weren't for the Morning News Tournament of Books, I would never have read The Art of Fielding. Baseball? No, thanks. But have no fear — it's not really a book about baseball. Henry Skrimshander is a shortstop prodigy who lives and breathes baseball. Luckily, he is talented enough to catch the eye of Mike Schwartz, the de facto student coach of all things sports at Westish College in Wisconsin. Henry can't believe his luck as he is suddenly accepted into college, playing shortstop for a real team, and about to match the all-time professional record for error-free games. But, things never work out this well, do they? What follows is an anxious and uneasy coming-of-age story, which rings absolutely true and comes complete with a shattering identity crisis. Chad Harbach manages to convey the degrading, confusing, and humiliating realities of this period of life, all the while his characters are insinuating themselves thoroughly into your heart. Woven throughout is one of the most truly radiant, yet at the same time, deeply distressing, love stories I've ever come across. Thank you, Tournament of Books, for forcing me to read this!
Recommended by Dianah February 7, 2012
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The Art of Fielding: A Novel by Chad Harbach
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Olive Kitteridge
Set on the coast of Maine, this fantastic Pulitzer Prize winner (2009) is a terrific character study. Olive is an irascible, crabby old lady who is difficult to like. Yet, as her life, marriage, and story play out, her character changes in ways that are wholly believable. This novel runs the gamut of human emotion and delicately exposes the secret inner workings of the human condition. Beautifully written, Olive Kitteridge is a book I didn't much expect to like — but how wrong I was.
Recommended by Dianah February 7, 2012
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Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout
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Handheld Pies
Part cookbook, part culinary road trip, part mouthwatering, flaky-crusted, fresh-from-the-oven feast for the eyes, Handheld Pies combines recipes for scrumptious handheld treats with profiles of some of the best small-pie makers in the United States, including Portland's own fried-pie purveyor Whiffies (p. 34). First-time pie makers will appreciate the introductory chapter devoted to equipment, ingredients, and techniques, as well as Billingsley's clear, step-by-step instructions. Seasoned pros looking to expand their repertoire are sure to find something they haven't tried, like Orange Marmalade-Mascarpone Pop Tarts (p. 37) or Vanilla Malt Jar Pie (p. 86). This book makes me want to embark on a tiny eating baking spree.
Recommended by Tove February 6, 2012
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Handheld Pies: Dozens of Pint-Size Sweets and Savories by Sarah Billingsley
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Half a Life
Darin Strauss dissects the one event that forever demarcates his life: as a teenager, he kills a schoolmate after hitting her with his car. To his credit, Strauss never once plays the pity card; instead he seems to question his every emotion and thought for signs of weakness. As he grows into adulthood, he shares his story with others and sits unflinchingly while they either excoriate or coddle him. No, this memoir is not for the faint of heart — demanding introspection and exhaustive emotional digging are the hallmarks of his life. Half a Life not only describes Strauss's life but also his schoolmate's life, and he mines this reality for all its subtle and explicit meaning. Kudos to Strauss for his strength in not only living this particular nightmare but for sharing it, as well.
Recommended by Dianah February 6, 2012
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Half a Life. Darin Strauss by Darin Strauss
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