In a hectic world of noise and action, this book is a welcome relief. In it, Marilynne Robinson demonstrates the rare precision a first-class writer can employ in describing thoughts and feelings. The result is a mesmerizing story of quiet reflection and uncanny perception. Apart from that, for aspiring authors, it is a valuable lesson in truly meticulous writing.

This is a work of remarkable linguistic inventiveness by the Nobel Prize winning author. In it, Gao Xingjian’s recounts two very different stories. One is a unique depiction of a society corrupted by totalitarianism, loosely based on his own life in the sixties under Mao Zedong. In the other, set in the nineties, he describes his life as a successful author in the West about to receive a prestigious literary award. For the reader, the vivid accounts are, at times, emotionally disturbing, but always immensely rewarding. This 583-word article examines the two narratives and the unique literary devices skilfully employed by this acclaimed author.

Youth fiction has many topics and themes, but which are the right kind for your child to read? Learn about the main themes of most youth fiction literature so you can help your young reader make an informed decision about what to look for at the library or bookstore.

John Steinbeck was a powerful and eloquent champion of the poor and a vehement exponent of man’s free will, yet, apparently he did not believe in an afterlife. This paradox might be mildly interesting, but of little significance, were it nor for his extraordinary gift as a storyteller. Always using straightforward language, he produced some of the most poignant, heart-rending literature in the English language and thus focused a bright light on the plight of the disenfranchised. This 655-word article examines the key influences that helped nurture his genius.

A review of Gloucestershire author Jilly Cooper´s new novel Jump. Jump is the ninth in the popular series of Rutshire Chronicles, which started back in the early 1980s with Riders. A spoiler free review which outlines the key areas of plot.

On every page of this great work, John Steinbeck rewards the reader with superb writing that is equal to or surpasses the greatest literature in the English language. On nearly every page, some wise insight is disclosed, or some unshakable moral principle. By probing the mood of this great novel, but careful not to reveal the story, this review hopes to entice those who have not read East of Eden to do so as soon as possible.