Granta 27: Death : Book Review

In "Granta 27: New British Fiction," Bill Buford takes readers on a literary journey that explores a wide range of topics, making for a captivating and diverse reading experience. As a skilled writer and editor, Buford carefully curates a collection of thought-provoking essays that delve deep into literature, history, and culture.

One notable essay in the anthology is Michael Hofmann's "Sebald: On the Natural History of Destruction," which examines the haunting works of German author W.G. Sebald. Hofmann's essay explores Sebald's profound reflections on the devastating effects of World War II, offering a unique perspective on this historical event.

Another standout piece is Paul Theroux's "The Real Thing," a deeply personal essay that delves into the complexities of relationships and the search for authenticity. Theroux's introspective writing style allows readers to connect with his thoughts and experiences on a profound level.

Jayne Anne Phillips' essay, "A Keg of Stones," is a heartfelt exploration of family dynamics. Through her poignant storytelling, Phillips delves into the complexities of memory, loss, and love, providing readers with a deeply moving and emotional experience.

Martin Amis' "The Counterlife" is yet another noteworthy essay that challenges perceptions of identity and the power of fiction. Amis blurs the boundaries between reality and fiction, weaving a compelling narrative that keeps readers engaged and questioning the nature of storytelling.

What are readers saying?

The anthology "Granta 27: New Writing," edited by Bill Buford, has garnered mixed reviews from readers. This collection of contemporary stories, essays, and poems has been both praised and criticized for various reasons.

Many reviewers appreciated the diverse content and talented contributors found in "Granta 27." They praised the book for showcasing both established and emerging writers from around the world, providing a global perspective on literature. Readers found the thought-provoking stories and essays engaging, exploring deep themes such as identity, love, and societal issues.

However, some readers felt that the quality of the content in "Granta 27" was inconsistent. While some pieces stood out as engaging and well-written, others failed to hold their interest. Some reviewers also mentioned that they would have preferred a stronger theme or more cohesion among the various selections.

Bill Buford's editing of the anthology received mixed feedback. Some praised his curation, finding the combination of genres and styles refreshing. They appreciated the diverse perspectives and commended Buford for selecting compelling works. However, a few readers felt that the editing could have been tighter, stating that certain pieces felt out of place or did not meet the standard set by the rest of the collection.

In conclusion, "Granta 27: New Writing" by Bill Buford offers a wide range of voices and thought-provoking pieces. It showcases both established and emerging writers, providing a global perspective on literature. While some readers found the content inconsistent and desired more cohesion, many praised the diverse selection of stories, essays, and poems. Buford's editing received mixed reviews, with some readers appreciating his curation while others felt it could have been improved.

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