A new work of fiction by the Nobel Prizewinning author of Disgrace
In this brilliant new work of fiction, J. M. Coetzee once again breaks new literary ground with a book that is, in the words of its main character, a response to the present in which I find myself. Diary of a Bad Year takes on the world of politicsa new topic for Coetzeeand explores the role of the writer in our times with an extraordinary moral compass.
At the center of the book is Señor C, an aging author who has been asked to write his thoughts on the state of the world by his German publisher. These thoughts, called Strong Opinions, address a wide range of subjects and include a scathing indictment of Bush, Cheney, and Blair, as well as a witheringly honest examination of everything from Machiavelli and the current state of the university to music, literature, and intelligent design, offering unexpected perceptions and insightful arguments along the way. Meanwhile, someone new enters the writers life: Anya, the beautiful young woman whom he hires to type his manuscript. The relationship that develops between Señor C and Anya has a profound effect on both of them. It also changes the course of Anyas relationship with Alan, the successful, swaggering man whom she lives withand who has designs on Señor Cs bank account. Through these characters, Coetzee creates an ingenious literary game that will enthrall readers and surprise them with its emotional power. Bold, funny, and sad, as well as intellectually clever and satisfying, Diary of a Bad Year is a journey into the mind and heart of one of the worlds most acclaimed and accomplished writers.
for 上海壹周 “文化观察”
“对于英文小说而言,还有更萧条的年份吗?很难记得其中任何一本。”近日出版的英国《每日电讯报》上,大卫·罗宾逊这样评论过去一年的英文小说世界。文中,他颇具争议性地对诺贝尔奖得主库切的新作《流年日记》(Diary of a Bad Year)进行了毫不留情地嘲讽:“南非重量级小说家库切......