Twenty-First Century Novels: The First Decade, Volume 1-3
Twenty-First Century Novels: The First Decade examines some of the most important fictional works published from 2000 to 2009. In order to help both students and casual readers develop a deeper understanding of these works, each title is covered in an entry that discusses style, characters, critical reception, and cultural and historical contexts, and provides recommendations of related materials and resources.
Ironweed is a 1983 novel by William Kennedy. It received the 1984 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction and is the third book in Kennedy's Albany Cycle. It placed at number ninety-two on the Modern Library list of the 100 Best Novels written in English in the 20th Century and is also included in the Western Canon of the critic Harold Bloom.
With a career spanning 50 years, Kurt Vonnegut is one of the most prolific and popular American writers of the 20th century. Though his works have often met with mixed reviews, and have been difficult to categorize, his status of cultural icon and one of the most important contemporary novelists is well established. This critical companion, perfect for students, skillfully guides readers through seven of Vonnegut's most important novels including Player Piano (1952), Mother Night (1961), Cat's Cradle (1963), and Slaughterhouse Five (1969).
There are lots of good and Purge, by Sofi Oksanen even excellent novels. But really stunning, exceptional novels are rare. Purge (original title Puhdistus), written by Finnish-Estonian playwright, novelist, and activist Sofi Oksanen, a writer mostly unknown in the English-speaking world, is such a novel. Purge is her third novel, and has received a lot of well-deserved attention. With this book, Oksanen (born 1977) was the first ever writer to win both of Finland’s prestigious literary prizes—the Finlandia and the Runeberg. Then this marvelous piece of writing went on to win the Nordic Council Literature Prize as well.
The collection of poems presents beautiful ballads, a couple of which are based on actual folk tales of Scotland, while others were conjectured by the poet himself. The stories are harmoniously narrated and compiled. The last one touches the tender love of children towards their parents. Scottish author of prose, verse and travel. Stevenson's novels of exploration and exciting journeys, sanctuary and terror have continued in recognition long after his death. His style is both captivating and enduring.
