THE REVIEW OF CONTEMPORARY FICTION. Each issue...
THE REVIEW OF CONTEMPORARY FICTION. Each issue of this fascinating journal is devoted to examining the works of one or two of the current practitioners of the peculiar art of making up stories. Contributions range from footnoted academic essays to visual artists’ responses; there are interviews, reminiscences, bibliographies, fugitive writings and work in progress. A different guest editor assembles the material around each author; the mix varies widely, giving this review a personable and responsive tone.
Essays are adventurously detailed, but useful and unstuffy; analysis generally springs from pleasure rather than duty. One of my favorite pieces (from 1987’s “Samuel Beckett Number”) has artist Tom Phillips recounting his attempts to sketch Beckett during rehearsals in London. The rapport was fine, but Phillips felt bad about the many intrusions borne by this master recluse; he ended up doing a marvelous series of the back of Beckett’s head.
The Review of Contemporary Fiction, 236 South Washington, Naperville, IL 60540; $8 per issue, $17 for three issues.)
Sign up for our Book Club newsletter
Get the latest news, events and more from the Los Angeles Times Book Club, and help us get L.A. reading and talking.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
