culture. education. literary studies.
Iโm happy to present the eighth title in the Grammaticus Free Library series: โAn Alpine Divorceโ, an exciting crime story written by the Scottish-Canadian writer Robert Barr (1849โ1912). Itโs about a husband and wife who grew to hate each other with passion. While on holidays in the Swiss Alps, their marriage comes to its tragic and final end.
First published in 2019, Starve Acre is eerie and suspenseful, but in a very elegant, subdued way. Its rural setting and folkloric elements place it firmly in the tradition of English folk horror genre, where there is a special - troubled - connection between the protagonists, the land and its numinous, uncanny presences.
From the provincial setting and character depictions, to insights into the spiritualist subculture peppered with Mantelโs skillful wit... Everything about this book was enjoyable. Add to that a rather unconventional and original approach to its themes, and you have a recipe for a great, genre-bending novel.
For many years now โZen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenanceโ has been one of my favourite books. If youโre not familiar with it, I hope this post and the listening tips will encourage you to explore Pirsigโs writings and philosophy.
grammaticus 