culture. education. literary studies.
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.
Iโm happy to announce the release of the seventh title in my Grammaticus Free Library series: โThe Mesmeric Mountainโ is a curious tale of a man convinced heโs being followed by a mountain. It was written by Stephen Crane (1871-1900), a prolific American writer whose innovative style influenced generations of authors.
grammaticus 