The Known World, by Edward P. Jones; Amistead Publishing, 2002 Reviewed by John Wrobleski
This 2004 Pulitzer Prize winning book is set in Virginia, 20 years before the beginning of the Civil War. The Known World has painful descriptions of a sordid time of our history, detailing life under slavery. Despite the despairing conditions, some endearing relationships emerged, and hope for a better future persisted. Meg Mullins' The Rug Merchant is an outstanding story of an immigrant from Iran who opens a Persian rug company in New York City. The story evolves through the end of his marriage, and a love affair with a college student. The author presents an interesting portrait of the life of an elderly customer. To lighten things up, try Barrel Fever, by David Sedaris. This book has personal essays and stories from the author's life, which are often hilarious. You are guaranteed a whole lot of laughter while reading the wild descriptions of eccentric family members and friends.
No comments:
Post a Comment