How to Read a Novelist

A large collection of John Freeman's interviews with writers over the past decade; provides brief biographies of the authors so we have some background in understanding the interview questions and answers. He explains how each publication was received by the writing world and the public; the process of writing; how time, experience and memory can change writers' perspectives.

I particularly enjoyed learning how each writer came to write. Some knew early on, and others didn't begin until much later. Many used their own lives and environments as subjects while others needed to travel to find inspiration. Some used volatile political situations, or little known historical facts, and others, love, or the future or all of the above to show more create.

Freeman describes the individuality of each author while also comparing them to writers of the past, or present.

I was concerned this book would be filled with boring literary analysis and criticism; but was pleasantly surprised by how readable and compelling it actually is. show less