novel

‘Frankenstein,’ Ballet and Mute Dancing Creatures

Royal Ballet’s “Frankenstein” is loyal to the written work, as it highlights the significance of connections and what occurs upon breaking human and social conventions.…

March 26, 2024

Illustration of a woman reading in a park.

Existentially Impoverished: Philosophy as a Political Statement in ‘The Hour of the Star’

Emily Diaz, DePaul University

Philosophy as a Political Statement in the Clarice Lispector's Acclaimed 1977 Novella, 'The Hour of the Star'.…

March 7, 2024

The Moon Is Down: Propaganda Prevails

Noah Hernandez, University of Texas at San Antonio

A look into the controversial Steinbeck novel that played a part in ending WWII.…

January 26, 2024

In an article about metafictional writing, a notebook sits with a black pencil over it.

How Writing About Writing is Written

Connor Lindsay, Queens University of Charlotte

Self-Aware Fiction in the Modern Age…

September 29, 2023

In an article about a novel by Italo Calvino, two luminous figures walk around the edges of an impossible triangle.

Reading About Reading Teaches Readers About Loving

Evan Tsuei, Westmont College

Italo Calvino’s metafictional novel 'If on a Winter’s Night a Traveler' finds a powerful and complex connection between relationships and storytelling.…

February 4, 2023

An image of the cover of 'Malibu Rising'

‘Malibu Rising’ Ignites the Imaginations of Readers

Olivia Wisse, Hofstra University

This masterful modern historical fiction novel explores celebrity culture, family destiny and female strength — all on the glamorous surf of California.…

September 15, 2021

The Continuing Legacy and Enduring Nature of ‘Dune’

Ian Linn, Oberlin College

Frank Herbert’s seminal novel has influenced countless science fiction writers, even though it has remained a relatively niche series.…

August 27, 2021

Beth O’Leary’s ‘The Switch’ Lacks What Made Her Debut so Impactful

Julia Greene, Columbia College Chicago

The author’s second novel, which follows a grandmother and granddaughter, puts family and community at the forefront but lacks balance in its storytelling.…

September 7, 2020

Emma Lord’s Debut Novel, ‘Tweet Cute,’ Is the Perfect Gen-Z Romance

Julia Greene, Columbia College Chicago

The book is full of social media, insane baked goods and a love story you can’t help but root for.…

August 24, 2020

Image of the book Tigers, Not Daughters by Samantha Mabry

‘Tigers, Not Daughters’ Deftly Portrays the Many Aspects of Grief

Anna Barnard, St. Olaf College

In her new book, Samantha Mabry shows readers that vulnerability and independence are not mutually exclusive.…

July 30, 2020

In an article about whether to finish a book you hate reading, an image of a woman clutching a book

Why You Should Stop Reading That Novel You Hate

Julia Greene, Columbia College Chicago

There's no shame in dropping a book that you have no desire to read.…

July 21, 2020

Illustration by Ellen Budell of two individuals participating in a Trust Exercise

‘Trust Exercise’ Takes a Worthwhile Risk With Unlikable Characters

Starr Shapiro, Columbia University

Susan Choi's novel defies conventional wisdom about fiction and intentionally creates characters that are hard to relate to — making a unique, compelling read in the process.…

June 30, 2020

The cover of 'The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes'

‘The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes’ Challenges Readerly Expectations

Mia Kellner, University of St Andrews

At first glance, 'The Hunger Games' prequel has flat characters and a dull Hunger Games. However, is Suzanne Collins just challenging readers to reflect on how they view violence in entertainment?…

June 18, 2020