“My grandmother refused to concede that any member of the family died of natural causes. An uncle's cancer in middle age occurred because all the suitcases fell off the luggage rack onto him when he was in his teens, and so forth. Death was an acquired characteristic.”
In this novel, the protagonist embarks on a transformative journey aboard a speedboat, reflecting on her personal history and the complexities of her cultural heritage. The narrative delves into the protagonist's struggle with identity and belonging, as she navigates the waters of her own life and the broader currents of her society. more
Renata Adler (born October 19, 1938) is an American author, journalist, and critic. Known for her sharp prose and incisive cultural commentary, she was a staff writer for The New Yorker and wrote novels like Speedboat and Pitch Dark. Her work explores themes of power, media, and language, earning her recognition as a significant voice in American literature. more
“There is a difference, of course, between real sentiment and the trash of shared experience.”
“Most movies are not very good. Most people know it and like to see them anyway.”
“Sanity ... is the most profound moral option of our time.”