The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt

Though daunting in size, this popular book will sweep you off your feet with an unexpected explosive opening. For fans of Donna Tartt and her popular debut, The Secret History, her recent novel will continue to captivate artsy, literary minded readers. The novel is also already on its way to being adapted to film in some way, whether through a TV show or a movie by the producers of The Hunger Games. A New York Times Bestseller and Pulitzer Prize winner this book has been deemed the “it book” of 2014 by some and rejected by others who call it a children’s book for adults. My advice is to put the criticism aside and read this book. The author weaves a brilliant story using beautiful language and unforgettable characters.  Although 700 pages, you will find yourself deeply entrenched in the novel’s depth and highly crafted level of suspense. 

The epic centers around the life of Theo Decker who has undergone a horrific trauma while visiting the Metropolitan Museum of Art with his mother. A vicious terrorist attack on priceless works of art and the people inside the museum enjoying them, turns Theo’s life upside down as a result of his mother’s death and his survival. Amidst the wreckage he spots an old man on the edge of death attempting to speak to him.  At his request, Theo absconds with Fabritius’ 1654 masterpiece, The Goldfinch. As the novel progresses through his life, Theo moves from place to place meeting eccentric and off-kilter people: a young well travelled Russian boy, a reclusive furniture restorer, and a charitable Park Avenue family to name a few.  But what happens to the painting? You’ll be propelled along to find out if he continues to smuggle the masterpiece or chooses another option. The unforeseen events and circumstances that evolve make the reader’s journey worthwhile and rewarding.  The next time you’re snowed in and caught up on class projects, delve into this masterfully told tale—you won’t regret it.  

Unbroken: An Olympian’s Journey from Airman to Castaway to Captive Adapted for Young Adults by Laura Hillenbrand

For fans of Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption, originally published in 2010, this new young adult version recently released contains engaging new additions. Full of photos, many of which were from Louie Zamperini’s private collection, the book also includes Louie’s last interview with author Laura Hillenbrand.  The film adaptation, directed by Angelina Jolie, was released this past Christmas Day, and has sparked controversy not only in Japan, but also here at home.

Hillenbrand decided to create a young adult version of her #1 New York Times Bestseller to expand the audience for her book and to be part of the trend to reach young adults. A recent example of this is I am Malala by Malala Yousafzai adapted for young readers.  She also believes Louie’s story should touch everyone’s life in some way, including the lives of children.  Director Angelina Jolie agrees, saying, “Every young person should have the chance to read this book”.  Louie ran a children’s camp and so was equally thrilled upon hearing of her idea for the book.  The interview at the end of this new edition was her last recorded conversation with him before he passed away in the summer of last year. Hillenbrand even had the idea to ask students for question ideas so that she could conduct the interview from a young adult’s point of view.

The release of the book’s adaptation for younger readers created buzz for the movie, which already promised to be a thriving success all on its own. For readers who have both read the book and seen the movie, you noticed the extreme focus placed on Louie’s experience in the POW camp in Japan where he lived under the ruthless rule of ‘The Bird”. In the book, his story is more equally divided between his childhood, race to the Olympics, survival on the open ocean, life as a Japanese prisoner, and acceptance of Christianity. Jolie has been criticized by some for instead crediting Louie’s newfound devotion to spirituality in general. In Japan, uber nationalists have slammed Jolie for being racist and the film for being historically inaccurate.  This was, after all, Louie Zamperini’s account of his hellish ordeal during WWII, which is superbly depicted in Hillenbrand’s book and the newly adapted young adult version. Check out the book and the movie today to see for yourself!    

Irish Cosmopolitanism: Location and Dislocation in James Joyce, Elizabeth Bowen, and Samuel Beckett by Nels Pearson

For any of you who have had the pleasure of taking one of Dr. Pearson’s classes, particularly Irish Lit, you will know what I mean when I say he has a true passion for his work.  This book reflects that passion for Irish Lit as he navigates the choppy waters of the development of the modern Irish writer, as epitomized by James Joyce, Elizabeth Bowen, and Samuel Beckett.  These three writers highlight in their works the struggle between embracing the world at large and retaining one’s national identity.  In fact, as Pearson argues, it is this very overlap that creates Irish modernism.  There is a yearning within their character as they constantly evolve, looking for the global future, yet paradoxically still tied to the roots of the mother country.

Dr. Pearson posits that you must travel away from your country of origin to truly grasp its identity.  He uses the example of Stephen Dedalus in James Joyce’s A Portrait of the Artist of A Young Man in that “his process of ascertaining an Irish consciousness….comes to co-exist with, to influence and be influenced by, his developing international consciousness and ideas about the human universe”.  What results from this intersection of national and international concerns is Irish modernism.  Irish Cosmopolitanism explores the changing term “cosmopolitan” in relation to Ireland’s history of decolonization as seen through the lens of quintessential Irish expatriate writers.  It is a scholarly treatise, yet still lends itself to the average reader who wants to increase his/her knowledge of Irish literature.  Take a further step and consider taking EN 161 (Irish Lit) with Dr. Pearson next year.  The course works span from medieval poems to feminist writer Edna O’Brien to modernist Sebastian Barry. You will glean a broad understanding of Ireland’s tumultuous past and the brilliant writers that it spawned.

Come to the Fairfield University Bookstore on Thursday, February 12 at 7:00 p.m. to meet Dr. Pearson and learn more about his new book!

Interview with Dr. Pearson:

1) What sparked your passion for Irish literature and history?

Reading James Joyce's works as an undergraduate and then going to Ireland were the two inspiring factors that led me to my passion for Ireland. I actually was studying abroad in Italy and went to Ireland for my spring break that semester and mostly traipsed about Dublin following the paths of Joyce's characters.

2) Have you ever lived in Ireland or have you traveled there frequently? If so, which area is your favorite?

I have traveled to Ireland several times and co taught a course there last year. My favorites are the west coast towns of Sligo (where WB Yeats was from) and Doolin.

3) Are you planning to use this book in any course you teach?

No. I think it is really too specialized or geared to graduate students and colleagues in the field. But I might certainly make smaller sections available for reserve/optional reading and put it on reserve for certain research paper topics.

4) What is your favorite aspect of teaching at Fairfield University?

I appreciate the balanced climate of active researchers and devoted classroom teachers.

5) What topics are you currently researching that you will be writing about in the future?

I am currently starting a new book project on the role of water (sea, crossings, coasts, maritime economics) in Irish twentieth century literature.

6) Who are your top three favorite authors?

Tough call. Probably James Joyce, Samuel Beckett, and WB Yeats.

7) What books would you recommend to a person who is new to Irish literature?

Great Question. Wish we could crowd source my EN 161 students. I would say, for earlier 20th century works, Joyce's Dubliners and the early poetry of Yeats, but for some great more recent stuff, anything by Roddy Doyle, Seamus Deane's Reading in the Dark, Edna Obrien's The Country Girls, and John McGahern's The Dark and Amongst Women.

Dante's Cypher by T. Stephens

A demonic curse linking the early Catholic church, a seemingly peaceful Maine wood, and an escaped convict fill the pages of this suspenseful page-turner.  This is a can’t-put-it-down book that propels you to tear through the story desperate to uncover the secrets surrounding the sinister cabin in the Maine woods where Steve and Carol expect to relax on their anniversary.  What begins as a few spooky incidents turns into a full on hunt for the truth as Steve unearths more and more about the land’s past.  After a terrible accident, Steve flees a modern day witch-hunt led by local and state authorities.  A frantic chase ensues to save his wife from an unknown and other worldly threat.  The short novel alternates between ancient diary entries of the land’s late owner, Steve’s disturbing historical discoveries, his attempts at survival, and the search for justice by the local police.  Well-written and flawlessly unfolding from start to finish, this is a haunting and nightmare worthy ghost story.  Dante’s Cypher is a stay-up-all-night read, reminiscent of the works of Stephen King, most of whose tales of horror are also set in Maine.  Come to the Fairfield U Bookstore on Saturday, February 7^th from 12-3 pm to meet the author and pick up your own copy!  For excerpts of the book and more information check out his website: http://dantescypher.tateauthor.com/.  Twitter account: @Dantes_Cypher and Facebook page: T. Stephens Author and Dante’s Cypher.

Interview with T. Stephens:

1) What began your interest in writing? Have you always enjoyed horror or do you plan to explore other genres?

I have always dabbled in newspaper and magazine articles, but this was my first foray into novel writing. The story of Dante's Cypher (DC) came to me in a dream, based on a place where I was staying. As for the horror question, I never intended to be a "horror" writer; it just sort of worked out that way. I describe DC as an intense, thriller-mystery with tones of horror. This is my Genre for now.

2) In your afterword of the book you state that the setting, history, and the cypher all actually exist.  Is this haunting tale completely a work of fiction or based on real events?

This story is based on real events that my twisted mind grabbed hold of and made a creepy story out of.

3) What are you currently working on?

I have a few projects that I am working on. I am in negotiations to turn DC into a screenplay for movie development, which has required a lot of time and has been very exciting.  I also have another novel that is in its final stages; it just has to be refined for publication. As a matter of fact the photo-shoot for the cover was just last week, so that is very exciting also.  In addition, I am doing a tremendous educational push, talking/guest lecturing with multiple universities (i.e. UCONN, Keene State, Fairfield), and schools. I talk about empowerment and actively guiding your life, not just being a passenger. I find this very rewarding and self-gratifying.

4) Who are some of your favorite authors, other than your implied respect for Stephen King?

I have so many authors that I am a fan of, lately I haven't had the time to read much, but I am currently reading "The Acolyte" By John T. Hitchner and am enjoying it very much.

5) Finally, what advice would you give aspiring authors?

WRITE!!! HONE YOUR CRAFT!! BELIEVE!!!

When I Found You by Catherine Ryan Hyde

Imagine yourself walking along a woodland trail without a care in the world, taking in the fresh air and tranquil surroundings.  Now imagine you found a baby very deep within the leaves.  Is it dead or alive and what is the next thing you would do?  At first Nathan McCann assumed, as many of us would, that the unexpectedly discovered baby was past all help.  But with a twitch of a foot, lives were changed forever.  The baby boy was still alive so Nathan launches into action and feels an overwhelming sensation of fatherly devotion towards the infant.  At that moment Nathan knew he would be a part of the child’s life in one way or another.  The boy is fittingly named after his rescuer, but later shortens it to Nat.  The unexplainable and unbreakable bond Nathan feels towards the baby endures throughout the rest of his life.  The story unwinds through a series of events and circumstances that constantly test the unconditional love poured upon Nat.  Spanning decades and interchanging between the perspectives of Nathan and Nat, When I Found You is written in an easy, conversational style, yet delivers powerfully heartbreaking moments.  Catherine Ryan Hyde has written numerous other novels including Pay It Forward, which was adapted to film in 2000.  Hopefully, filmmakers will consider this thought provoking tale too.  For more information, visit her website: http://www.catherineryanhyde.com/