In the spirit of speculating about sexuality (something that is only ok for ancient fictional characters!), here’s a ranking of Iliad retellings by gayness.
Review: The House of Youssef by Yumna Kassab
I can’t say I enjoyed this book very much – it’s full of domestic tragedy – but I was impressed by its intensely claustrophobic mood.
Review: Flight Lines by Andrew Darby
Flight Lines is one of the most beautiful and moving books about nature I have read in a while.
Review: Small Gods by Terry Pratchett
Terry Pratchett is sharpest when dissecting and delighting in human irrationality.
Review: Runaway by Alice Munro
Alice Munro is often said to be the modern master of short stories. I can see why.
Review: The Bell by Iris Murdoch
The Bell is like a delicious and unlikely combination of two Luca Guadagnino films: Call Me By Your Name and Suspiria.
Review: Blakwork by Alison Whittaker
Whittaker’s poetic language is urgent but timeless, vernacular but formally rigorous, totally unique.
Review: Superpower by Ross Garnaut
This book could radically transform Australia’s approach to climate change.
Review: Welcome to Bellevue by Seth Robinson
Welcome to Bellevue is an action-packed and satisfying mystery.
Review: Find Me by André Aciman
What feels at first like a somewhat cheeky bait-and-switch turns out to be rich ground for investigating the passage of time, fate, and the many people we are over our lifetimes.