In 'Crudo', Olivia Laing weaves a captivating narrative that blends fiction and nonfiction, exploring the life of a writer grappling with the chaos of the world in the summer of 2017. As she navigates love, politics, and the existential dilemmas of modern life, the novel pulses with a vibrant and raw energy. Laing’s prose is luminous, capturing the fleeting moments and ephemeral thoughts of her protagonist. The novel invites us to reflect on time, connection, and the complexities of human experience. With a mix of poignancy and humor, 'Crudo' is a timely exploration of what it means to live in an unpredictable age.
By Olivia Laing
Published: 2019
"The act of writing was like breathing; sometimes it felt like life itself, and other times it felt like a weight that pulled you under."
A New York Times Notable, The New Yorker, Washington Post, NPR, Guardian, Esquire, and Bustle Best Book of 2018 “Love may not be original, but this funny, fervent novel is.”—The New Yorker It’s the summer of 2017 and Kathy is getting married. Meanwhile, fascism is on the rise, truth is dead, the planet is heating up, and Trump is tweeting the world ever closer to nuclear war. In Crudo, her first work of fiction, Olivia Laing radically rewires the novel with a fierce, compassionate account of learning to love when the end of the world seems in sight.
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“The act of writing was like breathing; sometimes it felt like life itself, and other times it felt like a weight that pulled you under.”
Crudo
By Olivia Laing
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Olivia Laing is a celebrated British author and essayist known for her compelling explorations of art, culture, and personal experience. Her notable works include 'To the River,' 'The Lonely City,' and 'Crudo,' which showcase her distinctive, lyrical writing style that intricately weaves together memoir, history, and critical thought. Laing's writing often delves into themes of loneliness, connection, and the human experience, drawing on rich narratives and vivid imagery to engage readers. Her contributions to contemporary literature have established her as a leading voice in the genre of creative nonfiction.
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