DeLillo has said that he no longer feels a compulsion to write long, compendious books. In his later years, Saul Bellow said something similar. DeLillo, of course, has written very long in the past, notably with the 850-page Underworld (1997), and his story has been America. Justin Cartwright americabellowbook share on social
Strangely enough, the legend of John Brown, who was clearly crazy, helped the abolitionist cause and is thought to have precipitated the American Civil War. Justin Cartwright abolitionistamericanbrown Change image and share on social
The book that meant most to me was 'The Wind in the Willows.' It sounds ridiculous, but that was my vision of England. Justin Cartwright bookenglandmean Change image and share on social
My own interest in Kafka's letter came about when I was writing an article on Peter Ginz, the boy novelist held in Terezin, not far from Prague, and exterminated in Auschwitz by the Nazis. The Ginz family were from more or less the same milieu as the Kafkas. Justin Cartwright articleauschwitzboy share on social
In his later years, Ramakrishna took up residence at the Dakshineswar Kali Temple, from where his radiance extended far, even beyond his death in 1886. Justin Cartwright dakshineswardeathextend Change image and share on social
'The Infinities' is a shortish book but densely loaded with Nabokovian slyness, gorgeous imagery, and disturbing insights into what it means to be mortal. Justin Cartwright bookdenselydisturb Change image and share on social
I always assumed I could never make a living out of literary fiction, and I was right. When I did try, it took four years before being published. Justin Cartwright assumefictionliterary Change image and share on social
If Franschhoek has a fault, it is in the lavish refurbishment of wine farms and estates which has reached absurd proportions. Some, like Graf Delaire Estate, are brand new, with jewellery shops, indoor streams, and very high-end lodges for rent at prices not many South Africans can afford. Justin Cartwright absurdaffordafrican share on social
If I was at home, I'd find myself checking email and looking at the Internet when I should be working. In the library, I can get an awful lot done in a couple of hours, but it can become quite sociable, which you have to watch out for. There are a lot of people you can pop out and have a coffee with. Justin Cartwright awfulcheckcoffee share on social
It was my idea to do a two-hour course of barista training. I was keen to learn how to finish off my coffee with a picture of a heart or a palm tree or, perhaps, a swan. Justin Cartwright baristacoffeefinish Change image and share on social