Alice Munro has withdrawn her latest collection, Too Much Happiness (out this week), f”rom consideration for the 2009 award. The 78-year-old writer’s decision has disappointed literary punters hoping for a close contest for this year’s prize between Munro and veteran novelist Margaret Atwood.”
Tag: 08.29.09
Do Great Books Have To Be Difficult?
“It’s not easy to put your finger on what exactly is so disgraceful about our attachment to storyline. Sure, it’s something to do with high and low and genres and the canon and such. But what exactly? Part of the problem is that to find the reason you have to dig down a ways, down into the murky history of the novel.”
Moscow’s Contemporary Art Scene Gets A Boost
“In the Russian capital the post-Soviet art scene is developing into a major international force. Three huge and vibrant new exhibition spaces have opened in Moscow in the last two years, one of them masterminded by Abramovich’s socialite girlfriend, Dasha Zhukova. Edgy, arty hangouts are popping up too.”
The Corrosive Effects Of Snark
“In an earlier period, we thought that in the free market of ideas and language, the best and most truthful expression would win out and the rest would be forgotten. Now I’m not so sure.”
Concert Tours Doing Well This Summer
“Just when you might think that Canadians would have good reason to stay home and watch TV, they’re streaming out to concerts, club shows and music festivals.”
LA County Museum Saves Film Program… (For Now)
“Left unanswered is the question of whether Hollywood’s studios and big production companies are willing to open their pocketbooks to support the film program, whatever form it takes. Even in flush times, when profits were soaring, their reputation as donors was that they were far less generous than corporations on Wall Street or in Silicon Valley.”