The front page of the Guardian Review section says:
Could it happen there? Fascism in American fiction from Sinclair Lewis to Philip Roth. It’s a fascinating read by Sarah Churchwell and you can see it here.
Neil Gaiman writes about his new book of Norse mythology, Brexit and being an Englishman in New York. You can read the interview here.
Claire Armitstead writes about a new book called Heartthrobs by Carol Dyhouse – Byron, Marc Bolan, Christian Grey …. how women’s fantasy lovers have changed over time. I have to admit that as a young teenager my bedroom walls were covered by Marc Bolan/T. Rex posters,
and then came that Che Guevara poster! You can read the article here.
Could FASCISM happen in the U.S.? Maybe not right this minute, as our P.E. manufactures his own truth in a way that bears a startling resemblance to fascist leaders present and past. I’m not saying he resembles fascist leaders 100 percent, mind you, I’m saying he manipulates facts the way they do and did. And he had a tendency to want to terminate and eliminate people (like federal judges), who say his actions are unconstitutional.
That’s why I don’t think fascism can get a good toe-hold this month, because fortunately, he’s scaring people out of their wits, which is a good thing, in a way, considering the circumstances.
It’s amazing, Katrina, how my reading of The Betrayal by Helen Dunmore, kept sending alarm bells off in my head, over and over and over. (I do love this book, but I guess I would have looked at it very differently a year or two ago.) As I may have mentioned The Betrayal takes place during the very end yet devastating time in Stalin’s final months.
Judith,
I haven’t read that one yet but see it is in a nearby library so I might rectify that soon. I’ve always been interested in Russian history although I’ve mainly read about the imperial history.
I feel very sure that you would enjoy The Betrayal. I plan to spend a few more words on it in an upcoming post.
Judith,
I just managed to borrow The Betrayal from a library today so I’ll be reading it soon.
Judith,
It’s all very worrying. I’m nostalgic for the days of the Cold War when things were more stable!
Oh how I laughed when I read this response. You’re right, though, I agree–leaders had their feet firmly planted.