Barbara A. Baker

This book contains essays, analyses, literary criticism and interviews. The subject is the writing of the late Lewis Nordan. Many of the articles provide insight into the themes and elements of his fiction. There’s also some academic sludge that’s painful to read – but not much. The book also helps with getting to know Nordan as a person and writer. The three excellent interviews included here do that, as does the text of a speech of Nordan’s.

One of my favorite quotes is: “The familiar and strange are never very far apart in Nordan’s work.” That’s one of the reasons his books are loved. Another reason is his overt love for his characters – and people in general.… (mehr)