Book Recommendations

[Brendan Moody]

I've just read Jacob Bacharach's The Bend of the World. I first encountered Bacharach via an unfortunately-defunct pseudonymous blog that demonstrated an extraordinary, compelling blend of erudition, literary and political insight, and gleefully-deployed low humor. The same qualities are on display in his first novel, which I read yesterday and today and have reviewed on my blog. It's a satire of the art world, of corporatism, and of conspiracy theories, but mostly it's a very funny book about the way a particular historical moment reflects ageless issues of identity, purpose and social/political order, with a distinctive and unforgettable narrative voice. I recommend it highly. Bacharach's current blog gives some sense of his outlook, interests, and style.