Entertainment
Graham Norton Isn’t Insulted to Be Called an ‘Undemanding’ Writer
A seemingly unremarkable old woman unspools a life story that had her hobnobbing with New York bohemians in Norton’s fifth novel. Despite coming up in comedy, in an email interview he admitted that “very little makes me laugh.” SCOTT HELLER What …
A seemingly unremarkable old woman unspools a life story that had her hobnobbing with New York bohemians in Norton’s fifth novel. Despite coming up in comedy, in an email interview he admitted that “very little makes me laugh.” SCOTT HELLER
What books are on your night stand?
I rarely read in bed, but waiting right now are “Gabriel’s Moon,” by William Boyd, “Cher: The Memoir” and “Parade,” by Rachel Cusk.
What’s the last great book you read?
Rather than tormenting myself over what that word might mean, I’ll give you the two books I would happily recommend to anyone: “Kindred,” by Octavia Butler, and “Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow,” by Gabrielle Zevin.
What books are you embarrassed not to have read yet?
My list is long and shameful. In my defense, I never pretend to have read something just to save face. Top of my head, I have never read anything by Patricia Highsmith. Embarrassing enough for you?
Is there an author you’ve interviewed who was especially surprising?
The late Hilary Mantel. I was really struck by the glint in her eye when there was any hint of innuendo or smut.
Can a great book be badly written?
I feel like this is a trick question and no matter what I say, it’ll be followed by a loud “Gotcha!” I would say that it could have bad bits, or elements I didn’t love but overall, I’m going with no, it can’t be badly written. Did I win the car?
