We review books from Croatia, France, Switzerland, Spain, Slovakia, the Netherlands and Denmark: not bad! Thank you to everyone who submitted reviews of European literature in English this month. Remember we run an ‘open review shop’ – if you fancy reviewing something for us just get in touch. The ‘rules’ are here on our website. Reviews can be short, long, written, sketched or video-ed – why not? Graphic novels, children’s fiction – why not? So many of you complain that there are not enough reviews of foreign fiction in the UK and we are offering you the chance to change that. We rely completely on your enthusiasm and professionalism and are always delighted when we are approached by ‘new’ writers: this month we welcome J.A. Hopkin, an established writer and reviewer, who recommends three books, and Stephen Komarnyckyj who reviews Spanish poetry. As Steve is a ‘new boy’ we have given him ample space – all of it riveting reading. Max Easterman, our regular crime reviewer – also this month’s editor – philosophizes about French noir and Mika Provata-Carlone, another of our favourite writers, considers a top Dutch novel. West Camel and I give our views of two Slovak novels in anticipation of this week’s Slovak ‘Euro Stars’ event, May 17th at Waterstones Piccadilly – do come! Roland Gulliver, Programme Director at Edinburgh International Book Festival, tackles Laurent Binet and French intellectuals (and survives the tackle).
But we begin with my review of the Danish writer, Dorthe Nors, shortlisted for the 2017 Man Booker International Prize. I’ll be interviewing her this month at the Hay-on-Wye Festival.
By Rosie Goldsmith