Special: Method & Madness – My Struggle

Published in 1949, '1984' is a cautionary tale by George Orwell that explores the dangers of totalitarianism. The novel is set in a dystopian future where the world is divided into three super-states, with the protagonist Winston Smith living in Oceania, ruled by the mysterious and omnipotent leader Big Brother. Winston works at the Ministry of Truth, where he rewrites historical records to conform to the Party's ever-changing narrative. He begins an illicit love affair with Julia and starts to rebel against the Party, but they are eventually caught and subjected to brutal torture and indoctrination. The novel highlights themes of government surveillance, manipulation of language and history, and the suppression of individual freedom and independent thought.

In this book, Paul Barolsky examines the role of wit and humor in Italian Renaissance art, providing insights into the artistic and cultural context of the period. The work delves into how artists of the Renaissance used humor and wit in their creations, reflecting the broader cultural and social attitudes of the time.

In 'Hunger: A Memoir of (my) Body,' Roxane Gay delves into her personal struggles with food and body image, using her own emotional and psychological experiences to explore broader societal anxieties over pleasure, consumption, appearance, and health. The memoir recounts her childhood, including a devastating act of violence that significantly impacted her life, and her journey towards self-care and healing. With candid vulnerability, Gay discusses the tensions between desire and denial, self-comfort and self-care, and what it means to be overweight in a society that often marginalizes larger bodies. The book is a powerful exploration of food, feminism, trauma, and the quest for visibility and acceptance.

The 'My Struggle' series by Karl Ove Knausgård is a deeply personal and detailed account of the author's life. The books cover his childhood, his complex relationship with his father, his struggles with writing, and his experiences with love, family, and friendship. The series is known for its raw energy, candor, and the author's unique style of breaking down his life into its most mundane and elemental aspects. The books have received widespread critical acclaim and have been translated into numerous languages.

Blood Meridian is a historical novel that depicts the brutal reality of the American West in the mid-19th century. The story follows a 14-year-old runaway from Tennessee, known as 'the kid', who joins the Glanton gang, a historical group of scalp hunters. The gang, led by John Joel Glanton and the enigmatic Judge Holden, is contracted to kill and scalp Native Americans but soon devolves into indiscriminate violence against various groups. The novel explores themes of brutality, the loss of innocence, and the harsh realities of human nature, with Judge Holden serving as a central figure embodying philosophical and sadistic elements. The book is known for its unflinching portrayal of violence and its allegorical exploration of human existence.

The Notebooks of Malte Laurids Brigge is Rilke's only novel, written between 1904 and 1910. It is a collection of notes, memories, and impressions of Malte Laurids Brigge, a 28-year-old Danish nobleman and poet living in Paris. The book is characterized by its lack of traditional structure, reading more like a journal or diary than a conventional novel. It delves into themes of existential crisis, the search for identity, and the profound impact of childhood experiences on adult life. Malte's reflections are deeply introspective, touching on death, loneliness, and the human condition, all set against the backdrop of a Paris that is both beautiful and terrifying. The novel is notable for its modernist style, rich in lyrical language and metaphor, and its exploration of the thin line between reality and the unreal.

Mein Kampf, written by Adolf Hitler while he was imprisoned following the failed Beer Hall Putsch in 1923, is a two-volume work that combines autobiography and political treatise. The book details Hitler's early life, his experiences during World War I, and his increasing antisemitism and militarism. It outlines his vision for Germany, including the need for Lebensraum (living space) in Eastern Europe, and his racist and anti-Semitic views. The work became the central text of National Socialism and a blueprint for Hitler's policies, including aggressive foreign policy and the persecution of Jews and other minority groups.

Written in Latin between AD 397 and 400, 'Confessions' is a blend of autobiography, philosophy, theology, and critical exegesis of the Christian Bible. The first nine books are autobiographical, tracing Augustine's life from his birth to his conversion to Catholicism. He recounts his sinful youth, his involvement with Manicheism and Neoplatonism, and his eventual conversion in a Milanese garden. The last four books focus on philosophical and theological issues, including memory, time, eternity, and the interpretation of the Book of Genesis. The work is structured as a series of prayers to God, reflecting Augustine's journey of redemption and his understanding of God's grace and providence.

The 'Sarashina Nikki' (Sarashina Diary) is a classic work of Japanese literature written by a noblewoman known only as Lady Sarashina. The diary offers a glimpse into the life of a Heian-period woman, detailing her travels, personal reflections, and dreams. Lady Sarashina's evocative prose and intimate portrayal of her experiences make it a captivating read. The diary's exploration of love, loss, and the passage of time provides a valuable insight into the cultural and social context of 11th-century Japan. The 'Sarashina Nikki' remains a significant work in Japanese literature, offering a unique perspective on the lives of women in the Heian period.