Writers from your country

Well, I'm a literature major, so I'm curious to see what you all have to say. For my country (America), I believe the best writer to have been Ernest Hemingway. Pure preference, but there are thousands of other American writers that I enjoy.

Since I am part German, I get to comment on that country as well. Herman Hesse, hands down. Anyone who's read "Narcissus and Goldmund" will know exactly what I mean. And "The Journey to the East" has been accepted into the canon of Western Fiction.

Since I'm also part Italian, I also get to comment on that beautiful nation's literature as well. Dante Alighieri's Divina Comedia is my favorite, though I can't say I've read many other Italian writers.

So, come on out and tell me some great writers from other countries. I've read much of the canon of British and American literature, and I'm trying to expand my horizons a bit.
Cheers.


Edited by Brian J Checco - 23-Feb-2007 at 12:26

I can advice trying "The Discovery of Heaven" by Harry Mulisch. It is one of the most famous Dutch books of the past 20 years and it has been translated to dozens of languages. As far as I can tell your interests, I think you will like it very very much. It is a story of how the powers of heaven decide humankind is not worthy of the Word and decide to take it back, but first they have to "create" a human who can do that for them. It is fantastic.

Edited by Aelfgifu - 23-Feb-2007 at 14:03

I had to read Mulisch in school... It is a big book, but not at all hard to read. I like childrens books personally. They are often more fun than adult books. I particulary like Dianne Wynne Jones and Jonathan Stroud.

First havo, then I did vwo on another school so I could put it on my list again. Two for one... 

Originally posted by Aelfgifu First havo, then I did vwo on another school so I could put it on my list again. Two for one...    I like Mulisch, I read a lot of his books. (I had to read a total of 50 books Dutch literature for school, I must say that most Dutch literature is intensely boring, but Mulisch is quite fun)

Edited by Top Gun - 23-Feb-2007 at 17:13

Matthew Reilly writes some excellent books...but be sure you have your seatbelt on before you start reading!...if you get my gist

Well, the post writers from "your" country.

Originally posted by pinguin Well, the post writers from "your" country.   Now, I agree, Borges was an extraordinary writer of fantastic tales. I don't believe he is a modern day "Homer", because Homer didn't have that imagination.  Now, Borges is a "metaphysical" philosopher rather than an average writer. Perhaps Phillip K. Dick was so nut as him, although Borges just need a short story to express an universe.   Pinguin

Borges is so ridiculously imaginative and concise that every time I read one of his stories, I have to close the book, and sit and meditate for about half an hour. His works just destroy my pre-conceptions about the material world about me, one word at a time. A remarkable, destructive, lovely experience every single time.
Cheers.

PS- Anyone read any Celine? I'm about to jump into Journey to the End of the Night. I'm a bit intimidated.

Originally posted by Brian J Checco PS- Anyone read any Celine? I'm about to jump into Journey to the End of the Night. I'm a bit intimidated.

Don't be. In my opinion it didn't age very well.

Originally posted by pinguin Borges was a genious. It is so sad he never received the Nobel prize that he deserved.