The Experimental Fiction group (XFX) has posted its selections for reading during the 4th Quarter of 2014. Again there are four titles, each of which should challenge the reader in some special way.
For future selections, how about some suggestions? The website is keeping track of the titles this group has already read and there is also a list of suggested titles, but everyone has their own slant of what constitutes Experimental Fiction. What are your ideas? … XFX wants to know.
The Map and the Territory — Michel Houellebecq
Houellebecq is one of the most imaginative writers of our period but his writing is also difficult and extremely pessimistic. Then again, to recall a wonderful novel from the sixties … Been Down So Long It Looks Like Up To Me. (Richard Fariña).
Happyland — J. Robert Lennon
Happyland is an entertainingly sinister novel, which dares to question the ideals of small-town America and what happens when fulfilling your dreams becomes a nightmare.
Satantango — Lászió Krasznahorkai
This is the novel that inspired Béla Tarr’s classic film. It is also proof that the devil has all the fun.
Salamander — Thomas Wharton
Novelty books, elaborate puzzles, and the elusive book without end. We’re not in Kansas any more.
A Celebration of Reading 