The Delighted States: A Book of Novels, Romances, & Their Unknown Translators, Containing Ten Languages, Set on Four Continents, & Accompani

Most writing about literature is pompous, long-winded and self-important. This book is a delightful exception. Thirlwell writes in plain English and shares his ideas about classic authors and their works with infectious enthusatism and simplicity. I don't know that I agreed with everything he says but at least he has something comprehensible to say. I hadn't read a fiction book in 15 years and this got me to go out and read Madame Bovary (which was excellent). Well done.

This book is amusing, intriguing, entertaining. And what a mine for ideas on what to read next. Damn! He's about got me ginned up to start reading "Ulysses" again..... If this is what Thirlwell produces at thirty years of age, long may he live and write!

The Washington Post review above is accurate, but no matter: The Delighted States is a must-read for any writer, aspiring or practicing. Yes, it's a young man's work, and Thirlwell can be twitty. But every other page or so, there's a startlingly wise line worth the price of the book.