“It’s not as if anyone could just take someone else’s story and write it themselves, is it? These things need to form in a writer’s mind over time. After all, a novel is about a lot more than just plot, right?”
“Right. So, what you’re saying is that if someone did do that, they’d have to be… what? Actually, what are you saying?”
“Well, they’d have to be really talented. But also a complete psychopath.”
An utterly brilliant and fascinating book about a mediocre but cunning and manipulative writer who would do whatever it takes to achieve literary fame, even if that means stealing other people’s stories or lives. WHAT 👏 A 👏 BOOK 👏. I particularly loved its examination of literary ownership. Who owns a story? If we write a narrative based on a conversation we overheard, or from a personal story someone shared with us, how much do we own of that narrative? Where do we draw the line between inspiration and theft? I’ve never read anything as literary as this and yet works so well as a psychological thriller too. I am truly blown away. Easily my favorite book so far this year 👏