The overview of my September reading includes two brilliant novels, one from India, the other from Italy; a theatrical memoir from someone who knew absolutely everyone; three collections of short stories with some unforgettable tales; a wonderful book of poetry celebrating a special indie press; and a wildly enjoyable literary meta-fiction.
My reading of work by writers from the Czech Republic this month continued with the collection 'Prague Noir' edited by Pavel Mandys, which is from Akashic's Noir imprint. It's a strong and varied selection of stories, not traditional noir but tales with a darker edge that incorporate Prague's history and traditions of the mystical.
A beautiful little collection of short stories from a writer who was part of the Prague circle that included Franz Kafka and Max Brod and should be far better known in the English-speaking world. The five stories are intriguingly varied, but all feature the author's slightly sardonic, perceptive view of human nature.