This year has seen a range of books that, despite the hype, may not have lived up to their potential. Among these are notable works that have received criticism for being over-praised or lacking depth, reports BritPanorama.
Publishing is in rude health, but hype often does a disservice to both readers and writers. Here are nine books from this year that under-delivered.
Dead and alive by Zadie Smith
Zadie Smith’s previous essay collections – Changing My Mind and Feel Free – showcased the evolution of her thoughts on literature, film, and art. However, her latest work is a compilation of articles, speeches, and interviews that lacks a cohesive theme. While some pieces, like her reflections on friendship with Hilary Mantel and insights into her life as a mother, are noteworthy, the collection’s scattered nature detracts from its overall impact.
The school of night by Karl Ove Knausgaard
Karl Ove Knausgaard gained acclaim through his My Struggle series, which made everyday experiences profoundly engaging. However, his recent work, part of a six-novel series, appears uninspired. Although The School of Night draws from the Doctor Faustus myth, its literary ambitions crumble under a weighty narrative that fails to engage the reader.
The long winter by Colm Tóibín
A recent publishing trend has seen stories presented as standalone books, often leading to disappointing results. Colm Tóibín’s The Long Winter depicts themes of betrayal, loss, and love in a familiar style. However, the story has already appeared in Tóibín’s 2006 collection Mothers and Sons, making its solo release less necessary for the reader.
Bread of angels by Patti Smith
Patti Smith’s earlier memoirs, Just Kids and M Train, captured her essence brilliantly. However, much of Bread of Angels appears repetitive, and her tendency to self-mythologize becomes tiresome. Her reflections tend to feel stale, suggesting an exhaustion of inspiration.
The land of sweet forever by Harper Lee
Following a long silence, Harper Lee’s posthumous release of The Land of Sweet Forever offers a glimpse into her formative years in the American South. However, the collection features unfinished essays that may only attract die-hard fans, lacking the polish or completeness that readers expect.
Notes to John by Joan Didion
Joan Didion’s late writings have shown her brilliance, but Notes to John, a collection of diary entries regarding her daughter’s struggles with addiction, raises ethical concerns. These private reflections, meant for her husband, expose vulnerable moments that many believe should have remained unpublished due to their discomforting nature.
Moral ambition by Rutger Bregman
Rutger Bregman’s latest work aims to motivate individuals with examples of those who shaped society. Nevertheless, the book’s premise that society’s highest earners often possess the most talent seems misguided, leading to a superficial argument for self-serving altruism rather than a profound examination of social justice and responsibility.
Flesh by David Szalay
David Szalay’s Flesh won a prestigious award, yet it fails to fully deliver its promise. The narrative starts strong, engaging the reader with its protagonist’s harrowing experiences, but the latter half stagnates, losing momentum as the story drifts into ennui among London’s elite.
The emperor of gladness by Ocean Vuong
Ocean Vuong’s second novel, despite the acclaim accompanying his earlier works, has drawn criticism for its poor execution. Critics have noted its awkward dialogues and poorly developed characters, suggesting that an editorial oversight may have contributed to its lack of cohesion, despite having garnered a following.
