Bøger i Critical Companions to Popular Contemporary Writers serien

In this work, readers are introduced to Garcia Marquez with an account of his life; from his friendships with poets and presidents, to his distinguished career as a journalist, novelist, and chronicler of the quintessential Latin American experience.

This comprehensive analysis of Le Guin's work will leave readers anxious for her future endeavors. After a biography that focuses on Le Guin's interest in science fiction, this study delves into analyses of Le Guin's most well-known works, with emphasis on plot, as well as thematic and character development.

Seven other Dean Koontz novels are examined in comparison to these as well. A biographical chapter sketches Dean Koontz's background and suggests ways in which growing up as the child of an abusive alcoholic has affected his work. Each chapter deals with one novel in depth while making comparisons to other novels in his canon.

By examining in depth not only the spiritual elements but also the literary components that make works such as My Name Is Asher Lev (1972) best-sellers, this Critical Companion helps readers gain an appreciation for the considerable literary achievements of Potok.

This is a study of the narrative techniques and thematic investigations of Hillerman's detective fiction which illuminates the way he has crafted a new and profound method for understanding the conditions of modern life. Areas such as setting, plot, generic conditions and themes are covered.

One of the most prolific science fiction writers in history, Arthur C. Clarke began publishing science fiction in the 1930s. This study features detailed analyses of his eight most recent novels, including "Rendezvous with Rama" and "2010: Odyssey Two".

This study examines the recurring motifs in Pat Conroy's fiction and his writing talent. Each novel is analysed for plot structure, thematic elements, characterisation and development. A biographical chapter draws connections between Conroy's life and the autobiographical nature of his fiction.

Following a biographical chapter that focuses on Grisham's childhood, education, political career and development as a writer, this work examines the legal thriller, its antecedents and Grisham's contribution to the genre. An individual chapter is devoted to analysis of each of his novels.

Scott Turow is a novelist, lawyer, and humanist who has fused his two passions, writing and the law, to create challenging novels that raise significant legal issues and test the justice of present laws.

John Grisham is one of the most prolific and beloved mystery writers today, still reaching the top of the bestseller lists with books like The Testament (1999) and King of Torts (2003).

Maxine Hong Kingston's first book, Woman Warrior gained instant popularity and critical success, winning top national literary awards as well as a place on the best seller list.

Anne Tyler's novels strike a deep chord of responsiveness in her readers because her novels bring to life contemporary characters to whom we can instantly relate and in whose experiences we can see mirrored our own.

This study examines 17 of Ludlum's novels, his literary roots, and the themes running through the novels. Each novel is organized into sections on plot and structure, character and theme, and features an alternate critical interpretation, such as Freudian, Marxist or reader response.

A study of the life and literary work of James Herriot. This text considers Herriot's vision of the mutual dependence between all creatures - human and animal - and looks at each of his five major books. Plot development, narrative structure, character development and thematic issues are examined.

Beginning with "Eye of the Needle" in 1978, Ken Follett has pursued a successful and varied fiction-writing career. This study of his work looks at Follett's experimentation with genre, and includes individual examinations of each of his major novels, up to and including "A Place Called Freedom".

One of the most popular and prolific writers of our day, Mary Higgins Clark continues to write bestselling, award-winning novels of mystery and suspense, attracting new fans worldwide and thrilling dedicated readers who have followed her career for nearly three decades.

Born to a tobacco farmer in rural North Carolina, Kaye Gibbons found her literary voice by speaking through the strong southern women who inhabit her novels.

Tom Wolfe's writings inarguably have had enduring cultural impact through the decades, starting with his short stories in the 1960s and the publication of his first novel, "The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test" in 1968. This work covers Wolfe's life and literary output to date.

Reviewers and critics have not always agreed on how well the science fiction label fit Ray Bradbury, but the immense popularity of works like The Martian Chronicles and The Illustrated Man leaves no doubt as to the enduring status of this important writer.

A study of the seven novels of Rudolfo A. Anaya in the context of the Chicano Literary Tradition. It includes a chapter on Anaya's life, a chapter on Anaya and the Chicano Literary Tradition, and a chapter on each novel, showing the patterns and variations of literary devices in his work.

Introducing readers to Kingsolver, the author devotes a chapter to her life and work showing how the two are deeply intertwined. The text subsequently analyzes each novel in terms of plot and character development, thematic content, symbolism, and the importance of place and language.

This insightful analysis helps students and lovers of fine literature approach Erdrich's work with greater appreciation for her bold narrative style. This study begins with a fascinating biographical account, tracing early influences in Louise Erdrich's life.

McMillan's stories are inhabited by strong, dynamic African American women, yet these characters have universal lessons of life and love to share with all readers who appreciate good fiction. A richly drawn biographical chapter examines the life of McMillan and the influences her own personal experiences have exerted on her writings.

This volume is the most comprehensive of the existing studies of McMurtry's writings, covering all of his works up to the most recent.

A complete bibliography of Gaines' fiction, as well as selected reviews and criticism, completes the study. Following a biographical chapter on Gaines' life, an overview of his fiction explores his work in light of his literary heritage and use of genre.

A complete bibliography of all Stephen King's work, critical sources, and a listing of reviews of the novels examined in depth complete the work. Each chapter deals with one novel and includes sections on plot and narrative structure, character development, and thematic concerns.

This study provides close textual analysis of each of his novels in turn, focusing on plot, character development, theme, and critical interpretation. This study analyzes Crichton's novels from ^IThe Andromeda Strain^R (1969) to ^IDisclosure^R (1994).

A critical study of the work of Mary Higgins Clark who uses the literary genre of mystery and suspense to write popular fiction. This text examines common themes in Clark's work, such as the consequences of crime on innocent victims, and explores her treatment of current social issues.

In spite of tremendous personal adversity, Stephen King continues to reign as perhaps the most popular and prolific writer in America. This reader on him contains a biographical chapter, and chapters examining each of his works with concise plot synopses.

A study of the influences and literary accomplishments of one of America's most beloved storytellers, Garrison Keillor. While acknowledging his career highlights, the book supports Keillor's own view of himself, as a writer rather than a performer.