October 15 marks the birth anniversary of Michel Foucault, who was born in 1926. In contemporary cultural commentary, writer Anna North has introduced the concept of bogcore, highlighting works by authors including Annie Proulx, Kay Chronister, and Seamus Heaney.
In recent literary fiction news, Yiyun Li discussed her writing approach regarding her book Music Against the Night, stating her aspiration is to carry the past and bring historical figures close to the present rather than writing strictly historical or autobiographical novels. Additionally, excerpts were featured from M. John Harrison’s Booker Prize-shortlisted novel, The End of Everything.
Other cultural and historical reflections span multiple publications. Cundill History Prize finalist Jonathan Cheng recommended reading selections concerning North Korea’s cult of personality, featuring works by Barbara Demick and Richard E. Kim. Historical profiles also highlighted Biddy Mason, a formerly enslaved woman who contributed to the building of Los Angeles, while David Naimon shared a reading list featuring Sabrina Orah Mark, Evelyn Araluen, and Mykaela Saunders.