The Benefits of Thinking About Death
admin Emma Cline’s new novel might not make readers happy, but it could strike them with moments of sublime clarity.
Books
The Problem With Putting Sexual Deception on Trial
A new book about a “bed trick” case asks how the stories we tell can define our relationships.
What Howard Zinn Got Wrong
The historian believed that empowering the people would improve society. History hasn’t always proved him right.
How Silicon Valley Learned to Love Killer Robots
Many of the tech billionaires who built our world have taken the wrong lessons from their favorite science fiction.
Roy Cohn Did It First
The debasement of American politics didn’t start with Donald Trump.
It’s Too Early to Declare a Culture-War Winner
Claudia Rankine’s new book overflows with grief for the backlash to racial progress, but history isn’t finished.
Portrait of the Artist as a Movie Star
Rachel Cusk’s latest novel is about the life of a famous actress—or is it?
Marlon James Returns to Realism, and to Jamaica
In his new novel, gay men struggle to escape violence in Kingston.
A Deeply Layered Novel About Masculinity
Chang-rae Lee’s new novel examines a young man’s attempt to be tough—and its far-reaching consequences.