Micro-post #23: A conversation about literary critics being tetchy (and the articles referenced by them)

"I’d Like to Report a Murder" by Hannah Baer, Lauren Oyler, and Brandon Taylor (Pioneer Works)

A lively conversation between literary critics about the need for negative reviewing, especially in how it leads to more honest criticism overall. I've also linked some of the articles they've mentioned, including two classics in the canon of hachet-jobs.

If I’m reviewing, I don’t think about the author’s feelings. I don’t want them to feel bad. I honestly would prefer it if they didn’t read it, and I’d recommend that they don’t. But of course, everybody does. When I’m reading a bad book, I often feel like the author hasn’t tried hard enough, that they don’t care enough. So much of literary criticism is based on an overwhelming feeling of deep care for literature. I think it’s really good that I care so much. I’m a hero. - Lauren Oyler

Articles Mentioned

"Rejoice! Believe! Be Strong and Read Hard!" by Heidi Julavits (The Believer)

"The Perils of Pauline" by Renata Adler (The New York Review)

"Malfunctioning Sex Robot" by Patricia Lockwood (London Review of Books)

Photo by Aaron Burden (Unsplash)