Old marine officer Menzies tells in this page-turner how the Chinese Empire collapsed in 1421 at its highpoint: at a time when it ruled the oceans, had established posts as far as on the shores of Patagonia and was cultural trendsetting. Until a perfect storm – internal unrest, imperial overstretch, superstition – made the emperorContinueContinue reading “1421 – Gavin Menzies (2003)”
Category Archives: Blog
Tirza – Arnon Grunberg (2006)
The best book I’ve read from one of the best Dutch contemporary authors.
Disgrace – J.M. Coetzee (2003)
In Coetzee’s post-Apartheid South-Africa violence is unleashed in new ways.
Heart of Darkness – Joseph Conrad (1899)
Read it for the first time as a relatively young boy and was easily pulled into the adventures of Marlow and Kurtz. Re-reading years later gave me a better understanding of the depth of this beautiful allegory. Served as inspiration for Apocalypse Now, one of my all time favorites.
One Hundred Years of Solitude – Gabriel Garcia Marquez (1967)
Of all his books I pick this one as it made the most impact on me – anyone wanting to understand the art of creating an atmosphere, please turn to the late Garcia Marquez.
American Psycho – Brett Easton Ellis (1991)
Read all his books, but this one stands out. American Psycho is over the top in every sense: it’s cruel, fascinating and raises questions about one’s own motivations.
The Secret History – Donna Tartt (1993)
Reading it in two days at the age of 14, this book taught me the beauty of great literature. Will never forget the first sentence and have been looking for the mysterious country home, where Henry, Camilla and the rest came together, ever since.
The Hundred-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out of the Window and Disappeared – Jonas Jonassons (2009)
A worldwide best seller, I found it a mediocre book, too childish. I only finished it because of the interesting historic bits.
PEPIJN VAN DIJK 