* I have received this book for review from the publisher but this in no way affects my review *
Title: Book of Forgetten Authors
Authors: Christopher Fowler
Source: From Publisher
Publisher: Riverrun
Rating: 4/5 stars
Book Review Summary from Goodreads:
Absence doesn't make the heart grow fonder. It makes people think you're dead.
So begins Christopher Fowler's foray into the back catalogues and backstories of 99 authors who, once hugely popular, have all but disappeared from shelves.
We are fondly introduced to each potential rediscovery: from lost Victorian voices to the twentieth century writers who could well become the next John Williams, Hans Fallada or Lionel Davidson. Whether male or female, flash-in-the-pan or prolific, mega-seller or prize-winner - no author, it seems, can ever be fully immune from the fate of being forgotten.
These 99 journeys are punctuated by 12 short essays about faded once-favourites: including the now-vanished novels Walt Disney brought to the screen, the contemporary rivals of Sherlock Holmes and Agatha Christie who did not stand the test of time, and the women who introduced psychological suspense many decades before it conquered the world.
This is a book about books and their authors. It is for book lovers, and is written by one who could not be a more enthusiastic, enlightening and entertaining guide.
Book Review:
When I first saw the Book of Forgotten Authors available for review I have to admit that I was interested in the cover because let's face it, it's a really pretty cover. I was, however, interested in the overall concept as I did want to discover new authors especially older ones which I definitely did. The Book of Forgotten Authors is a great read for binge reading in one go or taking it author by author but you never know, you might find a new favourite!
The book features essays of 99 authors from a variety of different genres and eras from Christopher Fowler who I had to admit was a new to me author that I had never heard of before, I would, however, love to read more from him.
Christopher Fowler clearly knows his stuff. There is so much detail clearly put into the book and there seems to be so much care about what is written about each author. I can only imagine how much work would have gone into the book.
The book also features many different anecdotes of the author's lives which are so interesting, it is safe to say that they had some interesting lives that have some exciting adventures. I didn't realise that being a writer could be so entertaining.
Fowler's writing was also wonderful and it made it so easy to read and get through the stories. They are also very small and digestible which makes the whole book so much better.
I also found so many different authors that I would love to read and would happily pick this book up again and rediscover many authors that I will hopefully get to read soon.
The Verdict:
The Book of Forgotten Authors is a wonderful book that is perfect for those who love to read from those readers who want to find a hidden gem that might become a new favourite.
Have you read Book of Forgotten Authors? Would you like to?
See you soon,
Amy
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