David Lamelas, Rock Star (character appropriation), 1974 (Detail)

One of the best opening paragraphs I know is found in Great Jones Street by Don DeLillo. The novel meditates on a certain type of fame distinct from that enjoyed by either statesmen or kings. No, this type of fame, “a devouring neon”, involves: “Hysteria in limousines, knife fights in…

Amanda Beech, Final Machine (2013)

Left-leaning liberals from middle class homes should hate the discourse which runs through Final Machine by Amanda Beech. Instead it could give them a masochistic thrill. The action runs fast, the soundtrack faster. This is punctuated by gunshots, not always easy or even possible to follow the arguments. But you…