Posts by author
Kelly Opdycke
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Identity and Dislocation, According to Jhumpa Lahiri
Jhumpa Lahiri’s new novel The Lowland explores the immigrant experience of transitioning from South Asian culture to a very different culture in the United States. Writing for Saoln, Daniel D’Addario calls it a “culmination of a career-long examination of dislocation.”…
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Seeking: Determination and Stamina
In his essay “Determination and Stamina,” novelist Leonard Chang offers his take on what’s necessary to be a successful author. Rather than succeed by talent alone, he believes authors must be willing to accept criticism, dust themselves off after rejection, and…
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Power to Novellas
I close the door, and in a small space, within a small page amount, I try to write stories that stretch their invisible seams. I love novellas. Rumpus contributor Nick Ripatrazone isn’t apologizing to anyone for his love of the…
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Unpublished Novels We’d Like to Read
Lit Reactor recently posted 12 unpublished novels they’d like to read. From Harper Lee to Hunter S. Thompson, we are salivating over the potential of these never released books. Even if your favorite author didn’t make the list, doesn’t it…
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Netflix of E-Books is Here, Kind Of
It looks like the Netflix of e-books might have arrived. As noted in this article on Salon, e-book readers have a few different options, but they are both still in the beta stage of development. If you’re feeling a little…
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A Word on Translation Notes
Sometimes reading a translated piece feels second rate. You never know what you’re missing. In the translation note before A Yi’s “Barrenland,” Eric Abrahamsen provides the history and thoughtfulness to convince you that he did the original version justice. In…
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The Usefulness of Poetry
In this recent Atlantic article, Noah Berlatsky writes about the controversial statement, “Poetry is useless.” Despite what some poets believe, Noah says that the usefulness of a poem depends on what it says, not what it is. In other words,…
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A Teacher and Her Student
On one of the last days of her final semester at The University of Iowa, recent MFA graduate Thessaly La Force interviews one of her professors, author Marilynne Robinson. The Pulitzer Prize winner talks about the process of discovery involved…
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New Letter in the Mail
The next Letter in the Mail is from none other than Lauren Eggert-Crowe. Lauren is the author of two poetry chapbooks. Some of her other work has appeared in Salon, The Nervous Breakdown, and L.A. Review of Books. You may…
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San Francisco RADAR Reading Series
The next RADAR reading series is coming up September 18 (that’s tomorrow!) at the San Francisco Public Library. The event is hosted by The Mermaid in Chelsea Creek novelist Michelle Tea. It all starts at 6 p.m. and it’s free!…
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“Milk Teeth” – Karissa Morton
As if you needed proof of our love of poetry, here’s a new poem on Guernica by Rumpus contributor Karissa Morton called “Milk Teeth.” And as I draw you to my chest, you say the horse’s heart weighs nine pounds, that…
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A Syria Round-up
If you’re lost on Syria, or just a little confused, this article is a good place to start. Now that you have some of the basics, here’s a comprehensive look at varying opinions for and against striking Syria. Next, check…