Wow! writers: John Lanchester

I have thoroughly enjoyed John Lanchester, a British writer born in 1962.  You may be familiar with Capital, that has been made into a movie. Capital presents a family grappling with the financial crisis in 2007 and 2008. Described as "Dickensian," Lanchester's story revolves around a neighborhood in the South London area. Presented fictionally, issues include immigration, property prices and other social questions of the time. 

Fragrant Harbour, is an astonishing historical drama set in Hong Kong.  Lanchester was raised there where his father worked for a bank. He delves in the fascinating history and development of the country's business elite, presenting lots of Asian and European characters moving through the war, post war and modern times. Crime, unusual romances and business dealings add to the reading experience.

Lanchester then writes The Wall, a dystopian novel and total change of genre. It's a lovely exploration of what it would be like to defend a wall, with society's privileged on one side and everyone else struggling on the other side in an indifferent world where the seas have risen and survival is not easy.  Well, actually, it's not as Sci-fi  as it sounds!

 Lanchester has also written a memoir, Family Love Story, in which he explores secrets and lies.  He describes his father dying young after working at a job he hated for his whole life.  At that point, Lanchester felt free to leave his disagreeable academic career to become a writer.  Good choice, Lanchester!

Here is a picture of Havana, the capitol of Cuba.