Franzen felt relief, Krasznahorkai closed the door on film adaptations — where do you stand on literature vs. film?
This week we go from Franzen to Krasznahorkai to the last panel of Calvin and Hobbes — and ask what you think.
- Jonathan Franzen was so relieved when HBO cancelled its 2012 adaptation of The Corrections that he did a cartwheel on his lawn — the first and only time in his life. How would you feel if the adaptation of your favourite book got cancelled?
- László Krasznahorkai has said that as long as he's alive, no more films will be made from his work — unless 'Béla Tarr rises from the dead.' Do you agree that an author can shut the door on film adaptations of their own work during their lifetime?
- 31 years after its last, sledding panel, Calvin and Hobbes is still widely considered a perfect farewell. What makes a book or series ending perfect, in your view? (max. 2 answers)
- Virginia Evans' epistolary novel was rejected by publishers for twenty years — then sold two million copies after release. How much do you believe a repeatedly rejected manuscript can become a world hit?
- Emily Wilson's new book argues that every word a translator chooses is also a small political decision. How much does it matter to you who translates a foreign book you read?
- According to Foreign Policy, Chinese worker literature is increasingly, openly criticising the power that once championed it. Do you think literature can criticise its own country's leadership, even when that's risky for the author?
- Renátó Fehér's new book retells Homer's epic, going from the Trojan horse to artificial intelligence and tech billionaires' bunkers. Which modern theme would interest you most in a retelling of the Odyssey? (max. 2 answers)
- How old are you?
- Which county do you live in?
- What size settlement do you live in?
- How would you describe your living environment?
- How many people live in your household (including yourself)?
- What citizenship do you hold?
- How long have you lived at your current address?