Why Are American Writers So Good At Coming-Of-Age Novels?

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Here's a link to a wonderful article in today's Guardian Book Blog, posted by Imogen Russell-Williams. The content of the article basically cites a capacity, or gift perhaps, among American writers to create stunning coming-of-age novels, such as the current favourite of mine, 'The Sky Is Everywhere' by Jandy Nelson. It seems to be a literary tradition of sorts when you consider such greats as 'Catcher In The Rye' and 'To Kill A Mockingbird', etc. Considering I think on my personal favourite novels of this genre, I have to admit, the writers that spring to mind are all American...or at the very least, ex-pats. It's interesting to ponder why the US seems to have given birth to masters in this field. But I will also add that I am currently reading an advance copy of 'Prim Improper' by Deirdre Sullivan...very shortly to be released by the magnificent Little Island Imprint (www.littleisland.ie - but more about them later). Every bit as good at the genre as any US author I can think of...and she's Irish!

http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/booksblog/2010/aug/17/american-coming-of-age-novels

Comments

  1. UnknownSeptember 21, 2016 at 7:12 AM

    Have you heard that in 1975 Annie Dillard became a laureate of the Pulitzer Prize for General Nonfiction? No? Then go immediately to american literature to find more about writers and their books.

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