Allan Gurganus crée un ensemble d'œuvres singulier, marqué par l'humour noir, la franchise érotique et une portée folklorique. Sa prose, célébrée pour sa clarté picturale, est largement traduite et louée pour sa profonde vision de la condition humaine. Les critiques l'ont salué comme un Mark Twain moderne, admirant sa capacité à dépeindre les complexités des liens humains avec une précision perspicace et une profonde compassion. L'écriture de Gurganus captive les lecteurs par ses images vives et sa profondeur empathique, résonnant à travers ses diverses contributions littéraires.
Allan Gurganus captivates readers with his exceptional technical skill and moral insight, solidifying his status as one of America's leading novelists. Renowned for his ability to craft "electric sentences," he seamlessly blends humor with poignant themes, making his work resonate deeply, particularly in challenging times. His distinctive voice and comedic approach offer a refreshing perspective on life’s complexities.
Set in the vibrant 1980s Manhattan, the narrative follows Hartley Mims Jr., a Southerner navigating the artistic scene alongside friends like composer Robert Christian Gustafson and talented Angelina "Alabama" Byrnes. As they embrace creativity and camaraderie, their relationships are tested by tragedy, forcing them to confront their ambitions and each other. The story explores themes of friendship, competition, and resilience, highlighting how a chosen family can emerge in the face of adversity.
A PEN/Faulkner Award Finalist A New York Times Notable Book In eleven glorious stories, Allan Gurganus, author of the highly acclaimed Oldest Living Confederate Widow Tells All, gives heart-breaking and hilarious voice to the fears, desires, and triumphs of Americans—black and white, gay and straight, old and young, Northern and especially Southern. Here are war heroes bewildered by the complex negotiations of family life, former debutantes called upon to muster resources they never knew they had, vacationing senior citizens confronted by their own bravery, and married men brought up short by the marvelous possibilities of entirely different lives. Written with flair, wit, and deep humanity, this award-winning volume confirms Allan Gurganus as one of the finest writers of our time. The title novella of White People won the National Magazine Prize
The narrative features ninety-nine-year-old Lucy Marsden, a Confederate widow whose captivating voice and storytelling prowess draw readers into her life experiences. As she reflects on her past, her character emerges as both entertaining and deeply engaging, making her one of the most memorable heroines in American literature. The book blends humor and historical context, offering a unique perspective on the legacy of the Civil War and its impact on personal lives.
Returning to his mythological Falls, North Carolina home of Widow, the author presents three novellas set in today's South, a place revolutionized around freer sexuality, looser family ties and superior telecommunications.
Set in the mythical Falls, North Carolina, this novella explores the complex, lifelong friendship between two married men, sparked by the retirement of beloved physician Doc Roper. His decision to pursue carving duck decoys leads to a series of personal and communal crises, including a devastating flood. The narrative intricately weaves themes of love, loss, and the fragile line between life and death, culminating in a poignant moment of catharsis. Critics have praised it as a profound and humorous reflection on human connection.
In jungen Jahren hatte sie dem berühmten Society-Maler John Singer Sargent Portrait gesessen. Ein Ereignis, das fortan ihr Leben bestimmte und zu einem wichtigen Teil ihrer Identität wurde: Muriel, die Spröde, die früh zu altern begann, keinen Mann fand und wenig Freunde. Erst als sie längst zum Gespött ihrer Familie geworden ist, mit dem stets zitternden Zwicker auf der Nase und einem schwarzen, fest eingerollten Regenschirm am Arm - selbst bei Sonnenschein - findet sie einen Gleichgesinnten, einen Verehrer: Brian, ihren kleinen Neffen.
