D.A.T.E. October selection

What do Nietzsche, coffee table books, the Brethren of Misericordia, and obsessions have in common?

They all figure significantly in Michael Collins' Death of a Writer. Collins’ novel does not color within the lines. It is all over the place—stuffed with mystery, psychological study, character studies, art and philosophical meditations.

But caveat lector—reader beware—some parts of the novel are quite gritty. However, no more that what is called for considering the nature of the murders involved and their subsequent investigations.

Collins uncovers a fragile and sometimes sordid humanity in his characters and, by extension, us his readers.

Besides Death of a Writer, Collins has written eight books, which include a collection of short stories, a satirical meditation on Ireland’s national character and the screenplay for the movie Julia. His writing has garnered high literary attention and prestigious awards such as the 1993 New York Times Notable Book of the Year, the 2002 International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award and the shortlist for the 2000 Man Booker Prize for Fiction. Collins is also an ultra-runner and marathoner.

There are no book discussion questions specifically available for Death of a Writer. However, general book discussion questions can be found here and here.