Bokfemman - my best 5 UK and US writers

Malin is a Swedish blogger who writes about literature and more (in Swedish) and I really like to read her "bokfemman" lists. Each week she chooses a new topic and lists the 5 books in this category that she likes the most. So I decided to join in this week and this week's topic is UK or US writers.

It was a little bit hard to choose, co I decided to choose one category for each post.

1. MILTON
Spot for early (in comparison) English literature. A tough choice between Chaucer and Milton, but although Chaucer is far more funny, you have to keeping mind my religious background I simply cannot resist Milton's Paradise Lost. This is the closest I get to poetry (not my favorite genre). Thanks Milton for creating such an attractive Satan!



2. SAMUEL BECKETT
Spot for drama. I know I might stretch it a little since he was Irish and mainly wrote in French, but he did his own translation. He has written some of the most rich and interesting plays I have ever seen or read. (Beckett also has a very interesting face). Thanks Beckett for keeping us busy while we are waiting.


3. PD JAMES
Spot for crime literature. Can't help it. I really like crime literature and not many know how to us the good old who's-done-it plots as James. Give me a good old Dagliesh mystery and a hammock and I will be satisfied any given vacation day. Thanks for many restful days in Dagliesh company!




4. FLANNERY O'CONNER
Spot for contemporary (in comparison) literature. Hardest one, most to choose from. So I decided to go with the odd choice. O'Conner has mainly written short stories and only two novels. Each of her short stories is a little master piece carefully put together so that every word is at its exact place. When I read her novel The Violent Bear It Way a few years ago I remember that I thought - wow, this is how it feels to read a really good book - I almost forgot that feeling. Thanks for that, it is not that often that one gets the chance read something profound.

5. JUDITH BUTLER
Spot for criticism. Feminism is not as hot now as it was 10 years ago, but I love Butler. She is one of the only academics I read and had a nearly religious experience (Gender Trouble) - this is what I always felt but never knew how to say. Thanks Butler for performing gender theories!