So I discovered a new (to me) genius writer. His name is Juan Manuel de Prada. He’s so good, I read the first 50 pages of a novel by him 3 times in a row before proceeding with the plot. Those pages were so well-written I couldn’t let them go, not even for an excellent plot.
Of course, then it turns out he’s against Ukraine. And not just mildly against but cuckoo bananas, howling at the moon kind of against. This obviously doesn’t change my professional opinion that he’s a once in a generation literary genius. But why, why can’t I get lucky once in a lifetime and find a favorite author with political beliefs that I don’t find nauseating?
Rafael Chirbes was a Commie. Juan Goytisolo, a Commie with shades of NAMBLA. Barbara Kingsolver and Richard Russo are woke. Ana Iris Simón is a Putin groupie. Ramon Saizarbitoria is an open-border lib. Again, none of this detracts from their talent. Art and politics occur in different dimensions. But I’d so enjoy having a favorite writer who isn’t a moron.
Clarissa's Blog 
OT: A very rare example of honest advertising in russia….
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The SPB Economic Forum is mega important in Russia. Everybody goes, even movie stars and writers. If they are important enough to get invited, of course.
And even for such a huge event, the poor bastards can’t make one car – just one! – that would start. Nobody expects speed, maneuverability, or even an AC. But can the stupid tin can at least start?
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