Sweet, kind people in the Q&A asked what I think about Anne Carson, the new Nobel Prize winner in literature. I’ve never read this author, so there is nothing I can say at this point. I have been able to figure out that there is a lot of confusion stemming from the fact that she’s often referred to as a poet, when in reality, her most important work is in prose. I am definitely planning to read her as part of my long-term project of exploring Canadian literature.

I downloaded a Kindle sample of Carson’s most famous book, and at this exact point in time, it feels a little too cerebral for what I’m in the mood to read right now. But I’ll definitely read it and let everybody know what I think.

Canadian literature is very different from American literature and is fascinating. I’m happy that a Canadian author got the Nobel. People keep saying Murakami should get the Nobel, and I enjoy a bit of Murakami as much as the next person, but what’s next, Danielle Steel? The prize is supposed to be for actual literature.

9 responses to “Q&A about Anne Carson”

  1.  Avatar
    Anonymous

    Robertson Davies is a Canadian writer I’ve long thought intriguing …and entertaining!

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    1. Clarissa Avatar

      He’s great. I touched upon him briefly here:

      Canadian Literature Exists

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  2. cliff arroyo Avatar

    “her most important work is in prose”

    From what I gather she’s also done translations from Ancient Greek that those who know the originals think highly of.

    So weird that her (I think terrible) poetry is what people first reacted to…

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    1. Clarissa Avatar

      For some reason, this was announced as awarding a poet when she’s not really a poet. It seems to be a marketing ploy that backfired.

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  3. Demotrash Avatar
    Demotrash

    Really? I’ve always heard about her poetry. Autobiography of Red, The Glass Essay (which, confusingly, seems to be a poem rather than an essay.) I have no strong feelings, I’ve heard of her but I haven’t read her.

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  4. Demotrash Avatar
    Demotrash

    Another literary AI scandal:

    https://www.theatlantic.com/books/2026/10/caine-prize-winning-short-story-seems-be-ai/688967/

    Telling line: “the writers implicated in three major literary scandals this year were all nonwhite and all non-American.”

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  5. Avi Avatar
    Avi

    “Cage a Swallow Can’t You But You Can’t Swallow a Cage Can You” is one of her compositions. Atrocious.

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    1. cliff arroyo Avatar

      “one of her compositions. Atrocious”

      It’s like temu Dr. Seuss….

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  6. Vic Crain Avatar
    Vic Crain

    I haven’t read her either. Something to correct.

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