The Musician Receives the Prize

Written and Edited by Peter Buller

Upon learning of his nomination as a candidate for the Nobel Prize in Literature, Jean-Paul Sartre wrote to the committee and requested they remove him from their list. "I suppose that by writing to the Academy," he wrote later in a statement made to the Swedish Press, "I could make matters clear and that there would be no further discussion." Instead, his letter incited a literary scandal: had Europe's most esteemed literary institution been stiffed, and by one of its recipients no less? Sartre's reasons for refusing the prize, while couched in the literary and political quarrels of his time, sparked a discussion on the authoritarian role of institutions in the literary world. The conversation simmered down, only to resurface with the Academy's recent decision to award the Prize in Literature to Bob Dylan.

A quick update

So things have been rather quiet here for the past month or so, and I thought I'd offer a little update, or explanation, of where things are headed for the next month or so.

What Is This About?

Breaking for the moment with my usual formality, I thought I'd take the time to explain some of my intentions/goals with this review blog. Over the past years I've gathered quite the host of books, old and new, poetry and fiction, critical and creative works, etc. which have filled bookshelves and formed impressive piles elsewhere. Some of these I read, others hoarded for the right opportunity; yet I felt guilty of not really "doing anything" with any of them, creatively or critically. In an effort to express their use to others, as well as explore and expand my own critical work, I wanted to write brief-but-thorough pieces on the books dotting my shelves--most of which has gone largely unnoticed in the deluge of larger literary successes.

Hence, the origins for this review blog. Overcast Review is a site for book reviews, focusing on works of insight and intrigue from writers of varying perspectives and origins. This includes writers all across the globe, in translation or not, and of all colours, sexes, genders, and creeds. I hope to draw special attention to works published by independent publishers, whose dedications to marginalized writers and translated works have profoundly influenced my appreciation for writing, reading, and books in general. All my reviews may be considered recommendations for the books in question, regardless of how critical I may be. Although I won't hold back criticism where it's due, I intend to avoid publishing negative reviews.

Reviews currently go up as soon as they're written, which has so far been one or two per month. I hope to continue on this schedule, and I'd welcome any visitors to follow me on my literary adventures. I'm also open for submissions. Those interested should contact me at overcastreview@gmail.com for details. Suggestions for books to review are also welcome. Anyhow, I hope you stick around and read good books with me!

Best regards,

Peter Buller, Editor-in-Chief.