The End of the Affair

Graham Greene's The End of the Affair is only 160 pages, yet manages to pack in such complexity and believable emotion that it makes me wonder if the author actually lived through some failed affair himself.

Though the main character, Bendrix, describes his story as one of hate, every action is so steeped in love that it's incredibly easy to relate. He and his situation become so real that it's like reading someone close's diary while he in turn is reading someone else's (at times. See, it's like intricate weaving). His relationship to God too, is something I can relate to.  And it's not only him but to every character presented that you get attached to. Everyone is so tragic and real and likable, which I honestly wasn't expecting. It's a timeless yet modern work that's definitely worth a try.

From a more current reading list, I've also recently finished reading The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern. I'd never read her previous book, but after seeing a random review of this new one, I was interested and bought it immediately. It's a fairy tale for adults, and Morgenstern creates gorgeous imagery with skill, without losing control of the plot. Her style reminded me of my writing in college, so it was definitely up my alley. It was a change of pace to read something that leant more on the entertaining side without having to stretch my brain—the pages flew by and I enjoyed it all the way.