Charing Cross Road loves Cult Writing
Recently we have added a 'Cult Writing' bay to the ground floor. Packed full of classic and contemporary writing, both non-fiction and fiction, this is the place to find those titles you may have heard about but possibly haven't read. There are also reviews from our staff to give you a hand in deciding which of these books will suit your taste. Here are some of our favourite cult titles.
Sputnik Sweetheart by Haruki MurakamiReviewed by Daniel
Often described as the "Japanese Kafka", Murakami has an amazing ability to mix surrealism with the beauty of everyday human emotion. This book is about a rather strange love triangle; a terrifying experience and the passage in to another world. The prose is beautiful and poetic tumbling with metaphors and
Lolita by Vladimir NabokovReviewed by Ylwa
A multi-layered book like few others, every single one of us can find our own reason to read 'Lolita' and discuss it; for the singing poetry of the language; for the sake of discussing feminism, objectification of women, love, obsession or simple to admire Nabokov's skills as a writer and
We by Yevgeny ZamyatinReviewed by Daniel
For those of you that enjoyed books such as '1984' and 'Brave New World', this book is a must. Forerunner to the dystopian genre, it is a beautiful book dealing with a society based on the formula of mathematically infallible happiness. A world where the greatest surviving knowlegde of the
The Virgin Suicides by Jeffrey EugenidesReviewed by Jessica
Set within a dreamy vision of 1970s, sun dappled suburban Detroit, Eugenides first, remarkable novel is a luminous study of adolescent longing and desire, punctuated by tragedy. Determined to withhold an explanation it ultimately leaves you as confused and enthralled as its teenage narrators.
Hard-boiled Wonderland and the End of the World by Haruki MurakamiReviewed by Yoav
Possibly the most profound book I have ever read. Murakami's mix of pulp fiction and fantasy leads you through a melancholic dystopia to examine the notions of self and mind, to finally ask you whether you would choose the bliss of ignorance over a harsh reality.
The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret AtwoodReviewed by Brad
Atwood is frankly a genius, multi-nominated and multi-award winning, she crafts characters and worlds that will leave any reader desperate for more. Brilliantly conceived and executed this powerful evocation of 21st century America gives full reign to Atwood's devastating irony, wit and astute perception. A tale of a dystopian future
Cloud Atlas by David MitchellReviewed by Monica
Simply beautiful - Mitchell is a superb story teller. From adventure story to pulp fiction to science fiction, he manages to expertly write each genre in a way that only a true literary great can and all in one book. With a twist that will leave your head spinning this
