Arts
'Mothers' Tells Stories Too Often Silenced
Bonnie Jo Campbell's confessional, unforgettable new story collection gives a voice to mothers and daughters, struggling to get by, desperate to be heard, but despairing of an audience.
Not My Job: Comedian Carol Burnett Gets Quizzed On Cougars (The Cats, Of Course)
In the 1970s, families would sit down together every Saturday to watch The Carol Burnett Show. The first five seasons of the legendary variety show are now out on DVD.
Sylvia Plath's Husband, Ted Hughes, Lived A Life Of Poetry And Tragedy
Biographer Jonathan Bate says his job is to write about "the quality and endurance of the literary work." His new biography has been disavowed by the Hughes estate.
'Silver On The Road' Is A Pure American Myth
Laura Anne Gilman creates an authentically spooky Old West in her novel, where it seems perfectly reasonable that the Devil might wear a sharp suit, run a saloon, and always stay true to his bargains.
'Lime Street' Bewitches With Mystery And Mayhem
David Jaher's account of Harry Houdini attempt to debunk Boston society psychic Mina Crandon mixes history with high-wire theatricality — even though most readers will know who came out on top.
Time To Pursue The Pawpaw, America's Fleeting Fall Fruit
Ever seen a pawpaw in the supermarket? Didn't think so. Ohioan Chris Chmiel wants to change that by growing and promoting this seasonal, mango-like fruit that's native to the U.S.
'Steve Jobs': As Ambitious As Its Title Character
Danny Boyle's new biopic, Steve Jobs, is a look at the man who made Apple mean computers, not fruit. NPR film critic Bob Mondello says it's an invigorating story told in three acts of crisis.
An Exuberantly Dark First Novel Explores The Chaos Of Central Africa
Fiston Mwanza Mujila's novel, Tram 83, is a freewheeling tale about life in an imaginary place inspired by the author's home country, the Democratic Republic of Congo. Critic John Powers has a review.