The English Understand Wool is a 2022 novella by American author Helen DeWitt. The novella was published by New Directions.
 First edition | |
| Author | Helen DeWitt |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Publisher | New Directions |
Publication and release
editDeWitt announced the upcoming publication of the novella on her Twitter account in November 2021.[1] The novella was published as part of a new series from New Directions, "Storybook ND", which aims to deliver "the pleasure one felt as a child reading a marvelous book from cover to cover in an afternoon."[2][3]
A Wayne Thiebaud painting titled Boston Cremes appears on the book's cover.[4] Books in the "Storybook ND" series were designed by Peter Mendelsund.[4]
Reception
editAccording to Book Marks, the book received "rave" reviews based on twelve critic reviews with twelve being "rave".[5] On Bookmarks January/February 2023 issue, a magazine that aggregates critic reviews of books, the book received a 
(4.00 out of 5) from based on critic reviews with a critical summary saying, "The English Understand Wool is "an essential, invigorating, and wickedly pleasurable way to spend your time" (Los Angeles Times)".[6][7]
In a review published by The Wall Street Journal, Sam Sacks praised the novella as "delicious".[8] Sacks further wrote that DeWitt, "With an impeccably straight face" manages to direct "superb satirical shots at the publishing industry" through the central character, Marguerite.[8] Publishers Weekly praised the book, writing that DeWitt was "at the top of her game" and that it presented a "explosive rebuke to sensationalistic American publishing".[9]
Reviews published by The Brooklyn Rail and The Millions observed similarities between the protagonist of The English Understand Wool and the protagonist of DeWitt's novel The Last Samurai, Ludo.[10][4]
References
edit- ^ Sheehan, Dan (November 8, 2021). "Attention: there's a new Helen DeWitt novel(la) coming in 2022". Literary Hub. Retrieved October 29, 2022.
- ^ Arrowsmith, Charles (September 30, 2022). "Review: The author of a literary classic, Helen DeWitt tries a novella on for size". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved October 29, 2022.
- ^ Maloney, Iain (July 21, 2022). "Independent publisher gives short stories their due with 'Storybook ND' series". The Japan Times. Retrieved October 29, 2022.
- ^ a b c Lackey, Ryan (November 17, 2022). "Minor Aesthetics: On Helen DeWitt's 'The English Understand Wool'". The Millions. Retrieved February 12, 2023.
- ^ "The English Understand Wool". Book Marks. Retrieved October 30, 2022.
- ^ "The English Understand Wool". Bookmarks. Retrieved January 14, 2023.
- ^ "The English Understand Wool". Complete Review. October 4, 2023. Retrieved October 4, 2023.
- ^ a b Sacks, Sam (September 9, 2022). "Fiction: 'Lessons' by Ian McEwan". The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved November 1, 2022.
- ^ "The English Understand Wool". Publishers Weekly. 2022. Retrieved February 12, 2023.
- ^ Domini, John (December 14, 2022). "Helen Dewitt's The English Understand Wool". The Brooklyn Rail. Retrieved February 12, 2023.
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