Sputnik Sweetheart

reviewed by Michael Burgin

Originally published on September 1, 2001

Reviewing a single novel by Murakami without discussing his other works is like trying to walk up a steep embankment of newly cut grass after a summer rain in bowling shoes. It’s difficult to keep from slipping. Plot details and character delineation from one tale seep into the next. You’ve encountered an inscrutable/mysterious/doomed woman? Hm, [...]

The Last River

reviewed by Michael Burgin

Originally published on November 1, 2000

The success of Jon Krakauer’s Into Thin Air and Sebastian Junger’s The Perfect Storm assured a man-made torrent of books in the suddenly lucrative “Man versus Nature, Nature Slams Man” genre. But, as Todd Balf’s new book shows, just because a work follows an industry trend, one needn’t assume the work unworthy. The author recounts [...]

Nathaniel’s Nutmeg

reviewed by Michael Burgin

Originally published on November 1, 2000

Giles Milton’s well-researched history provides an in-depth study of the battle between European nations – particularly the English and the Dutch – for access to and control of the East Indies spice trade. In reading Nathaniel’s Nutmeg, I only had two quibbles. First, the story being told is so complex (with prominent players and events [...]

Much Ado About Nothing (1993)

reviewed by Michael Burgin

Originally published on July 1, 2000

Much Ado About Keanu In the history of film adaptations of Shakespeare, certain performances have so captured the essence of a character that the actor and role are forever linked afterwards. There is Olivier’s Hamlet, Olivier’s Richard III, Welles’ Othello, and Keanu Reeves’ Don John. Um, wait…did I say Keanu Reeves? How can I include [...]