Literary Figures: Novelists

Roth is best known for his books "Goodbye, Columbus" and "Portnoy's Complaint." Since the publication of his first book, Roth has been controversial for his treatment of Jewish themes. Some readers think his satirical take is anti-Semitic. His novel "Portnoy's Complaint," a sexual autobiography of a young lawyer, was labeled obscene by some because of its descriptions of masturbation and sexual conquest.

Neely has brought a strong African-American female voice to the genre. The heroine of her debut book, "Blanche on the Lam," is Blanche White, a 40-year old housekeeper with big thighs, a wry sense of humor, and a jaundiced view of the rich. Blanche is on the lam from a 30-day jail sentence for a bad check; she can hide in plain sight, because of her invisibility as a black housekeeper. One reviewer writes though the book works well as a crime novel, it's "less about a mysterious murder. . .

Book critic John Leonard remarks on the fourth anniversary of the death-sentence that sent writer Salman Rushdie into hiding. He says that, despite support from the literary community, Rushdie has been unfairly mocked by critics and journalists.

The novelist is best known for his books "Crooked Hearts," and "The Geography of Desire." His writing focuses on families, and the connections between people. Boswell's new novel is "Mystery Ride," about a failed marriage that nonetheless endures in the hearts of the couple. Boswell teaches at New Mexico State University and at the Warren Wilson Master of Fine Arts Program for Writers in North Carolina.

Baxter has a new novel, "Shadow Play," about a Faustian contract a man makes with a former classmate. Baxter has written several volumes of short stories. One reviewer writes, "Baxter is a master at creating loopy, poetic, and meaningfully unhinged psyches."

Some consider Grass Germany's greatest contemporary writer, both for his fiction -- including The Tin Drum -- and for his political essays. Grass argued for years against against German reunification because of the hatred and resentment he was afraid it would unleash; he believes his fears have since come to pass.

Barker is known for his violent, macabre stories, novels, and films -- including his well-known "Hellraiser" trilogy. His newest book "The Thief of Always: A Fable," is aimed at children.

In addition to his literary work, Tharoor also works at the United Nations, and is currently heading up the U.N. peacekeeping forces in the former Yugoslavia. His newest novel, "Show Business" is about the Indian film industry.

Preston is quickly emerging as a voice for gay writing; his work is being archived in many universities for new gay and lesbian studies departments. He has edited many anthologies including "Hometowns" and "Safe Sex." He is a former editor of "The Advocate," and occasionally writes for "Harper's" and "Interview." Preston also writes and defends gay pornography. He recently finished editing "A member of the Family: Gay Men Write About Their Families."

Updike's new book is 'Memories of the Ford Administration,' which introduces a new hero, Alf Clayton. He's a history professor who is invited to write his memoirs of working for Gerald Ford. But the memoirs turn out to be more a chronicle of the Clayton's sex life during the sexually liberal '70s.