Brian Dillon (Fitzcarraldo Editions)
I spent years avoiding non-fiction, convinced of this notion – probably formed by my experience with academia – that if it’s factual, it’s probably boring, too. Brian Dillon juggles creativity and introspection with such focused dexterity that I was reminded just how naïve my aversion was. That said, there’s still a dial when it comes to the genre (especially recollections of unhappy childhoods and loss) that switches from interesting and personal, to “Oh my god, shut up and write it in your diary!” To my delight, and what will hopefully be the delight of other readers, In The Dark Room is a manifestation of Dillon’s remarkable talent for combining internal anguish, technique and theory and making something that is not only consumable and thought-provoking, but also relatable regardless of your own experience. MT
Price: £12.99. Info: www.fitzcarraldoeditions.com