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Check FAQAbout Toby
Toby Lichtig is a journalist based in London, United Kingdom, specialising in books, film, theatre, literary culture and Jewish cultural matters. I am the Fiction and Politics Editor of the Times Literary Supplement and a freelance journalist and cultural critic for a number of publications, including the Wall Street Journal, Guardian and Telegraph. I am an experienced broadcaster and I regularly appear on BBC Front Row and Times Radio, as well as the TLS podcast, of which I am a frequent co-host. I also freelance as documentary film producer. I am the current Chair of Judges of the EBRD Literature Prize (2021 & 2022). I have previously been Chair of Judges of the JQ/Wingate Prize and a judge for the European Literature Prize. I am available for short-notice radio and television commentary/opinion on cultural matters, especially relating to books.
Interview (Print / Radio / Podcast)
Fact Checking
Arts & Books
Fact Checking
Portfolio
‘Our Evenings’ Review: An Outsider on the Stage
Alan Hollinghurst's novel 'Our Evenings' explores the life of David Win, an English boy with a Burmese father, from adolescence to old age. The narrative delves into themes of social and sexual relations, particularly focusing on homosexual relations, against the backdrop of changing societal norms. David's journey includes meaningful relationships, experiences of racial prejudice, and personal growth, culminating in a dramatic ending that challenges reader expectations. Hollinghurst's work is noted for its detailed portrayal of societal dynamics and individual experiences.
Contrasting Fortunes: Kamila Shamsie’s ‘Best of Friends’ – Review
Kamila Shamsie's eighth novel, 'Best of Friends,' explores the contrasting lives of two friends, Maryam and Zahra, from their teenage years in Karachi in 1988 to their mid-forties in London in 2019. The novel delves into themes of friendship, cultural differences, and the impact of political and social changes. While the first half of the novel is praised for its vivid portrayal of teenage friendship and the socio-political landscape of Pakistan, the second half is critiqued for its heavy-handed thematic focus and less sympathetic character development. Despite its flaws, the novel offers insightful observations on social media and cultural mores.
‘Burma Sahib’ Review: Orwell on Imperial Patrol
Paul Theroux's novel 'Burma Sahib' offers a vivid, action-packed portrayal of Eric Blair's (George Orwell) time in Burma as a colonial policeman. Drawing on both known facts and imaginative elements, Theroux depicts Blair's internal struggles, his disdain for colonialism, and his journey towards maturity. The review highlights the novel's rich narrative and its exploration of Orwell's complex character during his formative years in Burma.
‘Burma Sahib’ Review: Orwell on Imperial Patrol
The Wall Street Journal reviews Paul Theroux's novel 'Burma Sahib,' which imagines the life of Eric Blair, known as George Orwell, during his time as a policeman in Burma. The review notes the scarcity of Orwell's own writings about his Burma years, with only a few essays and his novel 'Burmese Days' serving as references. Theroux's portrayal of Blair is described as a journey from a standard-issue colonial racist to a critic of the empire, filled with internal anguish and growth into maturity.
The Politics of Remembrance
The article explores the evolution and politics of Holocaust memorialization, highlighting the establishment of various memorials worldwide and the political implications behind them. It discusses the UK's proposed Holocaust Memorial and Learning Centre, critiquing its political motivations and the broader context of British values. The narrative includes personal stories of Holocaust survivors like Josef Lewkowicz, emphasizing the importance of direct testimony over abstract memorials. The piece concludes with reflections on the universal lessons of the Holocaust and the dangers of political posturing in remembrance.
Almost everything except authenticity
The review critiques Affinity Konar's novel 'Mischling,' which centers on the experiences of twin sisters Stasha and Pearl in Auschwitz under Josef Mengele's experiments. The reviewer finds the novel lacking in authenticity and internal integrity, describing it as sentimental and glib. Despite some well-researched sections and clever leitmotifs, the book is criticized for not ringing true, especially given its Holocaust subject matter.
Ignoring Antisemitism Only Makes It Stronger
Antisemitism remains a persistent issue, evolving with contemporary identity politics and social dynamics. The article highlights various cultural works addressing antisemitism, including plays, books, and documentaries, emphasizing the need for continued awareness and discussion. It critiques both the left's blind spots and the right's exploitation of antisemitism, while also exploring the complex relationship between Jews and Israel. The text underscores the importance of recognizing and combating antisemitism in all its forms, despite the success and integration of Jewish communities in Western societies.
‘Elizabeth Finch’ Review: Last Lecture
Julian Barnes's new novel 'Elizabeth Finch' is a narrative that delves into the life, legacy, and contradictions of Julian the Apostate, a Roman emperor who reigned for two years and was a Christian turned pagan. The novel, which is Barnes's 30th book, is structured in three parts and includes a middle section that is an essay on Julian. Barnes is known for blending fiction and nonfiction, as seen in his previous works. The novel also reflects on the life of the titular character, Elizabeth Finch, an independent scholar who taught a course attended by the narrator, Neil, in the late 1990s.
‘Forbidden Notebook’ Review: A Journal of Her Own
In Alba de Céspedes’s 'Forbidden Notebook,' set in the early 1950s, protagonist Valeria, a middle-aged woman living in Rome, secretly keeps a diary to document her life and thoughts. Despite societal and familial constraints, she finds solace in her clandestine writing, reflecting the struggles of women seeking personal space and expression. The narrative highlights the challenges of post-war middle-class life in Italy and the enduring impact of traditional gender roles.
The Year in Books – 2022 Reviewed
2022 was a notable year for literature, particularly for independent publishers and South Asian authors. Geetanjali Shree and Shehan Karunatilaka won the International Booker Prize and Booker Prize, respectively, highlighting the innovative work of small presses like Tilted Axis Press and Sort Of Books. Annie Ernaux's Nobel Prize win was another triumph for Fitzcarraldo Editions. The literary world mourned the loss of prominent authors like Javier Marías and Hilary Mantel, while celebrating new works from Salman Rushdie, Julian Barnes, and Ian McEwan. Claire Keegan's 'Small Things Like These' and Arinze Ifeakandu's debut collection also received high praise.
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