Book Review: "The Picador Book of 40" ed. by Charlotte Greig

If you had told me that there was a Picador Anthology of stories last year then I would have read it, why didn't anyone tell me? Most anthologies are published at a milestone like fifty years or one hundred years, but forty just made me even more interested to read it. I was fascinated to see how many writers could write something compelling about the number, the publishing house or something to do with writing itself - especially one of my favourite writers, John Banville - who managed to write about turning forty and what it means. There are many things to celebrate in this anthology and I'm glad Picador didn't take the usual milestones to write about. Here's what I thought...

One of the central themes explored in The Picador Book of 40 is the diversity of voices that Picador has brought to the forefront. The anthology celebrates the publisher’s commitment to fostering writers from various cultural, linguistic, and ideological backgrounds, creating a mosaic of global literature. From European literary icons to emerging voices in African, Asian, and Latin American fiction, the contributions demonstrate how Picador has expanded the horizons of English-language publishing by embracing multiculturalism and cross-cultural exchange. This is probably one of the highlights of the publishing house for me and since, it has been on my radar to also work my way through the books published within (of course, I'm on Virago at the moment as you know).

Several contributors address the evolution of literature over the four decades since Picador’s founding. The anthology captures the changing literary landscape, from the rise of postmodernism to the resurgence of narrative realism, and from the experimental fictions of the 1970s to contemporary concerns with identity, technology, and environmental crises. These reflections underline how Picador has not only responded to these shifts but often anticipated them, positioning itself as a soothsayer of literary trends.

The essays delve into the broader cultural and societal changes that have influenced literature during this period. Writers explore how their work has been shaped by political upheavals, technological revolutions, and changing reader expectations. In doing so, the anthology becomes a chronicle of the interplay between literature and its socio-political context, revealing how Picador has consistently facilitated conversations that resonate beyond the page. This is probably truest for stories contained within such as Ellen Feldman's Picador's 40th.

Another key theme in The Picador Book of 40 is the art of storytelling itself. Many contributors use their essays to reflect on the nature of writing, the challenges of the creative process, and the rewards of bringing a story to life. For some, Picador’s editorial guidance was instrumental in helping them refine their craft, while others describe how the publisher’s trust and support allowed them to take risks that ultimately defined their careers.

The anthology also delves into the unique relationship between writers and publishers. Several pieces pay homage to the editors and agents who championed their work, often in the face of scepticism or market pressures. This relationship is portrayed as a partnership built on mutual respect and a shared commitment to producing literature that matters. The contributors frequently highlight the collaborative nature of publishing, underscoring how Picador’s editorial team has played a crucial role in bringing their visions to fruition. One of the most interesting of these is The Picador 'Spinner' by Simon Winder and so, I suggest you give this one a special read.

However, I do have to say that my personal favourite story in the whole anthology was the one by Jon Ronson where he lists 40 things he wants to do before he dies. The 40th one is actually pretty good to sit there and think about for a while. Don't take my word for it - read it for yourself.

All in all, The Picador Book of 40 is more than a celebration of a publisher’s milestone; it is a testament to the enduring power of literature and the vital role of independent publishing in shaping cultural and intellectual discourse. Through the voices of forty writers, the anthology captures the spirit of Picador’s legacy, offering insights into the creative process, the evolution of literature, and the challenges and triumphs of publishing in a rapidly changing world. With its blend of personal reflections, literary analysis, and cultural critique, the collection stands as a compelling tribute to a publisher that has consistently championed bold, original, and transformative writing. It was such a fantastic read.