Crudo

In 'Crudo', Olivia Laing weaves a captivating narrative that blends fiction and nonfiction, exploring the life of a writer grappling with the chaos of the world in the summer of 2017. As she navigates love, politics, and the existential dilemmas of modern life, the novel pulses with a vibrant and raw energy. Laing’s prose is luminous, capturing the fleeting moments and ephemeral thoughts of her protagonist. The novel invites us to reflect on time, connection, and the complexities of human experience. With a mix of poignancy and humor, 'Crudo' is a timely exploration of what it means to live in an unpredictable age.

By Olivia Laing

Published: 2019

"The act of writing was like breathing; sometimes it felt like life itself, and other times it felt like a weight that pulled you under."

CrudoBook binding

Start Listening

0:000:00

What Readers Say About This Book

A New York Times Notable, The New Yorker, Washington Post, NPR, Guardian, Esquire, and Bustle Best Book of 2018 “Love may not be original, but this funny, fervent novel is.”—The New Yorker It’s the summer of 2017 and Kathy is getting married. Meanwhile, fascism is on the rise, truth is dead, the planet is heating up, and Trump is tweeting the world ever closer to nuclear war. In Crudo, her first work of fiction, Olivia Laing radically rewires the novel with a fierce, compassionate account of learning to love when the end of the world seems in sight.

Mike & Casey Show Logo

The Mike & Casey Show

Dive into captivating book discussions with our expert hosts

Key Points from Crudo

About the Author

O

Olivia Laing

Olivia Laing is a celebrated British author and essayist known for her compelling explorations of art, culture, and personal experience. Her notable works include 'To the River,' 'The Lonely City,' and 'Crudo,' which showcase her distinctive, lyrical writing style that intricately weaves together memoir, history, and critical thought. Laing's writing often delves into themes of loneliness, connection, and the human experience, drawing on rich narratives and vivid imagery to engage readers. Her contributions to contemporary literature have established her as a leading voice in the genre of creative nonfiction.

Book Details

Key information about the book.

Authors
Olivia Laing
Published
September 2019
Publisher
National Geographic Books
ISBN
0393357414
Language
English
Pages
N/A
Genres
Contemporary FictionLiteratureFiction

Purchase Options

Amazon logoBuy on Amazon
BookShop logoBuy via BookShop

Support local bookstores: BookShop gives a portion of each sale to independent bookshops!

Similar books you might like →

AmericanahBook binding

Americanah

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Meditation Within EternityBook binding

Meditation Within Eternity

Eric Pepin

Slaughterhouse-FiveBook binding

Slaughterhouse-Five

Kurt Vonnegut

The No Asshole RuleBook binding

The No Asshole Rule

Robert I. Sutton

A Wrinkle in TimeBook binding

A Wrinkle in Time

Madeleine L'Engle

Amaze Every Customer Every TimeBook binding

Amaze Every Customer Every Time

Shep Hyken

Get Off Your "But"Book binding

Get Off Your "But"

Sean Stephenson

Happier : Learn the Secrets to Daily Joy and Lasting FulfillmentBook binding

Happier : Learn the Secrets to Daily Joy and Lasting Fulfillment

Tal Ben-Shahar

If on a Winter's Night a TravellerBook binding

If on a Winter's Night a Traveller

Italo Calvino

The Tiger's WifeBook binding

The Tiger's Wife

Téa Obreht

Life in the English Country HouseBook binding

Life in the English Country House

Mark Girouard

MatildaBook binding

Matilda

Roald Dahl

Infinite in All DirectionsBook binding

Infinite in All Directions

Freeman J. Dyson

SpacemanBook binding

Spaceman

Mike Massimino

The Library BookBook binding

The Library Book

Susan Orlean

Brand by HandBook binding

Brand by Hand

Jon Contino

2001: a Space OdysseyBook binding

2001: a Space Odyssey

Arthur C. Clarke

The Right StuffBook binding

The Right Stuff

Tom Wolfe

V for VendettaBook binding

V for Vendetta

The Nickel Boys (Winner 2020 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction)Book binding

The Nickel Boys (Winner 2020 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction)

Colson Whitehead

Furious HoursBook binding

Furious Hours

Casey Cep

Foucault's PendulumBook binding

Foucault's Pendulum

Umberto Eco

Dear Mr. MBook binding

Dear Mr. M

Herman Koch

The Spy Who Came in from the ColdBook binding

The Spy Who Came in from the Cold

John le Carré

Before the First Shots Are FiredBook binding

Before the First Shots Are Fired

Tony Zinni, Tony Koltz

The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao (Pulitzer Prize Winner)Book binding

The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao (Pulitzer Prize Winner)

Junot Díaz

Three Book Sebald SetBook binding

Three Book Sebald Set

W. G. Sebald

The Education of a CoachBook binding

The Education of a Coach

David Halberstam

Take your reading experience to the next level

Download our mobile app to enjoy your favorite books on the go. Get access to exclusive features, offline listening, and personalized recommendations.

Download on the App Store

Book Collections you might like →

Brandon Stanton's Book Recommendations

Brandon Stanton's Book Recommendations

Brandon Stanton is an American photographer and author, best known for creating Humans of New York, a photography project that shares the personal stories of everyday people. Through his portraits and interviews, Stanton captures the diverse experiences of people in New York City and around the world, offering intimate insights into their lives. Humans of New York has become a global phenomenon, with millions of followers on social media and several best-selling books. Stanton’s work has expanded beyond photography to include fundraising campaigns that have raised millions of dollars for individuals and charitable causes. His ability to connect with people and share their stories has made him one of the most impactful storytellers of his generation.

View Collection
Alicia Keys's Book Recommendations

Alicia Keys's Book Recommendations

Alicia Keys, an acclaimed American singer-songwriter and classically trained pianist, has made significant contributions to the music industry with her soulful voice and compelling lyrics. She burst onto the scene with her debut album, "Songs in A Minor," which earned her five Grammy Awards. In addition to her musical achievements, Keys is also a celebrated author; her memoir "More Myself: A Journey" provides an intimate look at her life and career. She has used her platform to advocate for social justice, co-founding the Keep a Child Alive organization to combat HIV/AIDS in Africa. Alicia Keys continues to inspire through her artistry and activism, leaving a lasting impact on both music and literature.

View Collection
Audrey Gelman's Book Recommendations

Audrey Gelman's Book Recommendations

Audrey Gelman is an American entrepreneur and writer, best known as the co-founder and former CEO of The Wing, a network of co-working spaces and social clubs designed for women. She has been recognized for her innovative approach to creating supportive environments for professional women, significantly impacting feminist discourse and workplace equality. Gelman has also contributed thought-provoking essays to prominent publications such as The New York Times and The New Yorker, where she discusses gender, politics, and culture. Her leadership at The Wing has been celebrated for fostering community and collaboration among women. Additionally, Gelman's influence extends to the political sphere, having previously worked as a press aide on several high-profile campaigns.

View Collection
Anya Taylor-Joy's Book Recommendations

Anya Taylor-Joy's Book Recommendations

Anya Taylor-Joy is an acclaimed actress known for her captivating performances in film and television. She gained widespread recognition for her role as Beth Harmon in the critically acclaimed Netflix series "The Queen's Gambit," which earned her a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress. Taylor-Joy has also starred in notable films such as "The Witch," "Split," and "Emma," showcasing her versatility and depth as an actress. In addition to her acting career, she has been praised for her contributions to promoting diverse and complex female characters in modern storytelling. Her work continues to inspire audiences and set a high standard in the entertainment industry.

View Collection
Anderson Cooper's Book Recommendations

Anderson Cooper's Book Recommendations

Anderson Cooper is an esteemed American journalist and television personality, best known for anchoring "Anderson Cooper 360°" on CNN. He has gained widespread recognition for his incisive reporting on major global events, earning multiple Emmy Awards for his work. Cooper is also an accomplished author, having penned the best-selling memoir "Dispatches from the Edge," which chronicles his experiences covering some of the world's most perilous conflicts and disasters. His literary contributions extend to "The Rainbow Comes and Goes," a poignant dialogue with his mother, Gloria Vanderbilt, that explores themes of family and resilience. Through his work in both journalism and literature, Cooper has made a significant impact on contemporary media and storytelling.

View Collection
Ann Handley's Book Recommendations

Ann Handley's Book Recommendations

Ann Handley is a renowned digital marketing pioneer and a Wall Street Journal bestselling author. She is the author of "Everybody Writes," a seminal guide on creating compelling content, and co-author of "Content Rules," which outlines effective content marketing strategies. As the Chief Content Officer at MarketingProfs, she has significantly influenced modern marketing practices. Handley is also a highly sought-after keynote speaker, known for her insights on digital content and marketing trends. Her work has empowered countless marketers to elevate their content creation and strategy efforts.

View Collection
Daniel Burka's Book Recommendations

Daniel Burka's Book Recommendations

Daniel Burka is a prominent figure in the tech and design world, best known for his significant contributions to digital product design. As a design partner at GV (formerly Google Ventures), he has played a crucial role in shaping the user experience of numerous successful startups. Burka co-founded the design agency MetaLab, which has worked with top-tier clients like Slack and Coinbase. Additionally, his work at Digg as the Director of Design helped pioneer social media design trends in the early 2000s. While not primarily an author, Burka's influence extends into literature through his insightful writings and talks on design and innovation.

View Collection
Gretchen Rubin's Book Recommendations

Gretchen Rubin's Book Recommendations

Gretchen Rubin is a bestselling author and happiness expert, best known for her books The Happiness Project and Better Than Before. She explores the science of habits, happiness, and human behavior, helping readers improve their everyday lives. Gretchen’s popular podcast, Happier with Gretchen Rubin, offers practical advice and personal anecdotes to cultivate a more joyful and meaningful life. Her work emphasizes small, daily changes that can lead to long-term well-being. She continues to be a sought-after speaker on topics of happiness and habit formation.

View Collection
Frank Chimero's Book Recommendations

Frank Chimero's Book Recommendations

Frank Chimero is a renowned designer, illustrator, and author best known for his influential book "The Shape of Design," which explores the philosophy and practice of design. His work emphasizes the intersection of creativity and human experience, earning him a respected place in both the design and literary communities. Chimero has contributed essays and lectures that have inspired a new generation of thinkers in the creative industries. He has also been recognized for his ability to distill complex ideas into accessible, thought-provoking content. Beyond his writing, Chimero's design projects and illustrations have been featured in numerous prestigious publications and exhibitions.

View Collection

The act of writing was like breathing; sometimes it felt like life itself, and other times it felt like a weight that pulled you under.

Crudo

By Olivia Laing

Frequently Asked Questions