In Practice

A Practicing Doctor's Views on Psychiatry and Contemporary Culture.

Peter D. Kramer is a psychiatrist and author. His books include Against Depression and Listening to Prozac. See full bio

February 9, 2009, Creativity

Comments on "His Own Country"

His Own Country

By Peter D. Kramer on February 9, 2009 in In Practice

Abraham Vergehese's new novel, Cutting for Stone, raises the question: can a page-turner be high art? Read More

Good writing

Submitted by Margy on February 9, 2009 - 7:00pm.

I read the beginning of the book and loved the descriptions, especially of the land and what he senses. I read some more and ordered "The Tennis Partner" from Amazon. I think I'm going to like this author.

Better behind the curtain

Submitted by david Petropoulos on February 10, 2009 - 5:56am.

It has always interested me how knowing someone can change your perception (in a negative or positive direction) concerning their art. Does the artist use technique and aesthetic to ''charm'' the viewer? Do they use technique to bait them into viewing what they otherwise would not? Are their words more when you know who is behind them? The experience is always greater when you know and like the artist. How nice you know the man behind the words. This guy sure looks like the painter VELAZQUEZ.