I've always been drawn to American writing - as an Englishman, once you've savoured the sheer modernity and size of the American word/world, it is difficult to go back to UK books. Of course there are giant everywhere, and I've dipped into many, but those who influenced me most are The Beats (partic. Kerouac/Ginsberg/Cassidy), Richard Brautigan (was crazy about him for quite a while), but also Americanised authors such as Knut Hamson. I have a soft spot for Primo Levi. And D.H Lawrence of course. more...
