Ben Markovits on Books: From Tolkien's Magic to Rediscovering Austen
British-American author Ben Markovits has opened up about his lifelong journey through literature, revealing how books have shaped his experiences from childhood to adulthood. In a candid reflection, he delves into memories of early reading, transformative teenage discoveries, and the authors who changed his perspective over time.
Earliest Reading Memories
Markovits recalls reading Donald Sobol's Encyclopedia Brown stories with his mother as a child. This classic American kids' series features a boy detective and his sidekick, Sally, as they confront their arch enemy, Bugs Meany. For Markovits, these sessions were not just about solving crimes but also a cherished opportunity to spend time with his mom. As one of five children, attention was scarce, and these moments held special significance. He was drawn to the portrayal of small-town all-American life, a world he felt disconnected from due to frequent family moves.
Favourite Childhood Book
Finishing J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings in elementary school left a lasting impression on Markovits. He remembers feeling a poignant sadness that he would never experience reading it for the first time again. This memory is tied to the school environment, with its bright lights and shiny tiled floors, evoking a sense of confinement. His older brother's friends introduced him to Dungeons & Dragons, which heavily influenced his subsequent years. Many of his favourite novels, such as Alexandre Dumas's The Three Musketeers, revolve around lone figures venturing into the world to face its challenges.
Teenage Transformation
As a teenager, Robert Graves's Goodbye to All That profoundly changed Markovits. At 17, his family moved to Berlin, and Graves's German background resonated with him. The book's conversational style provided comforting company during a time of transition, as he adjusted to a new school without knowing anyone.
Changing Perspectives on Authors
Markovits admits to once arguing with his older sister about Jane Austen, dismissing books focused on romance as inferior. However, his sister, who became a professor of 19th-century literature, introduced him to Austen's self-description of working on "two inches of ivory." This shifted his view, and he now admires writers in that tradition. Similarly, he initially disliked Philip Roth's The Human Stain, finding it reminiscent of academic pontificating. But after reading I Married a Communist, he appreciated Roth's emotional depth and broad insights.
Rereads and Discoveries
Jerome K. Jerome's Three Men in a Boat is a book Markovits frequently revisits. He sent it to his mother to cheer her up during a health crisis, and during the pandemic, his son listened to the audiobook repeatedly. Later in life, he discovered Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter, which he missed in high school. Teaching it revealed a powerful novel about identity and societal expectations, far exceeding his expectations.
Current and Comfort Reads
Currently, Markovits is reading Elizabeth Gaskell's Cousin Phillis, another recommendation from his sister. For comfort, he turns to P.G. Wodehouse's The World of Jeeves, a collection he has enjoyed for nearly four decades. He notes that while he sometimes takes breaks from it, returning always brings pleasure.
Ben Markovits's latest novel, The Rest of Our Lives, is published by Faber, showcasing his ongoing engagement with literature and storytelling.
