Diary of a Bad Year

by J. M. Coetzee

An eminent, aging Australian writer is invited to contribute to a book entitled Strong Opinions. For him, troubled by Australia’s complicity in the wars in the Middle East, it is a chance to air some urgent concerns: how should a citizen of a modern democracy react to their state’s involvement in an immoral war on terror, a war that involves the use of torture?

Then in the laundry room of his apartment block he encounters an alluring young woman. He offers her work typing up his manuscript. Anya is not interested in politics, but the job will be a welcome distraction, as will the writer’s evident attraction towards her. Her boyfriend, Alan, is an investment consultant who understands the world in harsh economic terms. Unsure about his trophy girlfriend’s new pastime, Alan begins to formulate a plan…

(From Publisher).

J M Coetzee's work includes Waiting For The Barbarians, Life & Times of Michael K, Boyhood: Scenes From Provincial Life, Youth, Disgrace and, most recently, Slow Man. He was the first author to win the Booker Prize twice and was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 2003

I have found the book to be profound, and of great literary merit. The storyline is interesting - the author becomes bewitched by an attractive young woman in his apartment block. She helps to type his manuscript - he is writing political essays.