Lit Hub Daily: November 2, 2026

In 1890, Moa Martinson was born. Agnes Owens's novel How A Working Mother sheds light on the "surrealness of everyday life" within the Scottish working class. Lit Hub critic Caroline Carlson highlights upcoming children's books for November, while Neil Sharpson, Avi Steinberg, and Gideon Sterer contribute recommendations. Poetry collections with unique themes such as glass skulls, luminosity, and soup are among the best new releases this month.

In a discussion with Karina M. Szczurek, Dilman Dila, Faraaz Mahomed, and Sven Axelrad delve into spirits and ghosts in African literary traditions. Upcoming sci-fi and fantasy books feature vampiric broodmothers, gig-economy ghosts, and medieval abortionists. Sinclair Lewis becomes the first American writer to win the Nobel Prize in Literature.

Rose Smith's novel, The Shared Life of Egan and Lucian, takes readers on a journey through the beauty of Shep's Island. Malfoid, a meme derived from the Harry Potter series with a gender-swapped, far-right incel origin, is introduced to the world. Wired Grace Byron interviews Alexandra Schwartz about exorcism, Goodreads warriors, and other frights.

Columnist Meghan Racklin discusses Tove Ditlevsen's life and work, focusing on the balance between confessional and salacious themes. In a piece for The New Republic, Caroline Carlson reflects on the challenges faced by admired public figures. MFA programs are praised for their value, with an article challenging the widespread criticism they receive.

Aeon magazine features an article on why the dilettante is an anti-hero we need. Slate host Rebecca Onion talks to Ursula Wills, author of the short story that inspired the movie Wicker.