Harbach's new novel lands as a sequel to 2011 hit

Chad Harbach has published a new novel titled 'The Brightness,' which serves as a direct sequel to his 2011 work, 'The Art of Fielding.' The new book continues the story at the same liberal-arts college setting in Wisconsin but introduces a fresh cast of characters for a different era. The narrative includes a specific appearance by singer Lana Del Rey, marking a distinct shift in the series' timeline.

The release arrives during a period of high anticipation for new fiction, with other major titles from authors like Marlon James, Rachel Cusk, and Hernan Diaz also entering the market. Harbach's work has drawn particular attention for its exploration of the college experience. In an interview, Harbach noted that readers have often interpreted his previous book as a defense of the liberal-arts education. He agreed with that assessment, stating that college is a fitting place for the search for self, a central theme in his writing.

Harbach identified three specific novels that influenced the writing of 'The Brightness.' He cited Edith Wharton's 'The Custom of the Country' as a primary influence, although 'The House of Mirth' is also mentioned within the text of the new book. He also pointed to Jane Austen's 'Emma' as a key source of inspiration, noting that the protagonist's brilliance and charisma are matched by a persistent delusion about her surroundings. This dynamic of mismatched perception, he said, shapes several events in his own novel.

The third influential work was Henry James's 'The Portrait of a Lady.' Harbach described the book as dealing with a young woman who faces a wide-open future that eventually closes in a chilling manner. He suggested that readers who have already consumed these three classic texts and enjoyed 'The Brightness' should look next to 'Slow Days, Fast Company' by Eve Babitz. He called Babitz's work magnificent and full of lyrical magic, noting that he often rereads specific passages to study her technique.

Parties serve as an integral element of the plot in 'The Brightness,' reflecting both the actual college environment and the imagined version of it. Harbach recently hosted a gathering at the offices of the magazine n+1, which he co-founded. The event was held to celebrate with friends in New York whom he had not seen in a long time. Writers Sam Lipsyte and Rebecca Curtis were in attendance at the gathering.

The party coincided with a major sporting event for Harbach, who projected a game featuring the Milwaukee Brewers onto a screen. The Brewers were competing in the World Series, a milestone the author noted had not occurred since he was six years old. The combination of literary friends and historic baseball made the evening feel special to the author.

The new novel is part of a wave of recent releases, including James Gleick's 'The Telephone,' which is scheduled for publication on November 10. Eve Sneider's biography of Janet Malcolm, titled 'The Absent Woman: The Genius of Janet Malcolm,' is also set to release on the same date. Additionally, the second installment of Cher's memoirs is expected to arrive on November 17.