Diary of a Bad Year by J M Coetzee

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You've seen the split-screen film, now read the split-screen novel. The twice-winning Booker Prize writer lays out his tale like a threepart musical score. Do you read down or across? An elderly writer compiles short political essays (top of the page) while scribbling down his feelings for an alluring neighbour (next strip down) whom he persuades to type up his manuscript. But as her jealous lover hatches an elaborate computer fraud, the writer grapples with something every bit as alarming: his typist's opinions (bottom strip) are shaping his work.

This is not the first time Coetzee has presented a mirror of himself — his protagonist is a South African writer transplanted to Australia. But this time, he's claiming he's had it with novels. It reads like JC's valediction — don't pass it up.

Synopsis by Foyles.co.uk

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...