Prophet Song by Paul Lynch is so fucking good. It’s about Ireland sliding into authoritarianism - it’s oppressive, cinematic, and absolutely heartbreaking.
Oh I’m dying to get stuck into this one. Everything I’ve heard about it has been so intriguing…
I’m in a big Patricia Highsmith phase at the moment - I’ve read the first couple of Ripley books (delicious!) and just finished Strangers on a Train. I love how the synopsis reads as farfetched and pulp-y, but the way Highsmith writes - with such scary psychological insight and intensity - makes it feel wholly believable and as inevitable as a nightmare. So good.
he/him
I read a short story collection of hers, Eleven, a few years ago which I’d recommend if you’re enjoying her.
I have just started the new Naomi Klein which so far seems equally niche and amazing.
Adored this novel but a warning that the ending made me so emotional.
I finished it a couple days after that post and...yeah, it was a lot. Certain aspects of Yale's story just hit a little too close to home and I was basically choking through the last chapters of the 'past'. A cathartic read in a lot of ways but it also put me off starting something else and moving on which hasn't happened in a while.
Has anyone read Study of Obedience yet? I have it rented from the library and plan on knocking it out once I finish Awad's Rouge.
So… I kinda read the whole longlist.
Quite happy with the shortlist. Prophet Song, The Bee Sting and If I Survive You were my top three (in that order) so I was delighted to see them make it.
Western Lane is a touching little story about grief. It’s short and quiet but I found it quite affecting.
This Other Eden is clearly the work of a talented author, and what it’s based on is heartbreaking, but I really struggled to connect with the writing. It’s poetic but really keeps you at an arm’s distance.
I did not understand Study for Obedience in the slightest. Think I went in with completely the wrong expectations. It’s strange, all vibes no plot, and super dense. I struggled. Very short though so I might read it before the winner is announced.
Sad that Pearl didn’t make the cut. It’s a real gem.
I think In Ascension would go down well on the forum too, but can see why it didn’t get shortlisted.
Quite happy with the shortlist. Prophet Song, The Bee Sting and If I Survive You were my top three (in that order) so I was delighted to see them make it.
Western Lane is a touching little story about grief. It’s short and quiet but I found it quite affecting.
This Other Eden is clearly the work of a talented author, and what it’s based on is heartbreaking, but I really struggled to connect with the writing. It’s poetic but really keeps you at an arm’s distance.
I did not understand Study for Obedience in the slightest. Think I went in with completely the wrong expectations. It’s strange, all vibes no plot, and super dense. I struggled. Very short though so I might read it before the winner is announced.
Sad that Pearl didn’t make the cut. It’s a real gem.
I think In Ascension would go down well on the forum too, but can see why it didn’t get shortlisted.
50% of the shortlist being named 'Paul' is sending meeee.
Armistead Maupin's Mona of the Manor up for pre order for March 2024. Gorgeous artwork.
https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/441317/mona-of-the-manor-by-armistead-maupin/9780857527073
https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/441317/mona-of-the-manor-by-armistead-maupin/9780857527073
I'm not a mythology girlie but Natalie Haynes made some points with Stone Blind.
This is written like catnip for me. Aaaaand not me seeing her face and immediately wanting to know what is in that head of hers. Must decide where to begin.
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There's a good documentary out there called Loving Highsmith. I recommend!
Start with The Talented Mr Ripley.