A volume of short stories seems the antithesis of Smiley’s hefty endeavour. I’m a reader that likes to get my teeth into something hence the Smiley fandom but Colm McCann is one of my favourite writers and we’re promised a novella as well as three short stories in his new book. In the eponymous work an elderly man is attacked after meeting his son for lunch. Detectives must piece together what has happened based on any information they can glean. ‘Told from a multitude of perspectives, in lyrical, hypnotic prose, Thirteen Ways of Looking is a ground-breaking novella of true resonance, exploring the varied consequences that can derive from a simple act’ say the publishers. I can vouch for that ‘lyrical’ prose based on my reading of McCann’s novels.
Amélie Nothcomb’s Pétronille might be a handy counterbalance to what sounds like a somewhat serious read, even if it is distinctly post-modern with its friendship between Pétronille Fanto, a woman who refuses to drink alone, and a writer called Amélie Nothcomb. According to the publishers it’s a ‘literary Thelma & Louise, with a little bit of French panache
Naomi J. Williams’ Landfalls is a debut set on board two ships which set sail from France in 1785, on a voyage of scientific and geographical discovery, returning four years later. It’s told from the perspective of different characters, all of whom have their own agenda, taking its readers from a remote Alaskan bay where tragedy hits to St Petersburg. The structure sounds an ambitious but very attractive one and if it comes off I think this could be a very absorbing novel.
Finally, Garth Risk Hallberg’s City on Fire is here partly because at a stonking nine hundred and sixty pages it can’t be ignored. Set in New York, it explores the interconnections between a multitude of people surrounding the shooting of a young girl in Central Park on New Year’s Eve, 1976. It sounds immensely complicated so I’ll let the publisher’s blurb speak for itself: 
That’s it for October. As usual a click on a title will take you to a more detailed synopsis, although in the case of the Hallberg there’s not much more to say. If you’ve not yet caught up with my September previews, here are the paperbacks and here are the hardbacks, parts one and two.
I have the Hallberg …..but 960pppp!!!!!!!!
It’s squatting on my shelves, Helen. I feel it needs one all to itself!
I’ve heard such good things about the first two books in Jane Smiley’s trilogy, I really want to read these as well. I wonder if I should wait to read them all at once or if that would be overdosing? I’m also keen to read Landfalls and City on Fire.
I hadn’t heard of McCann’s book so I’ve noted it down. Thanks!
The Smiley trilogy is excellent, Eric. She seems to be being compared to Tolstoy in some quarters and I think that fits well. I would portion them out if only becasue if you read all three I think it would be the most awful wrench to pull yourself out of the Langdons’ lives.
Landfalls sounds really interesting, and the cover looks beautiful!
Gorgeous, isn’t it.
Looks like my debut will be in great company for an October launch! 🙂
Indeed, it will be, Helen. A great month for a launch!
As I think you know, I’m trying to steer clear of the temptation of new titles, but it’s useful to keep an eye on the latest releases. 🙂
I thought of you as I was putting together December’s preview, Jacqui. Very short – it’s never a busy publishing month – but all translations!
Oh, I shall look forward to that one. 🙂
Landfalls was already on my wishlist, and I like the sound of Thirteen Ways of Looking.
I’m a big fan of Colum McCann’s writing so this one’s way up my list.
City on Fire is on my birthday present list, it sounds like my kind of book 🙂
Its premise is very appealing, isn’t it and it’ll be excellent weight-bearing excercise, too!
‘A literary Thelma & Louise, with a little bit of French panacheCover image and a whole lot of champagne thrown into the mix.’ They do know how to find the hooks, don’t they. 😉
I do like that blurb – wonderfully seductive. Hope the novel lives up to it.
I’ve heard great things about City on Fire. Some other interesting choices here. Thanks!
You’re welcome! These posts are always a joy to write.
Despite your advice to Eric, I’ve saved the Smiley trilogy so I can binge read it so I’m looking forward to doing that as soon as I have a week free *hollow laugh*. Landfills is on my pile already and I’m excited by the David Mitchell comparison so I’m looking forward to that. City on Fire’s attractive because it’s set in New York – seriously that’s all writers have to do to get me interested. But what had the biggest pull as I was reading your round-up was “a ‘literary Thelma & Louise, with a little bit of French panache and a whole lot of champagne thrown into the mix’ ” and I don’t think I’ve heard of Amélie Nothcomb despite the twenty-two other books. I’m intrigued.
Ha! Not one for delayed gratification, then. I have the same weakness for novels set in New York but that Nothcomb blurb is irresistible, isn’t it?
Total box set mentality here! Blame 24, that was my gateway drug!
Now you’re talking. It was The Wire for me…
I started City on Fire and at 458 pages finally gave up. I may be completely wrong here but given that you felt Fates and Furies could use an editorial trim my guess is you will think this needs a full-on haircut. I’d say it’s 400 pgs too long. I do hope you give it a go so I can learn whether I ought to finish it or not!
Oh, Catherine, I’m sure I will! I’m impressed that you made it that far. I’m approaching it more in hope than expectation. I’ll definitely start it but whether I finish it is another matter.
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