Two big names leapt out of the March schedules for me although I’m not at all sure about the first. The second I’ve already read but I’m saving that for the next instalment.
You’ll probably already know about Eleanor Catton’s Birnam Wood which has been all over social media. It follows the eponymous guerrilla gardening group who see an opportunity to take over a farm apparently abandoned thanks to a massive landslide. When the new owner catches Mira on his land, he suggests a plan to benefit both of them but can he be trusted. ‘A gripping psychological thriller from the Booker Prize-winning author of The Luminaries, Birnam Wood is Shakespearean in its wit, drama and immersion in character’ say the publishers. I’m afraid I gave up The Luminaries much as I admired the writing, although I enjoyed the BBC adaptation.
No doubts about the next title. I loved Nicole Flattery’s short story collection, Show Them a Good Time, so was keen to read her first novel which has an intriguing premise. In 1967 two young high school students helped transcribe tapes of conversations and monologues made by Andy Warhol’s coterie, later published as a novel. Nothing Special reimagines the lives of these two anonymous women who briefly lived on the fringes of a group mythologised for their part in ’60s counterculture. Mae has never quite got over her exposure to this world of self-obsessed, beautiful people seemingly intent on humiliating each other. A fascinating novel, original and smartly delivered. Review shortly…
Sophie Berrebi’s The Sharing Economy is set 2014 in Amsterdam where a dating app is being tested which will strain Gabrielle and Anton’s open marriage to breaking point as Gabrielle’s desire for brief encounters is given free rein. ‘Set during one intense and transformative year, and suffused with art, sex and philosophy, The Sharing Economy is at once a uniquely radical reappraisal of the way we view relationships and a tender and moving depiction of the many ways in which the human heart is capable of love’ according to the blurb. Not entirely sure about this one which puts me in mind a little of Jo Bloom’s Permission but there’s mention of art, and Amsterdam.
Way back in the early days of this blog, I read Stephanie Bishop’s The Other Side of the World which I enjoyed very much. Her new novel, The Anniversary, follows a novelist and her husband on a celebratory cruise. Patrick’s star is waning while J. B.’s is on the rise. After days of lazing in the sun, enjoying life and each other, a storm hits the ship and Patrick disappears overboard. The blurb hints that things aren’t quite what they seem in this apparently happy marriage promising secrets to be revealed. Very much like the sound of that.
Charmaine Craig’s My Nemesis sees another writer wrongfooted when she speaks out drunkenly at a party. Tessa enjoys her sparky, cerebral relationship with Charlie but is puzzled by his wife’s apparent subservience to him. When she makes her feelings known publicly, she’s forced to deal with the aftermath and to rethink her blunt assertion. ‘An exercise in empathy, an exploration of betrayal and a charged story of the thrill of a shared connection – and the perils of feminine rivalry – My Nemesis is a brilliantly dramatic and captivating story from a hugely talented writer’ says the blurb whetting my appetite nicely.
Three short story collections for March but just one for this instalment although it’s the one most likely to hit the spotlight. Published by Virago as part of their fiftieth anniversary celebrations, Furies is an anthology of fifteen pieces which is all about ‘reclaiming the stories of the wicked wild and untamed’ according to the enticing strapline on its cover. Contributors range from the headlining Margaret Atwood to Stella Duffy, Kamila Shamsie to Linda Grant, Ali Smith to Helen Oyeyemi. Sounds unmissable to me.
That’s it for March’s first batch of new fiction. As ever, a click on a title will take you to a more detailed synopsis for any that take you fancy. Part two soon…
As I don’t ‘do’ social media, the Eleanor Catton had passed me by. But every one of these titles sounds worth a go – and I see the Catton is on order at our library.
Excellent on all points!
I’m excited about the Catton, which I didn’t know about – maybe I’m on the wrong social media platforms! In contrast to you, I was completely enthralled by The Luminaries, but quickly gave up on the BBC adaptation, which I found almost unwatchable. Chacun a son gout and all that!
Or maybe I spend too much time on it! That’s interesting. Perhaps I enjoyed it so much as I didn’t have a complete reading of the novel to compare it with.
I loved The Luminaries so the Catton looks very interesting to me. Haven’t seen the social media furore so that hasn’t put me off
The short story collection looks interesting too, if I could get over my conceptual dislike of short stories. I like them but always have to convince myself to read them.
Intriguing selection as always.
I’m well and truly over my short stories reluctance these days. I’ve learnt not to gobble up an entire collection.
The Anniversary and My Nemesis look interesting. I think I did notice Birnam Wood on NetGalley(?) but this was one of the times I did manage to behave myself and not request
Nothing Special and The Anniversary look good!
Very much enjoyed Nothing Special, and I’ve started The Anniversary since writing this preview and am pleased with it so far.
The Catton sounds suspiciously like Margaret Atwood’s Maddaddam Trilogy, so I too have my doubts. I’ll look out for reviews and prize listings before I decide whether to try it.
Sounds like a wise plan to me.
I’ve enjoyed both Birnam Wood and The Sharing Economy. (Abandoned The Luminaries at 10%)
Good to know. Thanks, Kate. I’ve been dithering about requesting The Sharing Economy on Netgalley.
Looking forward to covering Furies – sounds amazing!!
I’m sure it will be. It has a stellar list of contributors!
I’m about 50 pages into the Catton and enjoying it very much so far. I also like the sound of The Anniversary.
Hmm… haven’t entirely discounted the Catton. I’ve started The Anniversary since posting this – so far, so good.
Furies looks outstanding and The Anniversary sounds quite intriguing too.
It does, doesn’t it? Started The Anniversary and will be reviewing it next month.
Oh dear, did my comment do the disappearing thing again? The Anniversary and My Nemesis do look interesting. I noticed Birnam Wood on NetGalley but managed to behave myself for a change and not request.
I think the first one appeared beneath another comment! I spotted the Catton on NetGalley, too, but have held back. Started The Anniversary today I’m enjoying it.
Good to hear. I think the comment hopping happened because I was doing this on the phone.
Hadn’t heard about the Eleanor Catton – will probably give it a go even though I wasn’t that enamoured by Luminaries. Interesting that you liked the tv version – I’m afraid I gave up on it half way through episode 1.
Funnily enough, when I was watching The English I was reminded of The Luminaries and I know lots of viewers gave that up.
I’ve still not read The Luminaries! I really must get over my chunkster aversion. Nothing Special sounds really intriguing, I’m looking forward to your review.
I share that aversion! Nothing Special doesn’t belong in that category, you’ll be relieved to hear.
Birnam Wood sounds really interesting, I enjoyed The Luminaries around the time it won the Booker. The Furies will be a brilliant collection I’m sure.
I’ll probably read Birnam Wood in paperback, and definitely The Furies!
Going to add The Anniversary and My Nemesis to my wish list. Thanks, as ever, for the recommendations. Your ears would’ve been burning yesterday when I was telling a friend that your reviews are responsible for most of my book purchases! Currently reading The Second Cut by Louise Welsh on your recommendation.
Lovely to hear that, Helen. I’ve since read quite a bit of The Anniversary. Will be reviewing it next month.
All of these sound irresistible! I don’t know which one to look up first! 🙂
It’s a particularly good month. More to come soon…
I have a copy of Nothing Special from NetGalley. I’ll be reviewing it for the blog tour in March. Your comments make me keen to get started on it.
Really enjoyed it, Cathy. I’ll be joining you on that blog tour.
I really enjoyed The Luminaries and am intrigued by Catton’s new one, although I’ll probably wait for the broadsheet reviews before deciding whether or not to pick it up. Nicole Flattery’s novel sounds interesting – looking forward to hearing more about it in your review. 🙂
I may chance the Catton in paperback. The Flattery is excellent. Really enjoyed it!
I jumped on an ARC for My Nemesis last year – looking forward to it.
A copy arrived yesterday. Hoping to start it tomorrow.
I agree that The Furies is a “must-have;” Nothing Special also sounds very intriguing. I’ve commented already (Part 2) about Catton (didn’t really like The Luminaries); given others’ reactions, however, I should perhaps give her another try.
As always, I enjoyed the list — it’s much fun to read and I’m always slow to learn about upcoming releases.
So glad you enjoyed it. These posts are such a pleasure to put together. I think I’ll be waiting for the paperback edition of the Catton.
I’m going to see Catton at the Ox Lit Fest on April 1. They’ve booked the Randolph Ballroom for her.
Wow, that sounds very grand! I’m sure it’ll attract quite a crowd. Might you report back?
I sure will!
Excellent!