Originally published in 1979 and now appearing posthumously for the first time in the UK, Fanny Howe’s Holy Smoke comes billed as ‘an account of the frenzy and paranoia of US politics refracted through one individual’s psyche’ which sounds depressingly relevant to today’s shenanigans. Not much else to go on from the blurb, although it does appear to be about a woman looking for her daughter.
Wendy Sacks Jones’s The Candidate’s Husband tackles both national and domestic politics when a headteacher decides to stand as a Labour MP after a sex scandal forces the resignation of the current incumbent. While Kirsty appears the perfect candidate, her husband’s not so keen. A revelation from the past throws another spanner in the works. ‘The Candidate’s Husband is a story about how we deceive those closest to us – and how sometimes we deceive ourselves too’ according to the blurb. Quite like the sound of that.
December’s short story collection is Joy Williams’s The Pelican Child which ranges from two heiresses of a corrupt fortune who must commit a violent act in recompense for their family’s sins to the titular ‘pelican child’ confined to a hut on chicken legs. ‘Lauded as the best story writer of our time, Joy Williams returns with a taut collection that responds to our modern dilemmas with her signature dry wit and deftness of touch’ says the blurb ambitiously although Williams is much acclaimed.
That’s it for 2025’s previews. As ever, a click on a title will take you to a more detailed synopsis for any that take you fancy.
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Hmm. Politics seem to invade most of your choices today. Can I face any more political strife at the moment?
Unfortunately, I don’t seem able to stay away from it.
Try harder! Just for a day or two at least …
I’ve read Williams before and been impressed, but none of these are leaping out at me,
Not a thrilling month! I’m quite interested in Holy Smoke and Emotions.
I’m afraid that none of these appeal. I know Joy Williams is a “flavor of the month” type, beloved of critics, but after an early & unfortunate exposure to her work, I’ve stayed away from it. Hopefully the New Year will have more tempting offers!
I’m sure it will. I’m sorry about the Williams. It sounds bruising!
I’m not sure about any of these, but maybe the Williams, she sounds an interesting writer.
She does although I may try a couple of the others.
1979 US Politics–Iran Hostage Crisis, Jimmy Carter & Reagan. Got nothing on today’s world!
It’s grim!
Your country seems to be coming apart too. Sad.
Well, not in quite such a dramatic way although social media would have you believe otherwise.
That’s good to hear! Our media is playing down what he is doing.
Thank you. The media have much to answer for.
Hmmmm, I also feel like none of these appeal to me. Or maybe I just get burnt out by December!
Never a tempting month but perhaps that’s just as well.
I have a copy of The Pelican Child – do you plan to read it?
Not for review as I don’t have a copy but probably at some stage. Might you review it?
Thank you for all the effort you put in keeping us informed, it’s a very useful resource! Let’s hope for some good reads for 2026!
My pleasure, Liz!
The Candidate’s Husband sounds quite appealing. It surprises me that anyone ever stand for parliament when they know any secret will soon be splattered over the papers! Only saints need apply…
It surprises me that anyone stands for parliament full stop given the current social media mud-slinging, and worse.