Irish Book Award-shortlisted Rob Doyle’s new novel, Cameo, follows a fictional Irish writer who’s enjoyed huge success with a series of autofictional novels. Ren Duka’s works encompass a cult New York novelist, a Japanese manga artist, a Dublin taxi driver whose cab may pass between different worlds, a disgraced film star and an author called Rob Doyle who seems to be in crisis. ‘Cameo is at once a metaphysical architecture of the imagination, a human comedy full of unruly passions, and a self-portrait across multiple dimensions’ says the blurb. Make of that what you will but I think it might be worth a try.
Much more straightforward, Erin Somers’s The Ten Year Affair sees Cora and Sam instantly click when they meet at a baby group. Both are happily married with the usual niggles that domesticity brings and neither wants to cheat yet Cora can’t resist fantasising that she and Sam will act on their feelings. In the real world, they manage to resist but as her imagination begins to work overtime, Cora’s daily drudgery and everyday problems threaten to derail her resolve. ‘Razor-sharp, exhilaratingly honest and salted with an irresistible acerbic wit, The Ten-Year Affair explores family life, fidelity and the roads not taken, and ultimately asks: do we really want our fantasies to come true?’ ask the blurb. I quite like that set-up, particularly the possibility of acerbic wit.
Stewart O’Nan’s Evensong sees the Humpty Dumpty club in turmoil when a bad fall knocks their leader out of action. Despite the many calls on their time, and their ageing bodies, the remaining members rally round, trying to fill in the gaps as they run errands and ensure those less able make it to their doctor’s appointments. ‘Vivid, warm and often wryly funny, Evensong reminds us that life is made up of moments both climactic and quotidian, and we weather those moments with the people we choose to keep close’ says the blurb which sounds quietly pleasing. I’ve enjoyed several of O’Nan’s previous novels, and that’s a particularly attractive cover.
Yoko Tawada’s Facing the Bridge is made up of three stories which don’t appear to be linked. The first sees Amo, kidnapped from Africa to Europe as a boy, and Tamao, a Japanese student living in Germany, pursued by the same shadow. Meanwhile, Kazuko is lured to Vietnam by a mysterious postcard while in the Canary Islands a nameless translator battles a string of St Georges. ‘These three tales by master storyteller Yoko Tawada cross cultures and histories with a sensuous playfulness. In Facing the Bridge, obsession becomes delight as the reader is whisked into a world where identities flicker and shift in a never-ending balance’ says the blurb which sounds intriguing.
That’s it for January’s new fiction. As ever, a click on a title will take you to a more detailed synopsis should you want to know more, and if you’d like to catch up with part one it’s here. Paperbacks soon…
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Thank you for another group of interesting books. I have heard of Rob Doyle but not read his work. Somers book is getting very good reviews. I like the sound of it.
Always welcome, Lucy I have the Somers on Netgalley so will be reviewing it. The Doyle sounds intriguing!
I’ve requested a copy of the Welsh, fingers crossed – but I’ll buy it anyway. I love O’Nan’s books, so that’s a must for me too.
Perhaps I’ll wait to see what you think of the Welsh. Me, too with O’Nan. I particularly loved Henry, Himself.
I like Rob Doyle’s writing so am looking forward to Cameo. Is Facing the Bridge a re-release? I seem to have an ebook of it in my Kindle!
That’s encouraging! I didn’t think it was but perhaps I’m wrong.
I have a review copy of Evensong and look forward to finally trying O’Nan!
I hope you enjoy it. Nice lengthy backlist to explore if you do.
I do own two of his earlier books but have never gotten around to them.
From its blurb, I wondered if Evensong might be in the same vein as Henry, Himself. I’d recommend that if it’s one of your two.
Evening and The Ten-Year Affair both sound like books I’d enjoy.
Both sound very promising to me, too.
I’m with you on the Welsh…fingers crossed…
Everything crossed!
Nothing calling strongly to me in this group. I haven’t read part 1 of your Jan selections yet so there may be a temptation or two in that
Easier on the TBR!